RadioBanter - View Single Post

Registered User · December 14th 10, 11:02 AM posted to rec.radio.amateur.antenna

On Mon, 13 Dec 2010 19:51:07 -0000, wrote:

Have you the slightest clue what the word "context" means?

Absolutely, yes I do. In turn I will ask do you know what metadata is?
Both dimensional and non-dimensional metadata provide context.
Non-dimensional metadata doesn't always provide the complete context.
Dimensional metadata provides greater context because it conveys more
detailed and specific information.

"Antenna efficiency is 20%" has all the information required and if the
discussion is about antennas, "efficiency is 20%" has all the information
required.

When data gets shared among multiple parties it is important that a
ubiquitous language is used to describe the data and its meaning.
Antenna efficiency can be measured in different ways so the phrase
"antenna efficiency is 20%" can mean different things to different
people. All it takes is one person to ask how antenna efficiency is
calculated and it will become evident that context of "antenna
efficiency is 20%" does not provide all the information required.

When the result's context includes dimensional metadata such as "20%
antenna efficiency calculated as the ratio of power radiated to input
power" the meaning of the result and how it was calculated both are
self-evident. Everyone knows what the result means because the
dimensional metadata provides an exact definition. A mere ten words of
dimensional metadata adds succinct clarity to the result. What makes
such clarity unnecessary and/or undesirable?