[Inkscape-user] embed imported bitmaps into SVG file

Hi,

I'm looking for a way to actually embed an imported bitmap (PNG) file into the SVG file. I've tried the inkskape's import bitmap functionality, but this will only generate a link to the external bitmap file (either as <image> or <pattern> depending on the prefs). The resulting SVG file won't display correctly without the imported PNG file present in the same directory. Is there a way to tell inkscape to actually encode the imported bitmap into the SVG file. The SVG specs do allow embedded base64 encoded PNG files.

Does anyone know if there's another editor capable of doing this, if inkscape isn't?

Any help greatly appreciated!

Kurt