For astrnomical applications, conversion from other data formats can be done through FITS format. The FITS image can reside on tape, or on disk.
Tape FITS conversion can be done only through the GFITS program. GFITS is a FITS to (from) GILDAS data format translator.
Disk FITS conversion is best done using the FITS_GILDAS (FITS to GILDAS) and GILDAS_FITS (GILDAS to FITS) Tasks, which process one file at a time. The GFITS program can be used also.
DISMOUNT : Logically dismount the tape INIT : Initialize the tape HEADER [Name] : List a FITS header IMAGE Name : Define the GILDAS image name for the Read or Write LIST [Keyword] : List headers of all files from current position MOUNT : Switch to Tape FITS, and logically mount the tape READ [Name] : Read the a FITS file to create a GILDAS image REWIND : Rewind the tape SKIP N : Skip N files on tape STYLE Arg : Define the FITS "Style" SET Arg : Set some parameters WRITE [Name] : Writes the current GILDAS image in FITS format.
Since FITS keywords are not fully normalized, although a standard subset is recommended, the GFITS program supports keyword redefinition. If you receive a tape with source name coded as SOURCE (instead of OBJECT), all you need to do is to define a SIC symbol named SOURCE with translation OBJECT. This is done simply by typing the command
SIC\SYMBOL SOURCE OBJECT
This trick does not work with the FITS_GILDAS task.