How is GALFIT different from GIM2D?
• Please see GIM2D Home Page about details and features of GIM2D not available in GALFIT, as I’m not an expert on GIM2D. However, I can say a few words about the difference between GALFIT and GIM2D, namely… The GALFIT minimization engine is based on the Levenberg-Marquardt algorithm (downhill gradient), while GIM2D is based on the Metropolis algorithm (simulated annealing). GALFIT can fit more than 2 functions simultaneously. In fact, GALFIT can in principle fit an arbitrary number of functions simultaneously. GIM2D allows users to fit stacks of images simultaneously. Work is in progress to implement capabilities to fit image data cubes in Version 4 of GALFIT. GALFIT allows parameters of the components to be explicitly coupled or be independent. But the user should use parameter coupling/constraints with caution. GIM2D was specifically designed to be fully automated on B/D decomposition in galaxy surveys. On the other hand, GALFIT was designed to be maximally flexible, fast, and easy
