Interactive Computer Reduction and Display of Radio Supersynthesis Maps

Abstract

This paper discusses first in a general way the problems arising in extracting the interesting information from the large amounts of map data which are presently being produced by modern supersynthesis radio telescopes. Examples are taken from observations made with the Westerbork array. The necessity for visual presentation of the maps and the advantages of certain different types including colour are discussed. A description is given of an interactive data processing system which has been constructed in a medium-sized computer in order to explore and deverlop methods for processing radio map data. Various modular program units can be summoned by the user and the results of major steps in the reduction can be presented on an oscilloscope display for rapid visual examination. Based on his evaluation of these results the astronomer can directly alter his choice of the processing sequences to follow.