Summary

To summarize, both IRAF 2.10 and ZODIAC+ 1.0 contain features which facilitate the analysis of large three-dimensional data sets. Strengths of each system include:

powerful user environment intuitive user interface

extensive portable libraries simple software interface

large user base fast development and execution

The primary weaknesses of these systems are common amongst current image processing packages: difficult debugging of external software, steep learning curves for users, etc. However, these weaknesses and others are being addressed, as we have seen at the ADASS conferences and in the FADS discussions. Future improvements to these two systems, in particular, such as the OpenIRAF initiative, increasing use of GUIs and image masks in IRAF , and adoption of image headers and ``standard'' libraries in ZODIAC, should allow both systems to better support the reduction of large three-dimensional datasets. Although the user's choice may still remain one of preference, we expect the more extensive popularity of IRAF to lead to its wider use in the area of Fabry-Perot astronomy.

References:

Bland-Hawthorn, J., Shopbell, P.L., & Cecil, G. 1992, in Astronomical Data Analysis Software and Systems I, A.S.P. Conf. Ser., Vol. 25, eds. D.M. Worrall, C. Biemesderfer, & J. Barnes, p. 393 Shopbell, P. L. 1996, Zodiac+ User's Manual, 1st ed.