[Xrays@aps.anl.gov] 2006 XSD Scientific Software Workshop User Survey

[Lyle Levine]

The two beamlines that I use heavily are 33ID and 34ID.

USAXS on 33ID:  This is a perfect model for how x-ray data reduction, 
analysis, modeling, and
simulation should be done.  A complete set of user-friendly analysis 
and modeling tools are available
to all users and good documentation was given a high priority.  Many 
(probably most) users are not experts
in X-ray physics and such software tools greatly enhance the 
usefulness of the beamline.

DAXM on 34ID:  The experimental design of this beamline is excellent, 
but the data reduction and modeling
tools are virtually inaccessible to users.  The problems have 2 main 
components:

1)  Data sets are extremely large, making access difficult.  Raw data 
can only be provided to users on many DVD's.
2)  Even if the users take their data with them to their home 
institutions, the only software for interpreting the data exists
at the APS, in the form of user-unfriendly routines that require an 
expert to run them and that cannot readily be used elsewhere.

Suggested solution:

1) User-friendly, documented analysis programs are critically needed.
2) Users require access to both theses analysis programs and to their 
data, either through the web or at their home institutions.
If web access is unfeasible, then the analysis programs must be 
written to run on the most generic computer systems possible
such as Window XP boxes and be provided as executables.

Regards,
Lyle Levine

At 04:16 PM 6/13/2006, you wrote:


>June 13, 2006
>
>Dear Colleague,
>
>We have been asked by the XSD Division to organize a workshop to
>determine our fundamental needs and opportunities in scientific
>software systems for x-ray data reduction, analysis, modeling and
>simulation.  The workshop has been scheduled for August 29, 2006
>at the Advanced Photon Source.
>
>In order to prepare for this workshop we would like your input on
>what you see as the needs and opportunities for scientific
>software development at the APS and in the X-ray community, as
>well as information that would support making a funding proposal
>for such resources.  In particular:
>
>1. What are the limitations of current tools for
>   x-ray data reduction, analysis, modeling, and simulation?
>
>2. What additional tools are needed?
>
>3. How can the existing tools be improved?
>
>4. What will most affect the scientific impact of your work?
>
>
>We realize you have a busy schedule and appreciate your taking
>time to address these issues.  We need the responses by
>Thursday, June 22. Please direct your responses to:
>
>    xrays at aps.anl.gov
>
>
>Thank you,
>
>  2006 XSD Scientific Software Workshop Organizing Committee
>       Kenneth Evans, Jr. <evans at aps.anl.gov>
>       Francesco De Carlo <decarlo at aps.anl.gov>
>       Pete Jemian <jemian at anl.gov>
>       Jonathan Lang <lang at aps.anl.gov>
>       Ulrich Lienert <lienert at aps.anl.gov>
>       John Maclean <jfm at aps.anl.gov>
>       Matt Newville <newville at cars.uchicago.edu>
>       Brian James Tieman <tieman at aps.anl.gov>
>       Brian H. Toby <toby at anl.gov>
>       Michel A. Van Veenendaal <michel at aps.anl.gov>
>
>