The ALMA/EVLA project data model: steps toward a common project description for astronomy

Alan Bridger; Bryan Butler

doi:10.1117/12.789262

14 July 2008 The ALMA/EVLA project data model: steps toward a common project description for astronomy

Alan Bridger, Bryan Butler

Proceedings Volume 7019, Advanced Software and Control for Astronomy II; 70190P (2008) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.789262
Event: SPIE Astronomical Telescopes + Instrumentation, 2008, Marseille, France

Abstract

The "Project Data Model" (PDM) is a model of the information that describes an astronomical observing project. In this paper we consider the PDM to cover the Proposal and Observing Preparation phases (also often called Phase 1 and Phase 2), and also the intermediate phase of reviewing and approving the project. At the back end of observing, the production of calibrated or partially calibrated science data, such models or data structures have been common for some time, albeit evolving (FITS, Measurement Set, etc.), but modelling the front end of observing is a relatively recent phenomenon, with most observatories creating their own versions of the "PDM". This paper describes work towards a common PDM for two radio observatories that are in development, ALMA and the EVLA. It goes further to explore the prospect of a wider common PDM that could be shared across astronomy. Is there a case to produce such a common PDM? And is it feasible? It is likely that a common model for Phase 1, an observing proposal, is possible. However, for a number of reasons a common model for Phase 2 is a much tougher challenge.

Citation Download Citation

Alan Bridger and Bryan Butler "The ALMA/EVLA project data model: steps toward a common project description for astronomy", Proc. SPIE 7019, Advanced Software and Control for Astronomy II, 70190P (14 July 2008); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.789262

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