CHAPTER 8: The Dark Energy Survey Strategy and Calibration

In this chapter, we discuss the nuts and bolts of the survey: the plan we follow to carry out the Dark Energy Survey (DES) objectives as efficiently and cost-effectively as possible while still collecting data of the highest quality attainable by the Dark Energy Camera (DECam). Integral to this overall strategy is photometric calibration, which in essence is the process of converting DES data to a standard (externally calibrated) system. Without accurate, unbiased calibration, our science analysis is of no value, so we are continuously refining and improving our plan.