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FITS headers

Extensive FITS header information are an essential part of the data flow for such things as a (searchable) data archive, and local post-processing like automatic logging, quicklook facilities, quality control tools and pipeline data reduction.

A study was made of the current FITS headers in the data files from the different NOT instruments, and a document was written containing a complete list including requirements and definitions of the data file format and headers necessary to described the data from the different instruments properly. Visiting astronomers would also strongly benefit from the proposed enhancements to the FITS headers, since data reduction can be more straight forward and less time-consuming. Furthermore, it is important to have uniform and adequate FITS header information that adhere to internationally defined standards and conventions when NOT data is to be considered for use in virtual observatory systems.

To look for possible improvement to the current system, a pilot study was made using the CFITSIO libraries for post-processing of data files from the detector array controllers into Multiple Extension FITS files with FITS-standard compliant headers.


next up previous contents
Next: The Sequencer Up: Computers and software Previous: Data flow   Contents
Thomas Augusteijn 2004-05-18