Q1. What are the advantages in v12 of IDA over previous versions?

Q2. Can I still use the old IDA applet or standalone versions if I wish?

Q3. Is the new release of IDA being maintained?

Q4. Is the new release of IDA OS/Platform independent?

Q5. If I think that I have found a bug in v12 of IDA, how can I report it?

Q6. How can I find unpublished ISO data in the new interface?

Q7. What is the best ISO product to download?

Q8. Can I use ISO browse products for science?

 

 

  1. What are the advantages in v12 of IDA over previous versions?

Version 12 of IDA offers many advantages over the previous version in terms of new technology. In particular:

  • New GWT client in line with modern ESA Archives.
  • Powerful graphical User Interface compatible with a high number of browsers and OS.
  • Aladin lite and new accurate footprint visualization.
  • Exploration of spectra in highcharts and images in js9.
  • Implementation of a SAMP connection to interact with other tools and interfaces.
  • The server side is an adapted IVOA TAP service which allows command line/machine queries.
  • ADQL interface client is also integrated.
  • IVOA protocols: SIAP (Simple Image Access), SSAP (Simple Spectral Access) and ObsTAP are also implemented.
  • New astroquery module (astropy) for an easy integration with python scripts.

 

  1. Can I still use the old IDA applet or standalone versions if I wish?

Not anymore, since 23 July 2021, as the old IDA applet and standalone versions are becoming increasingly unreliable with new OS/Platform combinations and browsers.

 

  1. Is the new release of IDA being maintained?

The ESA Science Data Centre (ESDC) maintains all mission archives on a permanent, legacy basis. This includes upgrading technology and servers as necessary to maintain an optimum service.

 

  1. Is the new release of IDA OS/Platform independent?

IDA v12 has been tested extensively on Windows and Mac. It uses the same technology as other ESA mission archives that have been used successfully for years and that are known to be OS/Platform independent.

 

  1. If I think that I have found a bug in v12 of IDA, how can I report it?

Please send a ticket to the ISO Helpdesk at the following url:

https://support.cosmos.esa.int/iso/

 

You can raise a ticket without having a user account with ISO.

 

  1. How can I find unpublished ISO data in the new interface?

You can make a search for all unpublished ISO data or only data for a specific object, class of objects or instrument.

Within the search tab, select the Observation Constraints panel under the basic search and select the Publications tab. There is a checkbox “IDA observations without known publications”. You should select this.

You can tailor your search by selecting an instrument, a combination of instruments, or certain sub-modes of a given instrument or instruments to find, for example, only unpublished SWS observations or SWS02 observations. You can also give the name of your favourite object, or input a list of objects to look for unpublished ISO data for just this object or objects.

 

  1. What is the best ISO product to download?

Each ISO observation is linked to a default dataset that can be downloaded using the Default Dataset option within the product download button. The default dataset has been selected to be the best available product for this observation. In general, if there is a Highly Processed Data Product, this will be the product that is offered.

 

  1. Can I use ISO browse products for science?

We do not recommend users to do this. Browse products are intended for a quick look assessment of the data only. You should download the default products if you wish to do science with ISO data.