Exploitation Platforms and Virtual Observatory

Abstract

The impending data avalanche poses a significant challenge for both data providers and scientists. Unlocking the full potential of this data for scientific communities relies on their accessibility, reusability, and processing in an open manner. Achieving this necessitates the establishment of common standards for data description, formats, and methods of delivery and utilisation by scientists. This chapter unfolds in a structured manner to address these challenges. The initial section introduces and describes the Virtual Observatory (VO) and the standards applicable to radio astronomy data. Following this, a detailed survey is conducted in the subsequent section, focusing on the institutes and centers that adhere to these VO standards in delivering radio astronomy data. Finally, the last section introduces the European initiative for Open Science in general, and the projects relevant to radio astronomy such as ESCAPE, that are foreseen to act as a platform for delivery of astronomy data and services, not only to the astronomy community but also to a broader audience.