WP-A6: WFCAM/VISTA Interface

Objectives

Most of the databases we have selected for AstroGrid are either already in existence or are in the process of being produced. Their basic archive structures in terms of architecture and scale are therefore predetermined. However WFCAM and VISTA are still being built, and their pipeline and archive systems are only just being designed now. (WFCAM will start producing data towards the end of the current 3 year lifetime of the AstroGrid project, and VISTA soon after.) Their pipeline products and archive designs should therefore be optimised for AstroGrid use. It is also the case that WFCAM and VISTA are the most demanding in data volume terms (though not in complexity) and are specifically aimed at open-ended archive research use. These projects should then have an influence on AstroGrid tools and their design, and vice versa. This WP is intended as an AstroGrid-WFCAM/VISTA interface project with cross-representation between the projects.

Since the VISTA archive is still at an early stage of development, the activities that will take place during Phase-A will largely be discussions between AstroGrid and VISTA involving meetings and exchange of documents.

Inputs

• WFCAM Data Products description provided by the WFCAM project
• VISTA Data Products description provided by the VISTA project

Tasks

• To determine the scalability requirements for AstroGrid tools so that they are compatible with WFCAM and VISTA scale archives.
• To assess the authentication requirements and performance issues for AstroGrid tools for the WFCAM and VISTA archives with reference to the situations where dealing with proprietary data. [e.g. In the case of WFCAM the data may have a 1 year UK-only proprietary period; In the case of VISTA, there may be a 1 year ESO-member period]
• To determine the scope and nature of joint development work between the VISTA and AstroGrid projects

Outputs

• Report for the WFCAM project specifying the AstroGrid requirements on WFCAM data products and archive for compatibility with AstroGrid tools
• Report for the VISTA project specifying the AstroGrid requirements on the VISTA data products and archive for compatibility with AstroGrid tools
• Report for AstroGrid on the specific requirements of the WFCAM and VISTA projects
• Joint report from AstroGrid and VISTA projects on the nature and scope of joint development work
• Agreement between AstroGrid and VISTA on how the two projects will work together to ensure they fully utilise each others resources