SP2: a computer program for plotting stereographic projection and exploring crystallographic orientation relationships

Stereographic projection is one of the most powerful research tools for crystallography in materials science. A new program for full operation of stereographic projections and in-depth exploration of crystallographic orientation relationships is described. It is specifically designed for materials researchers who are in need of tools for extensive crystallographic analysis. The difference from other popular commercial software for crystallography is that this program provides new options for users to plot and fully control stereographic projections of an arbitrary pole centre for an arbitrary crystal structure and to illustrate composite stereographic projections, which are necessary to explore the orientation relationships between two phases. The program is able to perform a range of essential crystallographic calculations.