High level of computer literacy required. Familiarity with command-line interfaces and Unix toolbox model is assumed.
Daylighting, lighting, and architectural designers.
Input files specify the scene geometry, materials, luminaires,time, date and sky conditions (for daylight calculations). A number of third-party developers have created interfaces to produce the needed input for Radiance, including OpenStudio and DIVA for Rhino. Translators may also be found for popular CAD tools such as SketchUp.
Calculated values include spectral radiance (ie. luminance + color), irradiance (illuminance + color) and glare indices. Luminance and illuminance values, plots and contours, visual comfort levels, photograph-quality images and video animations.
Physical accuracy in a graphics rendering package, reliability and source code availability; arbitrary surface geometry and reflectance properties. Ability to calculate and accept arbitrary measured BSDFs (bidirectional scattering distribution functions) and complex fenestration and perform efficient annual simulations.