Wide-Field Astronomical Surveys in the Next Decade

TL;DR

Wide-field astronomical surveys are crucial for future discoveries, and their success depends on timely data sharing and recognizing contributions of survey infrastructure workers.

Contribution

This paper discusses the importance of wide-field surveys in the next decade and emphasizes the need for data sharing and supporting survey infrastructure roles.

Findings

Surveys are key to addressing major astrophysics questions.

Timely data release enhances scientific impact.

Recognition of survey infrastructure work is vital.

Abstract

Wide-angle surveys have been an engine for new discoveries throughout the modern history of astronomy, and have been among the most highly cited and scientifically productive observing facilities in recent years. This trend is likely to continue over the next decade, as many of the most important questions in astrophysics are best tackled with massive surveys, often in synergy with each other and in tandem with the more traditional observatories. We argue that these surveys are most productive and have the greatest impact when the data from the surveys are made public in a timely manner. The rise of the "survey astronomer" is a substantial change in the demographics of our field; one of the most important challenges of the next decade is to find ways to recognize the intellectual contributions of those who work on the infrastructure of surveys (hardware, software, survey planning and operations, and databases/data distribution), and to make career paths to allow them to thrive.