From efomalon@cv3.cv.nrao.edu Sun Oct 27 13:17:55 2002 Date: Thu, 23 May 2002 22:52:02 -0400 (EDT) From: Ed Fomalont To: bglenden@cv3.cv.nrao.edu, cbrogan@cv3.cv.nrao.edu, cchandle@cv3.cv.nrao.edu, dshepher@cv3.cv.nrao.edu, efomalon@cv3.cv.nrao.edu, gtaylor@cv3.cv.nrao.edu, gvanmoor@cv3.cv.nrao.edu, jhibbard@cv3.cv.nrao.edu, jmangum@cv3.cv.nrao.edu, julvesta@cv3.cv.nrao.edu, kdyer@cv3.cv.nrao.edu, kjohnson@cv3.cv.nrao.edu, mclausse@cv3.cv.nrao.edu, pjewell@cv3.cv.nrao.edu, rmarson@cv3.cv.nrao.edu, rzavala@cv3.cv.nrao.edu, smyers@cv3.cv.nrao.edu, wbrisken@cv3.cv.nrao.edu Subject: Development list Hello all, Below is a second draft of the suggested NAUG development list for the AIPS++ group over the next six months. As with the release notes, please send me any comments and changes before Sunday afternoon, so that these can be sent to Joe and Athol before they leave for Red River. I have added a sixth top priority, that of documentation. Do you agree with this suggestion? Also, we might want to rearrange the OTHER IMPROVEMENTS in some sort of priority order. Thanks, Ed -------------------------------------------------------------------------- NAUG RECOMMENDATIONS FOR AIPS++ DEVELOPMENT CYCLE 1.8 The following list outlines the suggested AIPS++ synthesis development over the next six months. The NAUG has concentrated on improvements which will further enhance the VLA editing, reduction and imaging capabilities; hence we feel that VLBI-specific development should wait another six months. The list is divided into two groups: TOP PRIORITY and OTHER IMPROVEMENTS. TOP PRIORITY: 1. Improvement of Data Editing: Data editing is, perhaps, the most difficult part of data reduction and further improvements are suggested: a. finish migration of msplot techniques into viewer library b. flagging based on rms of data c. antenna-based flagging and enlarging scope of flags d. flagging transferal from one data set to another e. testing and understanding of autoflag 2. Scan-based Calibration: A high priority item from the last development cycle. We realize that it is nearly done, but have it in our list to emphasize its importance and the need for testing. 3. Correction of Visibility Data: U-v data corrections such as antenna location errors and apriori telescope gains functions (on the wish list last time) are needed. We suggest a new tool which contains functions which can provide these and many other corrections (egs CLCOR in AIPS). 4. Spectral Line Reduction/Imaging Improvements: a. forming a continuum ms from specified channels in a spectral line ms b. implementing continuum subtraction methods (egs UVSUB, UVLIN, IMLIN) c. see #1 for flagging spectral line data d. ability of all imaging/deconvolution tasks to work using data cubes 5. Measuring set unions: Although a basic concatenate function is available, it is limited to specially processed data and it should be generalized to combine many ms's. Multi-file input of many imaging tools is also needed. 6. Documentation: After the experience of the summer school AIPS++ demonstrations and student comments, we recommend that the AIPS++ group and NAUG decide on the best course of AIPS++ documentation development over the next six months to one year. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- OTHER IMPROVEMENTS (no priority order): 1. Listing U-V data in various formats: On the wish list last time. The table browser is not flexible enough to produce data listings which are useful (eg LISTR in AIPS). The listing of calibration table values would also be useful. 2. TVblink: On the wish list last time. The fast blinking amongst many images using the viewer is needed. 3. Reorganization of Imager functions: Generated by the NAUG in May 2002. Similar reorganization of functions in other tools could be done. 4. Measurement set averaging in frequency and time and the forming of subsets of the measurement set. 5. Clearer Function Parameters: A more consistent and user-friendly set of parameter names should be chosen. Two recommended changes are a. Antenna and baseline specifications are confusing. Why not use the AIPS syntax of ANTENNA and BASELINE b. Avoid the use of TAQL syntax as much as possible in the most commonly used functions 6. Mosaic and single-dish/interferometric Data Imaging: These complex imaging techniques need further development and testing, using simulated sky models. A suggested goal is to incorporate this effort with that needed for specification of the EVLA E-configuration proposal. 7. Viewer improvements: The NAUG recently submitted a list of suggestions for viewer improvements. Further iteration and testing of these changes would be useful.