A 1.4 GHz radio continuum and polarization survey at medium Galactic latitudes - I. Observation and reduction technique

A radio continuum survey at medium Galactic latitudes with the Effelsberg 100-m telescope is being carried out at a centre frequency of 1.4 GHz in total power and linear polarization. Areas up to of Galactic latitude are now being observed at a sensitivity of 15 mK in total intensity and 8 mK in linear polarization with an angular resolution of . This paper describes the observing and reduction technique applied which results in absolutely calibrated maps. The methods are illustrated by examples of images from the survey.