metrology

thumb|The National Institute of Standards and Technology|NIST-4 [[Kibble balance, which is used to measure weight via electric current and voltage. With this instrument, the measurement of mass is no longer dependent on a defined mass standard and is instead dependent on natural physical constants.]] Metrology is the scientific study of measurement. It establishes a common understanding of units, crucial in linking human activities. Modern metrology has its roots in the French Revolution's political motivation to standardise units in France when a length standard taken from a natural source was proposed. This led to the creation of the decimal-based metric system in 1795, establishing a set of standards for other types of measurements. Several other countries adopted the metric system between 1795 and 1875; to ensure conformity between the countries, the Bureau International des Poids et Mesures (BIPM) was established by the Metre Convention. This has evolved into the International System of Units (SI) as a result of a resolution at the 11th General Conference on Weights and Measures (CGPM) in 1960.

Metrology is divided into three basic overlapping activities: The definition of units of measurement The realisation of these units of measurement in practice Traceability—linking measurements made in practice to the reference standards These overlapping activities are used in varying degrees by the three basic sub-fields of metrology: Scientific or fundamental metrology, concerned with the establishment of units of measurement Applied, technical or industrial metrology—the application of measurement to manufacturing and other processes in society Legal metrology, covering the regulation and statutory requirements for measuring instruments and methods of measurement In each country, a national measurement system (NMS) exists as a network of laboratories, calibration facilities and accreditation bodies which implement and maintain its metrology infrastructure. The NMS affects how measurements are made in a country and their recognition by the international community, which has a wide-ranging impact in its society (including economics, energy, environment, health, manufacturing, industry and consumer confidence). The effects of metrology on trade and economy are some of the easiest-observed societal impacts. To facilitate fair trade, there must be an agreed-upon system of measurement.