Re: ALMA Science Software Requirements (SSR) -- Step 1

[mel wright 456 <wright@creek2.Berkeley.EDU>]

Hello Brian,

        I agree with all Mark's comments.

. The Scott working group conclusions are even more relevant for ALMA

. ALMA is an imaging array; the default output should be images:
        - so that it is usable by all astronomers, not just the experts.
        - to provide fast feedback to the observer.
        - expert software is better than the average user.

. uv-data should be available on demand to those able to handle it.

. dynamic scheduling must be a part of the system design;
        - the default from the begining, not as an add on.

. Why are most of us reducing data which is several years old,
        have  disks full of un-reduced uv-data,
        have data taken in unsuitable weather conditions,
        etc ?

. A large fraction of the observing time will be wasted
        without dynamic scheduling and image production.
This is the cost-benefit justification.

                Melvyn