Section author: Brian Merino <brian.merino@noirlab.edu>
Version: 20250305
1.3.4. Data Lab documentation & help¶
1.3.4.1. General information¶
The Astro Data Lab has a variety of tools available to our users. We offer support through information on our website, a user manual, example Jupyter notebooks, tutorials, a help desk, and through support email.
1.3.4.2. Survey data information¶
The Astro Data Lab hosts many survey datasets. The catalogs can be divided into three categories: NOIRLab Surveys, Gemini Large and Long Programs (LLPs), and External Surveys. Clicking on any of the surveys will take you to their landing page, which contains a description of the data, instructions on accessing the data, references (if applicable), and information about current and previous data releases.
1.3.4.3. Documentation¶
Looking for more information? Click on the Docs link at the top of the web portal. This will take you to the Documentation and Support page.
The Documentation section contains links to resources that cover using the Data Lab science platform, working with the Data Lab Python client, information about the Spectra Analysis & Retrievable Catalog Lab (SPARCL), and outlining the data services available to NOIRLab Survey proposals and Gemini Large and Long Programs (LLPs).
The Support section contains links where you can receive help with your Data Lab questions. Visit the User Forum / Helpdesk. If you find a problem with the Data Lab code, submit an issue on our GitHub repository. Finally, contact the Data Lab team at datalab@noirlab.edu if you need direct support.
1.3.4.4. User support¶
Need help? Visit the Astro Data Lab User Forum! To reach the forum, click the Support link at the top of the Data Lab web portal. Once there, you can ask your question (anonymously if you choose) or enter it in the search bar to see if someone has already asked it.
Here, you can have your question answered by the Data Lab team or other members of the Data Lab community who have previously found a solution to your question. Questions can be tagged, making finding the information you need easier. If you found a particular question to be helpful, you can give it an upvote to let other community members know that this particular question is relevant to more than just the original poster.
1.3.4.5. News¶
Visit the News section to stay up-to-date with everything in the Astro Data Lab community. You can read our recent newsletters, and learn about workshops led by the Data Lab team and conferences we attended.
