# Understanding the Data Flow

:::{note}
This section is under development.
:::

This guide will cover:

- **Observation Lifecycle** - From planning through execution to archival
- **Data Movement** - How data flows from instrument to archive
- **Filing Workflow** - Steps for registering observations in the operations database
- **Metadata Requirements** - What information must be provided at each stage
- **Quality Assurance** - Data validation and verification checkpoints