Factorizable inverse monoids

Factorizable inverse monoids constitute the algebraic theory of those partial symmetries which are restrictions of automorphisms; the formal definition is that each element is the product of an idempotent and an invertible. This class of monoids has theoretical significance, and includes concrete instances which are important in various contexts. This survey is organised around the idea of group acts on semilattices and contains a large range of examples. Topics also include methods for construction of factorizable inverse monoids, and aspects of their inner structure, morphisms, and presentations.