SAAF - Telescope Booking & Astronomical Image Processing
University Project - Real Client Collaboration
Project Overview
Collaborated with SAAF (Swedish Amateur Astronomical Foundation), a non-profit organization serving Sweden's amateur astronomy community. Developed a comprehensive telescope booking system and astronomical image processing platform to streamline access to high-quality telescope equipment and facilitate image management for amateur astronomers.
Key Features
- Real-time telescope availability tracking and booking system
- Automated FITS to PNG image conversion with quality retention
- User-friendly web interface for browsing and downloading captured images
- Integration with existing WordPress infrastructure
- Database management for user accounts and booking history
- Responsive design optimized for both desktop and mobile access
- Administrative dashboard for system monitoring and maintenance
- Email notification system for booking confirmations and updates
Technical Components
Smart Booking System
Integrates with telescope hardware to automatically capture images during optimal viewing conditions
Astronomical Image Processing
Converts scientific FITS files to user-friendly PNG format while preserving image quality
Time-Slot Management
Traditional booking interface allowing members to reserve specific telescope time slots
Image Download System
Secure download portal allowing users to access their captured astronomical images with metadata
Technical Implementation
The entire system was developed as a comprehensive WordPress plugin, as SAAF's existing website infrastructure relied entirely on WordPress. This constraint required careful architecture to integrate telescope booking, FITS image processing, and user management seamlessly within the WordPress ecosystem. The solution combines a WordPress frontend for user interactions and booking management with a separate Python backend service handling specialized astronomical image processing. All functionality had to conform to WordPress standards while delivering the specialized capabilities needed for astronomical imaging workflows.
Project Images
🔭 Telescope Booking Interface
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🖼️ Image Database Frontend
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📅 Time-Slot Booking System
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Project Development & Impact
Working with SAAF as a real client provided invaluable experience in understanding user needs, managing client expectations, and developing production-ready software within existing system constraints. The project demonstrated the challenges and solutions involved in integrating modern web functionality with legacy WordPress infrastructure while maintaining the specialized requirements of astronomical imaging workflows. This collaboration offered insight into real-world software development challenges and the importance of user-centered design in specialized domains.
Client Collaboration: This project involved working directly with SAAF, a non-profit serving the amateur astronomy community in Sweden. The experience provided insight into real-world software development challenges and the importance of user-centered design in specialized domains.