Question

How can I tell what datasets are available from Data Lab? What tables? What the columns mean? Etc.

Answer 1

Using the Data Lab command line client

The client provides a function to browse/explore all databases, tables, and columns in Data Lab.

This lists all databases:

$datalab schema

This lists all tables in database smash_dr1:

$datalab schema val=smash_dr1

To list all columns and their descriptions in a given table (here the exposure table):

$datalab schema val=smash_dr1.exposure

And finally, to get a description of a particular column (here the right ascension column ra):

$datalab schema val=smash_dr1.exposure.ra

Using the schema browser on Data Lab's website

Click on Tools/Query. The left-hand bar has the databases, tables, and columns (simply click through).