The Critical Value of NIST to the Worldwide Metrology Interoperability Effort

Published

December 31, 2004

Author(s)

John A. Horst, R Waite

Abstract

The uniqueness and importance of the role of NIST to the worldwide metrology interoperability effort is explained and defended. The highlights of accomplishments by NIST in support of metrology interoperability are recounted, followed by a brief history of the effort from a North American perspective. There are real risks for industry to undertake this effort without NIST support or withinsufficient NIST support. These risks are described, stressing the importance of generating mature implementations of an unambiguous and sufficiently functional specification before technology changes declare the specification obsolete. The rewards of a hearty NIST participation in the effort are depicted, largely as substantive savings of time and money to metrology systems users as well as improved measurement quality.

Citation

NIST Interagency/Internal Report (NISTIR) -

NIST Pub Series

NIST Interagency/Internal Report (NISTIR)

Pub Type

NIST Pubs

Keywords

conformance tests, coordinated measuring machine, dimensional metrology, interoperability, interoperability tests, specifications, standards, test suite

Citation

Horst, J. and Waite, R. (2004), The Critical Value of NIST to the Worldwide Metrology Interoperability Effort, NIST Interagency/Internal Report (NISTIR), National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, MD (Accessed October 10, 2025)