What is Metrology?

Simply put, metrology is the science of measurement. It establishes a common understanding of both the experimental and theoretical determination of the accuracy of measurements in any field of science, industry, technology and trade. In fact, the benefits of metrology pervade modern society so deeply that we do not even notice its presence. For instance, we assume that a one litre bottle of water will always contain the same amount regardless of where it is purchased. However, the fact that these do is all down to the principle of a common, standardised system of measurements that underlies all worldwide trade and scientific fields. Specifically, the field of measurement science is composed of three key branches; scientific metrology, applied metrology and legal metrology.

Scientific Metrology

Scientific, or fundamental, metrology deals with the establishment of measurement units, unit systems, the development of new measurement methods, realisation of measurement standards and the transfer of traceability from these standards. Scientific metrology is a main driver in the advancement of science. In Europe, EURAMET coordinates work in this area - ensuring that any new technology or measurement system can link back to the seven base units of the SI and help to harmonise collaboration around the globe.

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Industrial Metrology

Applied, or industrial, metrology in essence deals with measurements that are applicable to manufacturing. An averaged sized car, for example, is composed of around 30 000 separate parts often manufactured in different countries. Yet these must all have been machined, with the correct tolerances and specifications to fit perfectly together in the assembled vehicle. This entire process is highly dependent upon ‘industrial metrology’.

Legal Metrology

Global trade was a key early driver for the development of better weights and measures across the world. This is still one of the chief concerns of legal metrology and commercial transactions, official controls, healthcare and safety all fall under this branch of metrology. It underpins almost every aspect of our daily lives, perhaps more so than any other branch of measurement science, from buying food in supermarkets to the metering of gas in electricity in our homes. In fact, it is the key responsibility of WELMEC, the European Cooperation in Legal Metrology.

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