Discussion Overview
The discussion revolves around accessing solar radiation data from a NOAA database, specifically focusing on the U.S. National Solar Radiation Database. Participants are exploring how to retrieve and interpret the data, including expectations for surface solar radiation strengths by state.
Discussion Character
- Exploratory
- Technical explanation
- Debate/contested
Main Points Raised
- One participant seeks assistance in accessing solar radiation data from the NOAA website, specifically looking for surface solar radiation strengths by state.
- Another participant points out that the original poster is looking at metadata tables rather than the actual data tables, suggesting the need to parse an XML file to access the information.
- A third participant expresses frustration, labeling the government expenditure as "useless," while also acknowledging that the data is available if one knows where to look.
- A later reply reiterates that the data exists but emphasizes the importance of understanding how to access and organize it effectively.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants express differing views on the accessibility and usefulness of the data. While some acknowledge the existence of the data, others criticize the way it is presented and the effort required to access it. There is no consensus on the overall value of the government expenditure related to the database.
Contextual Notes
The discussion highlights limitations in understanding the structure of the database and the need for technical skills to extract meaningful data. There are unresolved questions regarding the clarity of the data presentation and the ease of access.