CANFAR Science Platform¶
The Canadian Advanced Network for Astronomy Research lets you access software environments and large datasets on the cloud designed specifically for astronomical research.
🚀 Platform Overview
- Scalable cloud compute and storage to analyze very large datasets from anywhere.
- Browser-based interactive environments for instant, device-independent data exploration.
- Collaborative tools that make teamwork and data sharing simple.
- Well‑tested default scientific containers plus customizable images and registries for large-team workflows.
🚀 Quick Access¶
Start Your Research Journey
- 📖 Getting Started Guide
- Complete onboarding with tutorials, examples, and first session setup
- 🧩 Platform Concepts
- Understanding CANFAR architecture, containers, sessions, and storage systems
- 🔑 Account Setup
- User management, groups, and collaboration access
Direct Platform Access
- 🌐 Science Portal
- Launch interactive sessions and manage computing resources
- 📁 File Manager
- Access and organize your research data and project files
- 👥 Group Management
- Manage research teams and collaborative permissions
Programmatic Access
- ⚙️ CANFAR CLI
- Command-line tools for session management and automation
- 🐍 Python Client
- Programmatic API access for workflows and integration
- 🐳 Container Registry
- Browse and manage software environments
📚 Platform Documentation¶
Core Platform Guides¶
- 🧩 Platform Concepts
- Comprehensive platform understanding - Architecture, containers, sessions, storage systems, and browser-based workflows
- 🔑 User Management & Permissions
- Collaboration and access control - Accounts, groups, ACLs, container registry, and API authentication
- 📄 Data Publication Service
- DOI management and data preservation - Request DOIs, referee access, and freeze your data for publication
- ☁️ Legacy Cloud Platform
- Traditional VM infrastructure - OpenStack cloud, VM batch processing
Getting Started Resources¶
- 📖 Getting Started Guide
- Hands-on tutorials - Account setup, first sessions, data management, and workflow examples
- 🗄️ Storage Systems
- Data management mastery - ARC storage, VOSpace, quotas, and collaboration workflows
- 🐳 Container Environments
- Software environment usage - Available containers, custom builds, and workflow integration
- 🖥️ Sessions
- Computing workflows - Notebooks, desktops, CARTA, Firefly, specialized browser-based apps
Advanced Topics¶
- 🏭 Batch Processing
- Automated workflows - Large-scale processing, job management, and production pipelines
- ⚙️ Command Line Interface
- Platform automation - CLI tools, scripting, and workflow management
- 🐍 Python Client
- API integration - Programmatic access, custom applications, and automation
🆘 Support & Community¶
Getting Help¶
- 🆘 Help & Support
- Technical assistance - Support channels, issue reporting, and community resources
- ❓ Frequently Asked Questions
- Common questions and solutions - Platform usage, troubleshooting, and best practices
🔗 External Resources¶
CANFAR Ecosystem¶
- Canadian Astronomy Data Centre (CADC)
- Data archives and services - Search observatory data, VO services
- CANFAR Main Website
- Project information - Access various CANFAR services, news, partnerships, and organizational details