Computational approach for three-dimensional analysis of time series space physics data

摘要

Space physicists have traditionally viewed their data with methods such as pixel-based contour representations (i.e. spectyrograms); however with more advanced instruments being flown, a more advanced visualization method is needed. This document will identify and communicate the principles necessary to achieve the requirements of the current and future space physics community and perhaps meet the needs in other scientific arenas. The software we have developed was designed as an extensible tool from the design phase as well as being modular in respect to terms of data systems, plotting packages, and user interfaces. We will discuss some of the key design criteria used for developing the new program and the implementation details of using an open-source graphics package for our plotting requirements. In addition, certain issues in upgrading legacy applications will also be discussed. This paper will effectively outline an approach other programmers can use in their own software developments. Successfully using this model will considerably reduce overall development time in constructing data analysis systems while allowing the individual developer to concentrate on specific algorithms unique to their domain.