VLA: Getting Started

Introduction

Before delving into data calibration, editing, etc., it is very important to understand the structure and contents of a measurement set (the format in which EVLA data are stored). These pages will guide the new user through loading and initial inspection of their data, including information on loading and inspecting EVLA data, as well as on the structure and organization of the measurement set (MS). For a Guide on getting started with the CASA software, please see [Getting_Started_in_CASA].

If you are using AIPS to reduce your EVLA data please refer to Appendix E of the AIPS cookbook.

Getting Started CASA Guides

• Loading Data

• Obtaining data from the archive
  • Selecting a set of scans
  • Choosing to average data
  • Retrieval process
• Starting CASA and initial inspection: listobs
• Initial data flagging: online flags, zero flags, and shadow flags

• Inspecting Data

• Checking the online flags
• Checking the weather information
• Initial inspection: listobs
• Graphical display: plotms
• Graphical display: viewer

• Measurement Set Contents

• The measurement set directory structure and contents
• Inspecting MS contents in CASA
• Advanced: using information about MS structure