A web-based interface for visualization of scientific satellite data

Experimental space physics utilizes scientific satellites as platforms for performing measurements of the local plasma environment. Measured quantities include electric and magnetic fields, plasma density, and electron and ion distributions. Satellite instrumentation often produces large data volumes and the research is often carried out in international collaboration. Visualization tools that make the data readily available to the scientific community are therefore highly desirable. The goal of this project is to develop an online tool (for example, a Java applet) that reads tabulated data series from a server and displays the data graphically in different ways, to be used primarily for the Swedish satellite missions Viking, Freja, and Astrid-2. The primary data are electric and magnetic fields that should be displayed in a variety of physically relevant co-ordinate systems, for example, as line plots or as Fourier spectra. A possible add-on is the ability to visualize the orbit of the satellite, possibly with the data overlayed as vectors. Other ways to visualize the data may be considered as well.

A strong background in computer programming (for example, Java) is required. Basic knowledge of computer graphics, and space or plasma physics is desirable.