Metrology is defined by the International Bureau of Weights and Measures (BIPM) as "the science of measurement, embracing both experimental and theoretical determinations at any level of uncertainty in any field of science and technology." The ontology and international vocabulary of metrology (VIM) is maintained by the Joint Committee for Guides in Metrology (JCGM), a group made up of eight international organizations – BIPM, IEC, IFCC, ISO , IUPAC , IUPAP, OIML and ILAC.

 

Metrology is a very broad field and may be divided into three basic activities, though there is considerable overlap between the activities:

 

1. Definition of internationally accepted units of measurement.

2. Realization of these units of measurement in practice

3. Application of chains of traceability linking measurements made in practice to reference standards.

 

Metrology also has three basic subfields, all of which make use of the three basic activities, though in varying proportions:

 

1. Scientific or fundamental metrology

2. Applied, technical or industrial metrology

3. Legal metrology

 

Scientific or Fundamental Metrology

Scientific or fundamental metrology concerns the establishment of quantity systems, unit systems, units of measurement, the development of new measurement methods, realization of measurement standards and the transfer of traceability from these standards to users in society.

 

The BIPM maintains a database of the metrological calibration and measurement capabilities of various institutes around the world. These institutes, whose activities are peer-reviewed, provide the top-level reference points for metrological traceability. In the area of measurement the BIPM has identified nine metrology areas including length, mass and time.

 

Applied, Technical, or Industrial Metrology

Note: This is the metrology area that QMCS specializes in.

 

Applied, technical or industrial metrology concerns the application of measurement science to manufacturing and other processes and their use in society, ensuring the suitability of measurement instruments, their calibration and quality control of measurements. Although the emphasis in this area of metrology is on the measurements themselves, traceability of the calibration of the measurement devices is necessary to ensure confidence in the measurements.

 

Legal Metrology

Legal metrology "concerns 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." Such statutory requirements might arise from, amongst others, the needs for protection of health, public safety, the environment, enabling taxation, protection of consumers and fair trade. The OIML was set up to assist in harmonizing such regulations across national boundaries to ensure that legal requirements do not inhibit trade. In Europe WELMEC was established to promote cooperation in the field of legal metrology.