Use case analysis for handling data cubes in VO

[Anita Richards]

>
>> TIME SERIES
>> 
>> The draft appeals for more exampls of data, especially multi-dimensional 
>> time-series data, which is why this is copied to people who are experts in 
>> this.  I understand that one problem so far is the lack, in practical use, 
>> of standardised time formats or tools to convert between formats.  I can't 
>> believ that it is any more difficult than providing tools for converting 
>> between the various bizarre celestial coordinates, just that no-one has 
>> done it yet.
>
> As you say, it isn't any more difficult - because it is largely the same 
> problem.  That's why STC combines space and time into one package, bizarre or 
> not.
>

I know that STC covers all conventions, but the point is that if I have a 
data column 'RA' or 'glat' and it is in HH:MM:SS.SSSS or HH MM SS.SSS or 
DDD.DDDDD or whatever, J2000, B1950 ... there are many tools and services 
which have access to libraries which convert rapidly and accurately.

However, a quick search of just a few catalogues in Vizier reveals 
dates/times represented as
1995-12-11T12:56:36
1981-10-10
1832
tues5214_2
1.95000e+08

and this has so far hindered any attempt to provide searching by time 
coordinate in any general way.  In other words, we need to impliment the 
model...

Cheers
a

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Dr. Anita M. S. Richards, AstroGrid Astronomer
MERLIN/VLBI National Facility, University of Manchester, 
Jodrell Bank Observatory, Macclesfield, Cheshire SK11 9DL, U.K. 
tel +44 (0)1477 572683 (direct); 571321 (switchboard); 571618 (fax).