Understand the ten-minute samples
The daily table samples the midpoint of each ten-minute interval and classifies it as night, direct sun or obstacle shade. Totals add those sampled intervals. A shadow transition between samples is therefore approximate, and very brief sunny intervals can be missed. The CSV keeps the classifications inspectable.
Direct sun is not total daylight
A shaded point can still receive diffuse light from the sky and reflections. Conversely, a geometrically unblocked sun can be hidden by clouds. This tool does not calculate lux, daylight factor, plant growth or photovoltaic yield. Those questions require additional models and measured inputs.
Validate and refine the scene
Compare a few modeled shadow times with observations on a clear day. Check the clock offset first, then dimensions, orientation and obstacle height. Save the scene inputs and exported diagram so future seasonal comparisons use the same assumptions rather than silently changing the reference geometry.
Read a ten-minute classification honestly
The first interval, 00:00–00:10, is assessed at 00:05; the last, 23:50–24:00, at 23:55. If a point has twelve unblocked daytime samples, its reported direct-sun total is 120 minutes. It does not prove that every second of those twelve intervals was unblocked, particularly when a narrow obstacle edge moves across the point.
Download the daily CSV and examine adjacent states around a transition. A change from shade to direct sun between two neighboring midpoint samples locates an approximate transition window. It does not give a second-accurate event time. The selected snapshot hour can help inspect the geometry around that window.
Compare seasons with a fixed scene
Keep obstacle dimensions and observation coordinates unchanged, then run representative dates separately with the correct offset for each date. Compare the classification records rather than only one attractive diagram. Night and obstacle shade are separate states, so a polar-night date must not be interpreted as a building blocking 24 hours of available sun. Cloud cover, neighboring terrain, reflected daylight and glazing remain outside the calculation even when the geometric inputs are precise.