| TAP (Table Access Protocol) is a standard way to access database tables devised by the International Virtual Observatory Alliance. TAP allows users to query tables using a simple URL, or via various software clients (e.g. Topcat) or packages (e.g. AstroQuery). There are numerous existing TAP services, but generally speaking, any team that wants to publish a database. has to set up their database and an associated web service to create a new TAP service. For most astronomers this is a time-consuming process somewhat outside of their skill set. YouCat, built by the Canadian Astronomy Data Centre was built to provide astronomers with a means to publish their tables without having to build and maintain a TAP service themselves. YouCat allows astronomers to create, populate and index tables. Access to these tables can be restricted to a single person, a group, or made public. I will give an overview of YouCat and demo the creation, publication and querying of a table. |
