Prototype Source Catalog Viewer

(Or Calibrator Selection Tool)

LAUNCH

What Is This?
The java application launched from this page is a prototype for what could become our Calibrator Selection Tool (CST), or part thereof. It is a java application that is launched via Web Start. This prototype is intentionally devoid of many possible features; this is because we want the users to drive the functionality, and we don't want to unduly influence them, or to spend much time developing functionality they don't want.

Beyond Prototype
The real CST should function as both a stand-alone tool, and as a component of the Source Catalog Tool (SCT) and/or the Observation Preparation Tool (OPT). Both the SCT and OPT are browser-based tools; this may mean that the CST should also be browser-based. On the other hand, perhaps the CST can be, as the prototype is, a java Swing desktop application. If the latter, then the CST must be written in such a way that the SCT and OPT can communicate with it.

What Can The Prototype Do?
The prototype CST is hardwired to display the VLA Calibrator Catalog. Once the program is active, you may use the F1 key to see help. At this time the capabilities are limited to moving the viewpoint around the celestial sphere, in both RA and Dec, and to zooming the view in or out (provided your mouse has a wheel or functionality that mimics one).

Update 2007-Aug-08
Updated demo. Now have sources from two catalogs: VLA & VLBA. VLA sources are purple; VLBA yellow. It takes awhile to load all those sources, so be patient. Also, there are two progress boxes, but one obscures the other. You may move them apart with your mouse.

Screen Shot

Image of Viewer