Changes to the International Vocabulary of Metrology (VIM) and Proposed Changes to Some Definitions in the Uniform Weights and Measures Law (UWML) in NIST Handbook 130(HB 130)

Published

July 9, 2012

Author(s)

Charles D. Ehrlich

Abstract

This article provides background information on the development of the International vocabulary of basic and general terms in metrology (VIM) documents over the past several years, and to provide some explanation and elaboration on several of the definitions in the International vocabulary of metrology ― Basic and general concepts and associated terms (VIM), 3rd edition, also known as the “VIM3”. Some of the terms from VIM3 have been proposed for inclusion by the NIST Office of Weights and Measures (OWM) in the NCWM Publications Laws and Regulations Committee agenda item 221-1. The purpose of the proposal is to incorporate the VIM3 definitions into the Uniform Weights and Measures Law (UWML) in HB 130, updating the VIM2 definitions it contains. Incorporating these updated definitions will better align the HB 130 definitions with the philosophy of the Guide to the expression of uncertainty in measurement, commonly referred to as the “GUM,” which serves as a key document underpinning requirements for the accreditation of State metrology laboratories. Incorporating these updated definitions will also better reflect current international agreement on metrology-related terminology.

Citation

PML/Office of Weights and Measures

Pub Weblink

http://www.nist.gov/pml/wmd/index.cfm

Pub Type

Websites

Keywords

concept, definition, metrology, vocabulary

Citation

Ehrlich, C. (2012), Changes to the International Vocabulary of Metrology (VIM) and Proposed Changes to Some Definitions in the Uniform Weights and Measures Law (UWML) in NIST Handbook 130(HB 130), PML/Office of Weights and Measures, [online], http://www.nist.gov/pml/wmd/index.cfm (Accessed April 25, 2024)