Metrology
From Freepedia
Metrology, as defined by the International Organization of Legal Metrology (OIML) [1] in its 2000 publication International Vocabulary of Terms in Legal Metrology [2], is the “Science of Measurement." Legal metrology is further defined in this same international standard as: "part of metrology relating to activities which result from statutory requirements and concern measurement, units of measurement, measuring instruments and methods of measurement and which are performed by competent bodies." [ibid] The International Bureau of Weights and Measures (BIPM) [3] further defines metrology as "...the science of measurement, embracing both experimental and theoretical determinations at any level of uncertainty in any field of Science and Technology." [4]
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Introduction
Historical development
Historically measures of space are defined as discrete units of length, area, and volume. Measures of time are defined as a length of time for which a phenomena may be observed. Time is thought of both as an ongoing and continuing process and as having a period or duration for an event and so may be additionally described as cyclical, sequential, periodic or a singularity. Measures of other physical properties such as weight are defined first as physical properties of the space time continuum and then given additional descriptors such as mass and energy.- Image:Stop hand.png The factual accuracy of this section is disputed. Please view the article's talk page.
Mechanisms of metrology
One small subset of this study has to do with standards of measure. A small subset of that area of study is the definition of standards and the scientific methodology of ensuring that standards of measure meet specified degrees of accuracy and precision. In the United States, the master reference Standards are maintained through the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). By convention, a Standard is ten times more accurate and precise than the measurement being tested.| Image:Stop hand.png | The factual accuracy of part of this article is disputed. The dispute is about Role of Standards and measurement. |
Please see the relevant discussion on the talk page.
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The process of comparison against a Standard, and making any necessary adjustments, is commonly called calibration. Detailed records are maintained for each item that is calibrated to ensure "traceability", and that the item met clearly identified specifications for both accuracy and precision in all its operating parameters.
Collaboration between NIST and its counterparts in other countries and with the BIPM ensures the highest achievable Standards.
References
Organisation Internationale de Metrologie Legale.(2000),International Vocabulary of Terms in Legal Metrology, [On-Line] http://www.oiml.org/publications/V/V001-ef00.pdf
Bureau International des Poids et Mesures, (2005), ‘’ What is metrology’’, Copyright BIPM 2004, [On line] http://www.bipm.org/en/bipm/metrology/
Further reading
Sarle, W. (1995), Measurement theory: Frequently asked questions, Copyright (C) 1995 by Warren S. Sarle, Cary, NC, USA [On-Line] SAS Institute web pages: ftp://ftp.sas.com/pub/neural/measurement.faq
Bureau International des Poids et Mesures. (2000), The International System of Units (SI), [On-Line] BIPM web pages: http://www.bipm.fr/enus/3_SI/
Bureau International des Poids et Mesures. (2000), The Convention of the meter, [On-Line] BIPM web pages: http://www.bipm.fr/enus/1_Convention/
Melville, D.J. (2001). Sumerian metrological numeration systems, Mesopotamian Mathematics, [On-Line] St. Lawrence University web pages, http://it.stlawu.edu/%7Edmelvill/mesomath/sumerian.html
National Institute of Standards and Technology. (1999), The NIST Reference of Constants, Units, and Uncertainty, [On-Line] NIST web pages: http://physics.nist.gov/cuu/index.html
National Institute of Standards and Technology / Sematech. (n.d.). Engineering Statistics Handbook. [On Line] NIST web pages, http://www.nist.gov/itl/div898/handbook/
External links
- National Institute of Standards and Technology
- Bureau International des Poids et Mesures (BIPM)
- National Physical Laboratory
- U.S. Naval Observatory
- National Conference of Standards Laboratories (NCSL)
Categories: Articles that need to be wikified | Wikipedia articles needing context | Accuracy disputes | Limited geographic scope | Measurement | Science | Metrology
