deepskystacker/DSS

Better use of TIFF files, Astro-TIFF

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han-k59 commented

There is currently an initiative to make better use of the TIFF format for astronomy. The idea is to save a FITS header in a standard way into a TIFF file. This make conversion between TIFF and FITS possible without loosing header information.

The FITS header is stored in the description tag of the TIFF file. The specification is here:
http://www.hnsky.org/astro-tiff.htm

Benefits:

The TIFF compression algorithm makes the files smaller
The files are readable by almost any image viewer.

The proposal is to make Deep Sky Stacker TIFF files compatible with this specification.

Han

perdrix52 commented

So when are you starting to write the code changes?

han-k59 commented

I program in Pascal but I can't help you with C or something similar.

In principle it simple. The TIFF describtion string has to be filled with the FITS header. Each line ends with a CR+LF or LF. That's all. I assume it easy for you or somebody else. Is it?

Han

perdrix52 commented

It's not likely for personal reasons that I'll be able to do anything in the way of DSS development until (probably) mid-year :/

han-k59 commented

Okay. At the moment four program are going to support it. This take times.

han-k59 commented

One remark. For DSS as a stack program the relevant part is to read the header in the TIFF describtion tag containing the exposure, gain, date/time, filter. sensor temperature etc .....

perdrix52 commented
han-k59 commented

Detect how and which standard? Meta tags from DSLR cameras?

han-k59 commented

For raw files that is not a problems but how get the information from ZWO, QHY SBIG, Atik and other camera suppliers other then using FITS files?

perdrix52 commented

Close added to Where Next