Structure and functions of the National Measurement System

Abstract

The concept of a National Measurement System has, for many years, provided a useful focus for the considerations important to physical measurements in our technology intensive economy. Dr. R. D. Huntoon, in his October 6, 1967, article in Science , emphasized the basis for a systems viewpoint in interrelated measurements activities and the idea has continued to evolve. Today, we think of the U.S. National Measurement System in terms of all the intellectual, functional and institutional activities which enter into measurements throughout our society. Moreover, we seek to understand more completely the structural nature of this system and its architectural needs.

Final summary report study of the National Measurement System 1972-75

“…The model of the National Measurement System developed by induction from interim microstudy reports prepared in December 1973 and from previous literature on this subject [1,4,[36][37][38][39][40][41][42][43][44][45][46][47][48] can be considered to have five major levels: I.…”

“…Since one function of the national measurement system is to allow compatibility in international commerce, both national and international institutions are relevant. The general kinds of institutions involved can be described as the central standards authorities responsible for physical measurements, the state and local offices of weights and measures, standards and testing laboratories and services, and those regulatory agencies that must specify measurable physical requirements in the field that they are regulating [36].…”