Matplotlib and python dependencies issues

[kyriakosTapinou]

Numpy >2. -> product removed in favour of prod

Matplotlib 3.5.9 > ax.images.append( im ) removed ---> replace with ax.add_images( im )

Python environment should solve this but I've had people use the env and default to new matplotlib install regardless

[bezmi]

I'm not a big fan of conda environments and especially having conda as a dependency. I think a reference python env stored in the util directory, activated via util/venv/bin/activate.sh is the best way to go.