Determining scalar illuminance from cubic illuminance data. Part 1: Error tracing

The cubic illumination metre has been taken as the most thorough and practical tool for the field measurement of vector illuminance so far. However, uncertainty in the measurement of scalar illuminance has influenced its reliability. This study determined how the errors of the existing approaches were generated using illustrations and simulations based on the illuminance solid concept. Following the error analysis of the existing approaches, potential alternative solutions for improving its accuracy were proposed. This study can help pave the way for developing more accurate vector illuminance-based metrics in natural lighting environments using a cubic metre.