In order to fully exploit these data, the entire chain of the observation process must be optimized by means of operational procedures and control tools. Introduction Quality control is concerned with the quantitative assessment of calibration and science data. Controlling a quantity involves a measurement procedure and the comparison of the measure to a pre-determined target value. In an astronomical context, values will be measured by the pipeline on raw and reduced exposures, as well as with the Astronomical Site Monitor tracking ambient conditions parameters. Target value include user requested parameters, initial performance solutions, and modeled performance.
Quality control is essentially a distributed activity.
It takes place at different locations and moments during the life cycle of an observation. Results are recorded and summarized for evaluation and trend analysis. On-line Quality Control 2.1. The observation scheduler takes into account the ambient conditions prevailing before starting the exposure. The on-line quality control system verifies these conditions after the exposure has been realized.