The Cambridge Astronomy Survey Unit and Edinburgh Wide Field Astronomy Unit have been involved in processing and archiving digital wide-field surveys for some time. We intend to use the experience gained from these surveys (eg. APM/SuperCOSMOS surveys, INT WFS and CIRSI survey) to build specialised pipeline processing schemes, define data products and produce a science archive for all WFCAM data (eg. data from consortium surveys - ie. UKIDSS, PATT and non-PATT programmes).
In developing data processing strategy to date we have had to make provisional assumptions regarding the science and data products requirements. These have been based on the extant VISTA and WFCAM documents together with the UKIDSS and VISTA science cases. Undoubtedly these requirements will be revised in the light of further consultation with the WFCAM/UKIDSS and VISTA communities, and with this in mind we have deliberately designed the pipeline(s) around a selectable modular scheme. Further joint development of the science and data product requirements between WFAU, CASU, WFCAM/UKIDSS and VISTA is essential to the success of the projects and is part of the development effort contained in our bid.
The synergy between the WFCAM and VISTA projects and the commonality of their respective requirements, strongly suggests that similar strategies should be implemented for the VISTA data flow system (VDFS). Building on the WFCAM experience and using it as a prototyping system for the VDFS, will result in considerable cost savings and minimise the risk associated with VISTA data processing deliverables.
We also note that VISTA-related activities carried out within the UK wide field groups programme will directly involve external management oversight and progress will also be monitored through an oversight committe appointed by the Grid Steering Committee (GSC).