SWIN Files: VLBI Correlator Output for Geodesy and Quasar Mapping

SWIN files contain the raw VLBI fringe visibilities from observing sessions that are 24 hours or 1 hour long. These files are the output of the Distributed FX-style (DiFX) software correlator run by the International VLBI Service for Geodesy and Astrometry (IVS). The data form the basis for fringe fitting in geodesy and can also be used to create source maps of observed quasars.

Use Cases

• Fringe fitting for precise geodetic parameter estimation based on raw correlator output.
• Creating source maps of observed quasars using the recorded fringe visibilities.
• Analyzing Earth orientation and crustal motion using data from IVS correlation centers.

Strengths

• Data is produced by the authoritative International VLBI Service for Geodesy and Astrometry (IVS).
• Files represent the raw output from a Distributed FX-style (DiFX) software correlator, providing foundational data for processing.

Limitations

• Column names and data structure are not described in any source, limiting immediate usability.
• Metadata conflicts: one source lists a license ('other-license-specified') while another lists 'None'.
• Dataset size and row counts are completely unknown across all platforms.

Provenance

Source

International VLBI Service for Geodesy and Astrometry (IVS) correlation centers.

Collection Method

Raw output from the Distributed FX-style (DiFX) software correlator running on a Swinburne supercomputer.

Time Range

Observing sessions are 24 hours or 1 hour long.

Freshness

Last updated on 2026-04-09 according to datagov.