The transition from raw data to a finished photograph involves a rigorous multi-step workflow.

: At its simplest, an image is a 2D array where each pixel has a specific location and an intensity value representing brightness.

: Advanced imaging, like integral field spectroscopy, creates "data cubes" where every pixel contains a full spectrum of light rather than just a single brightness value.

: Telescopes use monochromatic sensors with specific filters (Red, Green, Blue, or specialized scientific filters) to capture individual frames.