DRAN documentation

Introduction

DRAN is a data reduction and analysis python package developed for the systematic processing of single-dish drift scan data from HartRAO’s 26m telescope. It was developed to replace the legacy LINES software previously used at the Hartebeesthoek Radio Astronomy Observatory.

The package is implemented in Python 3.11 and provides tools for simple data processing, including:

  • Data extraction and reduction

  • Modelling an beam fitting

  • Statistical analysis and visualization

DRAN uses a Command line interface (CLI) driven workflow in which the user runs processing, analysis, inspection, and reporting tasks through terminal commands, allowing the data reduction process to remain reproducible, scriptable, and easier to automate.

For closer inspection of individual observations, DRAN also provides a Graphical user interface (GUI) for fitting, visual inspection, and time-series analysis.

A Web interface is currently in development and is intended to provide browser-based access to selected DRAN tools.

Getting started

Before performing scientific analysis, users are strongly encouraged to review Caveats, which outlines assumptions, limitations, and known constraints.

Acknowledging DRAN

If you use DRAN in a publication, please cite van Zyl P. 2023.

Getting help

If you have any problems, questions, feature requests or suggestions, please open a github issue or email the author.

API Reference