Metrology

From ArticleWorld

Metrology is the science of measurement. According to the International Bureau of Weights and Measures, metrology “embraces both experimental and theoretical determinations at any level of uncertainty in any field of Science and Technology”.

It is from the three fundamental quantities of length, mass and time that all other physical quantities like area, volume, acceleration and power can be derived. The measurement of electromagnetic quantities, temperature and intensity of radiation lead to a complete system of measurement.

History and development

Space has been defined and measured in discrete units of length, area and volume from time immemorial. The fundamental quantity of time has been thought of as a period or duration during which a certain phenomenon could be observed or recorded. Various forms of measurement led to the early development of metrology in ancient civilisations like that of Babylon, Egypt and the Indus Valley.

The introduction of units like cubits, feet and inches for measurement of length and the use of water clocks and sand clocks in ancient Egypt are considered as some of the hallmarks in the development of measurement techniques. The later centuries saw better standardisation with regard to units of measurement. However, politicisation of the study of metrology towards the beginning of the modern age led to bitter disputes between the various schools of thought that had taken shape.