DCS Web Tools User Guide

This user guide covers routine use of the DCS tools provided on the web for General Investigators and SSMOC staff.

Introduction to the Data Cycle System

The SOFIA Data Cycle is illustrated below. For a proposing investigator, his/her research begins as a proposal, progresses through observation planning, and produces data upon the execution of the observation. These data are archived, and for FSIs, reduced into data products according to the instrument mode of the observation. Finally, the data subject to the original research proposal are retrieved, analyzed, and published. An investigator looking to simply make use of archived and reduced data enters the lifecycle at the retrieval step.

The set of software tools designed to manage the data archive and allow investigators to participate in the data cycle (for example, by writing proposals, or querying the archive) is known as the SOFIA Data Cycle System (DCS). The DCS integrates and automates the observing and data retrieval process. A suite of tools is provided to an investigator; the tools produce data, and the tools and data interact with DCS services 'behind the scenes'.

A key component of the DCS is the Data Archive, which is the repository for all raw scientific and housekeeping data accumulated during SOFIA flights and any pipeline products produced thereafter (for example, pipeline reduced data for FSIs). Access to the SOFIA Data Archive is via the DCS Web pages. GIs are able to retrieve their data from the archive during the 1-year proprietary period using an assigned DCS login username and password. While any member of the astronomical community may browse the archive, retrieval of (non-proprietary) data requires a researcher to register with the DCS and obtain a username and password.

The process of searching for and retrieval of science data in the SOFIA archives is similar to that used in most astronomical archives. Specifically, a researcher will be able to search on:

• Project ID or observer name
• Target name or coordinates
• Instrument, wavelength, or observing mode
• Observations date

A search can also be done on a combination of parameters. Summary data are returned for all matching data products, with enough detail for the researcher to determine what datasets are relevant to his/her project. Once the researcher has identified the data products she or he would like to retrieve, the files are staged to a public FTP server and a direct link e-mailed to the user. The researcher can then download the files at his or her leisure using a standard FTP client. All science data products are available in their original (native) format (e.g. FITS).

GIs who wish to retrieve proprietary data need only specify the observation planning (proposal) ID for their program. As with general searches, a list of summary data is returned first; the GI can then request some or all of the actual data files.

DCS Users and Roles

DCS resources and functionality are controlled by user and role access priveleges. There are three levels of access to the DCS:

• Public -- no user/role required. Includes archive and proposal search, tool download, and user registration pages.
• General Investigator -- user registration required. Includes Proposal development and Observation Planning capabilities.
• SSMOC -- registration and SSMOC clearance required (?). Includes all administrative tools and interfaces.

Access requriements are indicated for each area in the sections below.

DCS Web Tools

The DCS functionality provided on the web are grouped into four areas:

1. User Support
   • New User Registration (Public)
   • User Profile Management (GI & SSMOC)
2. Proposal Development
   • Download SOFIA Proposal Tool (SPT) (Public)
   • Search Proposals (GI & SSMOC; Public with limited display)
   • Estimate Observing Time (Public)
   • Estimate Atmospheric Transmission (ATRAN) (Public)
3. Observation Planning
   • Download AOR Editor (Public)
   • Search Observing Plans (GI & SSMOC)
   • Generate Observing Plan (SSMOC-only)
   • Visibility Tool (Public)
4. Data Archive & Retreival
   • Ingest Science Data (SSMOC-only)
   • Ingest MCS Data (SSMOC-only)
   • Search Science Archive (Public)
   • Search MCS Archive (Public)
   • Download Data (GI & SSMOC)
   • Initiate Pipeline Reductions (SSMOC)

User Support

New User Registration (Public)

User Profile Management (GI & SSMOC)

Proposal Development

Download SOFIA Proposal Tool (SPT) (Public)

Search Proposals (GI & SSMOC; Public with limited display)

Estimate Observing Time (Public)

Observation Planning

Download AOR Editor (Public)

Search Observing Plans (GI & SSMOC)

Generate Observing Plan (SSMOC-only)

Visibility Tool (Public)

Data Archive & Retreival

Ingest Science Data (SSMOC-only)

Ingest MCS Data (SSMOC-only)

Search Science Archive (Public)

Search MCS Archive (Public)

Download Data (GI & SSMOC)

Initiate Pipeline Reductions (SSMOC)