The PDS Validation Toolkit is an integrated set of scripts and computer programs for determining whether data recorded on compact disk (CD) or digital video disk (DVD) conform to the standards of the Planetary Data System (PDS). The software provides both command- line and graphical user interfaces, through which the user can direct the software to analyze the data, metadata, and volume structure of a given volume and determine adherence to the PDS validation standards. After analyzing the volume, this software generates a report that describes all the errors (deviations from the PDS standards) in the volume.
This program was written by Joel Wilf of Caltech for NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory.
This software is available for commercial licensing. Please contact Don Hart of the California Institute of Technology at (818) 393- 3425. Refer to NPO-30364.
This Brief includes a Technical Support Package (TSP).
Software for Validating Planetary Data Volumes
(reference NPO-30364) is currently available for download from the TSP library.
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Overview
The document outlines the PDS Validation Toolkit (PVT), a comprehensive set of scripts and programs developed by Joel Wilf at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) for validating planetary data volumes stored on compact disks (CDs) and digital video disks (DVDs). The toolkit is designed to ensure compliance with the standards set forth by the Planetary Data System (PDS), facilitating the analysis of data, metadata, and volume structures.
The PVT offers both command-line and graphical user interfaces, allowing users to direct the software to analyze various aspects of a given volume. After the analysis, the toolkit generates a detailed report that highlights any errors or deviations from PDS standards, enabling users to identify and correct issues effectively. This automation of the validation process enhances speed, consistency, and documentation, making it a valuable tool for researchers and data managers in the field of planetary science.
The document also provides specific details about the scripts included in the toolkit, such as testline.pl and checkref.pl. The testline.pl script checks ASCII files for compliance with PDS standards, verifying aspects like line termination, character length, and the presence of invalid characters. It can operate on individual files or recursively check all relevant files within a specified volume root. The checkref.pl script focuses on validating references in the REF.CAT file against a database (AllRefs.txt), identifying duplicates, missing references, and citation mismatches.
Additionally, the document includes information about the licensing of the software, indicating that it is available for commercial use. Interested parties are directed to contact Don Hart at the California Institute of Technology for licensing inquiries.
Overall, the PDS Validation Toolkit represents a significant advancement in the automation of data validation processes within the planetary science community, ensuring that data adheres to established standards and is suitable for scientific use. The toolkit's ability to generate comprehensive reports aids in maintaining the integrity and quality of planetary data, ultimately supporting ongoing research and exploration efforts.
