Cluster Parameter Determinations for Large Datasets

Abstract

I review the current methods of extracting parameters from cluster colour-magnitude diagrams, and compare them with the requirements for extracting the new information available from the next generation of optical and infrared sky surveys. I conclude that the basic statistical tools are beginning to emerge, but that there are significant problems with optical pre-main-sequence isochrones which will severely limit our ability to determine parameters for pre-main-sequence populations. In addition we need better tools to use the information relating background and foreground contamination which the sky surveys will provide.