Data Model Work Group Sessions Oct 14-15, 2003 at InterOpOct2003

Data Model Work Group Sessions Oct 14-15, 2003 at InterOpOct2003

Attendees at Oct 14 DM WG session

DataModelParticipantsOct2003

1. Introduction: JonathanMcDowell (JM)

Aim for the creation of a White Paper describing the 'IVOA' Data Model

Data Model provides abstract description of data.
Provides basis for interoperable exchange of data and queries
Provides basis for DAL interface design and XML metadata choices
Process:
- White paper
- UML model
- XML representation - reference implementation
DAL implements interface
Summary of convergence efforts for Observation in various data models, which come from different points of view e.g. archive vs analysis tools. A number of data models have been considered so far, and these show areas of similarities.
- CfA data model from JonathanMcDowell
- Starlink one from DavidGiaretta
- one from readon of egso
- one from CDS - MireilleLouys
- others from Brian Thomas, Canadian VO, German VO
- Common Areas identified: see CommonFeatures.ppt
  - Processing
  - Acquisition
  - Instrument
  - Coverage
  - Packaging
- Issues: Scope and Level of detail and naming
  - Need to work on White Paper then iterate with UML diagram
  - People are encouraged to send links to DM mailing list, showing their own special data model, preferably as UML plus documentation, pointing out special features, and the mapping to common areas
    - Frank Valdes: Will send in the NOAO data model described in UML with supprting text description.
- Common concepts:

Keywords	Concept/ Description
Dataset Observation Result	Abstract top level container for astronomical data. Could be a values of these
Provenance obtained with experiment	Abstract class describing how file was created
Observatory Observing platform "Mission"	Location where data was taken/first acquired
Coverage Meta-coverage Sample	Limits/boundaries on any parameters (possibly numeric with scientific units)
Data container Quantity NDArray	Holds information array having the same "type" - type = numeric/string/enumerated type, eventually classes - with units
Data acquisition
Coordinate system pixel mapping Reference system Mapping WCS:Frame	Set of labels and parameters that uniquely define the context of some values
Mapping WCS:Mapping	Defines transformation of values between coordinate systems
Frameset Collection of standards (Type coords)	Contains one or more coordinate systems and zero or more mappings between them
History	The sequence/ensemble of "provenance" items
Accuracy Errors	A precise numerical measurement of the fidelity of one or more values. Example: systematic and/or statistical errors
Quality Flagged accuracy Feature	A classification of the reliability/fidelity of one or more values. The classification should contain two or more choices.

We are starting with highest level concepts; once they are agreed, we will define lower level concepts. The level of detail will be guided by the requirements for querying. The model must be extensible to allow lower level commonalities to be captured. In addition this should encourage sharing of concepts.

2. DM Use Cases: AlbertoMicol

Alberto's slides in .ppt format

There is a requirement for Science Cases to help in the scoping of the Data Models. Initially could look at the Science Cases from e.g. AstroGrid (AstroGrid top ten science cases) and NVO etc.

Issue of science use cases required for this.

NicholasWalton: Meeting needs to identify responsible person/people to lead the requirements capture and analysis process.

AGREED: Alberto Michol, Brian Thomas, David Giaretta, agreed to supervise this process of collation and first cut review of science requirements for Data Models. All are encouraged to send their science use cases for input into this activity.

Discussion points

Q. ??: Inclusion of plate data from smaller institutes A. JM: will be considered as a lower priority case.

Q. Javier Solano: scope to include say Planetary Data. A. JM: not first priority but will be included. Thus RA,Dec is not seen as the key identifier of objects as this isn't the case for say planetary data!

Q. Lyndsay Fletcher: assessment of quality A. Doug Tody: data characterisation is a key component of this activity, thus user assesment of 'quality' when assessing data for their use will be possible.

Reports on mini-models

Quantity - Pat D will post summary

there is an extensive discussion on the mailing list on how to model small amount of data - quantity

Transformations: (David Berry)

transforming values
transforming between coordinate systems

Language was proposed on mailing list involving abstract classes and subclasses, including compound mappings so that arbitrarily complex mappings. DT proposed that such transformations are the remit of analysis software; it was decided to let work be driven by requirements. Additional ideas can be found in Radio data - in AIPS++ MeasurementSet. - ALMA data format and associated model

3. Road Map

Requirements needed by the DAL group. Doug Tody noted upcoming input required from the data model needed by the DAL group in their v1.0 SSA and v1.1 SIA standards.

Short term goals: Priority:

Spectral Data Model for SSA
Observation data model
Incremental "deliveries" are needed in order to have useable pieces
Consider Packaging as a possible area of work
- Mosaic images
  - There are several different ways of packaging these currently

Other issues:

Data Collections - e.g. from an IFU - maybe just
Updating of data infomation - maybe a registry problem (e.g. handle update of photmetric calibration data)

Brian Thomas: would like to see a more developed framework for the development of the Data Model

On the whiteboard: