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Paper: A Framework for Telescope Data Quality Management
Volume: 351, Astronomical Data Analysis Software and Systems XV
Page: 551
Authors: Radziwill, N.M.; DuPlain, R.F.
Abstract: Whether an astronomer performs his or her own observations, or uses previously observed data extracted from an archive, the question “Can I meet my scientific objectives using this data?” must be answered. To do this, four categories of quality should be evaluated: observing system quality, observability, raw data quality and derived data quality. Devices and individual software modules must be operating properly to complete the observation when it is scheduled. The raw data must meet global standards for completeness and accuracy, and specific standards set by the astronomer. Additionally, the datasets must be accessible and sufficiently complete for the science to be performed. A framework for managing quality based on data quality rules is presented, derived from an 18-month prototyping exercise at the Robert C. Byrd Green Bank Telescope (GBT) in Green Bank, WV. A primary goal was to retain the astronomer's control over his or her evaluations. These quality management principles could be extended to any telescope or data production facility for which an interpretation of data is critical.
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