Because good research needs good data

International Virtual Observatory Alliance Technical Specifications

Extensions

Resource Metadata for the Virtual Observatory

Defines metadata terms and concepts necessary for discovery and use of astronomical data collections and services.

The extension is based on Dublin Core, but with astronomy-specific extensions. Resource Metadata are collected in resource "registries" that are populated and synchronized using the OAI-PMH (Protocol for Metadata Handling). Version 1.12, March 2007. Developed and maintained by IVOA Resource Registry Working Group and NVO Metadata Working Group

Tools

GAVO DaCHS - Data Center Helper Suite

The software that underlies the German Astrophysical Virtual Observatory (GAVO), packaged so that it can be used to set up other Virtual Observatory-compliant data centres.

Saada

A tool for publishing astronomical data files as online databases suitable for integration into the international Virtual Observatory.

Use Cases

Aus-VO - Australian Virtual Observatory

An initiative to provide a distributed, uniform interface to the data archives of Australia's major astronomical observatories, and to archives of astrophysical simulations, as part of the international Virtual Observatory.

Euro-VO - European Virtual Observatory

A project to integrate and enable data analysis techniques over the astronomical archives of Europe, as part of the international Virtual Observatory. 

US Virtual Astronomical Observatory

An initiative to integrate astronomical archives and provide associated research capabilities in the United States as part of the international Virtual Observatory.