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Well defined data specifications are fundamental for the operation of a large observing facility. In a Data Flow System, data structures and parameters are used by a large number of people and systems at different places and times. Ensuring that parameters are given the same meaning and are used in a coherent way throughout the observatory is essential for a seamless flow. In fact, in the context of the Paranal Observatory, in which up to 14 instruments will be offered to the community, the task of defining, maintaining and controlling data flow structures and parameters becomes a key to the success of science operations.
The data interface of the observatory comprises the definition of:
Such data structures include observation input data, acquisition data, instrumentation characteristics, setup files and parameters, among other.
The specifications included in the data interface give the syntax rules (file formats) and the semantic conventions (names, meaning, physical units) used to generate and handle data products.
In order to ensure stability and consistency in the long-term, data interface specifications are put under configuration control. This is achieved by defining and maintaining data dictionaries that define in detail all parameters used in a given context, e.g. for a given instrument (see section 8 ). Changes and additions to these dictionaries are made only after all parties involved (instrumentation, data acquisition software, reduction software, archive, observatory operations) have screened the request and its execution throughout the data system is coordinated. The vehicle used at ESO to implement this is the Data Interface Control Board, a committee that brings together representatives from all groups involved (see the DICB Terms of Reference in appendix A). The DICB reviews new specifications and/or additions and changes to them, validates data products during the commissioning of instruments and their modes and coordinates the implementation schedule of data products.
The ESO usage convention for physical units is given in section 9 .
The naming convention for optical components is given in section 10 , the file naming convention is given in section 11 .