New ACE Level 2 Data Server

Beta-test Version

Pick an ACE data set and cadence from the menu to the left

What's different about this new server?

It offers enhanced data subsetting capabilities - users may download data for time-spans that cross yearly, monthly, Bartels-rotaion boundaries, etc. The old server could not handle some of these kinds of requests.
In addition to the usual form-based web interface, power-users and value-added service providers (such as VOs) may take advantage of a simple URL-based interface that can support automated/unattended data downloadds.
Autoplot is used to create online plots. We are working closely with the Autoplot developers to expand the features of the Autoplot servlet.
The server makes extensive use of SPASE-compliant XML metadata descriptions of ACE data sets. The server uses SPASE metadata in several ways:
1. The backend data extraction/preparation software. For instance, to verify the validity of requested parameters, and to configure print-formatting for each data parameter requested by a user in ASCII form.
  SPASE terms used: ParameterKey, RenderingHints.
2. The perl CGI scripts that build the form interfaces for each data set.
  SPASE terms used: ParameterKey. Would also like to use Name or AxisLabel, however markup is not allowed in SPASE descriptions, so their use is too constraining - can't even have subscripts/superscripts, greek symbols...
3. The creation of online plots uses lots of SPASE metadata:
  SPASE terms used: Name, Units, RenderingHints and sub-elements thereof, ValidMin, ValidMax, FillValue.
The backend software is generic, using external SPASE-based metadata to configure it for a particular ACE data set. Thus the software is easier to maintain and enhance than the old version.
Any power-user, or VO service provider who wishes to construct a URL to request data from the service could do so using ParameterKeys extracted from SPASE-compliant descriptions of ACE data.

This work supported by NASA grants:
ACE Data Services Upgrade grant NNX08AB55G
Virtual Heliospheric Observatorygrant NNX08AC72G.