| |
 |
| Paper: |
The Astronomical Virtual Observatory: Lessons Learned, Looking Forward |
| Volume: |
461, Astronomical Data Analysis Software and Systems XXI |
| Page: |
247 |
| Authors: |
Genova, F. |
| Abstract: |
The astronomical Virtual Observatory (VO) aims at providing
seamless access to the wealth of the discipline's on-line resources, hence at
developing global interoperability between them. This is coordinated by the
International Virtual Observatory Alliance (IVOA). The paper summarizes the VO
history and current evolution.
During the first period of VO development, a huge amount of work has been
devoted to the development of basic interoperability standards, to set up the VO
framework for publication of data and for tools interoperability. This has
proven to be a major asset for seamless usage of data. Now the VO is in
operation, and the emphasis on supporting the take-up by astronomers and data
providers, as well as on outreach, is increasing. A census of European
astronomical data centres performed in 2009/2010 shows a large interest in the
VO, and a wide diversity of sizes and organisations, in the data centre
community.
The different strands of work of an operational VO, and the challenges ahead are
described, taking in particular the example of the European VO. The European
implementation of the VO has been moulded by the specific organisation of
European astronomy, with complementary roles of the national and European
levels. Local and national projects contribute to the VO development and
implementation in their domains of interest and expertise. Several projects
supported by the European Commission have helped to shape Euro-VO, with a strong
emphasis on coordination of national and intergovernmental agency projects, with
actions towards astronomers, data centres and VO developers, including during
the last period of outreach towards education and the public. The Astronet
Infrastructure Roadmap for European astronomy (2009) has recognized data and the
VO as one of the infrastructures of astronomy. The way forward in this context
is discussed. In conclusion, the astronomical data infrastructure is put in
perspective with the general trends around scientific data. |
|
|
|
|
|
