medelriktning

Medelriktning, also known as median direction, is a statistical measure used to describe the central tendency of directional data. Unlike numerical data, which can be averaged, directional data, such as wind direction or compass bearings, are circular and require a different approach to find a central value. The median direction is the angle that minimizes the sum of the absolute deviations from all other angles. It is particularly useful in fields such as meteorology, oceanography, and geology, where directional data is common.

To calculate the median direction, the data is first converted to a common scale, typically in degrees. The angles are then arranged in ascending order, and the median is found by selecting the middle value. If the number of data points is even, the median is the average of the two middle values. In cases where the data is symmetrically distributed around the circle, the median direction may not be unique, and additional methods, such as the mean direction, may be used to provide a more precise central value.

Medelriktning is a robust measure of central tendency for directional data, as it is not affected by outliers or the presence of multiple modes. It provides a clear and concise summary of the data's directional distribution, making it a valuable tool in various scientific and engineering applications.