SciTeamTele20060214

present: EGS, NAW, SD, PJN, NW, AMSR, JAT

Intro

• Looking at the lessons learned from the recent Sussex-AstroGrid Workshop
• What worked, what didn't

Issues

• SD: Python scripts or workflow builder?
  • need to decide which route to go - many at the workshop didn't want to write scripts - but found that the graphical workflow builder soon required their knowledge of 'groovy' scripting.
  • The ability to hit individual applications through a uniforminterface is seen as powerful - but probably users will need to create workflow.
    • at the next workshop - look at running single applications
  • AGREED need a way to reduce the need for user created scripting in using the workflow builder.
    • more simple example scripts needed in the short term
  • Need for a debugger in creating a workflow. NW reported that a debugger would be hard to implement in our workflow builder. Perhaps look at a client side debugger with (e.g) Python.
  • AGREED would be a good idea to replace Groovy in the workflow system with Python
• SD: Cross-matching
  • Attendees wished to cross match their table of sources with those of large catalogues
    • we had to create a workflow to do this - AGREED that the workflow developed in Sussex shoul dbe completed (ACTION JAT)
  • The NVO have Open Sky Query : http://www.openskyquery.net/Sky/skysite/browse/Browse.aspx#
    • DSA should have an Open Sky Query interface in Cycle 3 - Kona is working on this.
    • Also - ACR could have an interface to directly query Open Syk Nodes. NW reported that because of the US implementation in .NET, more work would be required for an ACR interface. NAW: coul we have a 'Astro Sky Query'
    • NW reported that he would speak to Yuji of JVO we where Open Sky Query is going in terms of the IVOA VOQL-WG
  • NAW: can we call any other cross matcher?
    • AMSR: for cross matching we could explore the SITLTS cross matcher.
    • NW: it might be possible to wrap some elements of STILTS as CEA apps for workflow use.
  • JAT: two day workshop - first day - 1/3, overview presentations, 2/3 would be simple presentations, 3/3 then start on science problems.
• EGS: supoort for large files - his group could not handle files >600MB in MySpace.
  • NW: moving files from the client to myspace is problem - and this is being looked at.
• EGS: how much data is available through AstroGrid - not currently sufficient
  • Examples include access to SDSS, NED, Vizier
    • Vizier Web Service interface does not accept ADQL - but NW reported CDS are looking to implement Open Sky Query - at that point we should be able to fully access Vizier at the level of being able to send ADQL queries to it.
    • NW: in March 2006, he'll be looking at how can ACR connect to NED or Vizier. NAW: DataWish holds te list of data required.
• AMSR: ANNz is required as an Application
  • Also, the ability to search the registry registry.
    • NW: has a proof of concept registry browser.

Tutorial Material

• NAW: we need to generate more tutorial sheets - with a step by step run through of how to do simple things.
  • How to run a simple application using the app launcher * Which applications, on what data?
  • How to make a simple query of a database * which database - what query?
  • How to run the paramaterised workflows (changing say one thing).
  • How to do a simple cross match
  • How to visualise a range of datasets
  • How to save data from myspace to local disk
• 10 tutorial sheets need to be prepared

Documentation

• JAT - need to update documentation.

Imperial Workshop

• 20-22 March 2005
• AMSR to organise
  • JAT, NAW, EGLEZ, and ask Mark Taylor
  • Phil Nicholson, ask John Taylor