18.05.2018
20th of May - The World Metrology Day
Measures and weights played an important role in human life from the very beginning of human civilization. Measurements are important for a variety of tasks: building houses, commerce, sewing clothes. In all these cases, some information about the size is required. The need for measurements has led to the emergence of a vast array of different systems of measures and weights - from the simplest to the most complex.
Here are what units of physical quantities measurements were on the territory of the Slavic states in the 18th century:
1 verst - 1067 m;
1 sazhen - 2 m 13 cm;
1 verst - 4,44 cm;
1 pood -16.38 kg;
1 pound - 0.409 kg;
1 barrel - 40 buckets;
1 bucket - 12,299 liters;
1 shtof - 1,23 l;
1 cup - 0,123 liters.
In order that units of measurements were universal in all countries, May 20, 1875, the Metric Convention was signed. To mark the same World Metrology Day was decided by the International Committee of Weights and Measures (CIPM) in October 1999. The Metric Convention is an agreement for international cooperation in the field of metrology - the science of measurements, and its application in industry, commercial and social spheres. The original goal of the Metric Convention - ensuring the unity of metrological standards in different countries - remains as important and relevant as it was in 1875.
Every year, in celebration of World Metrology Day, the International Bureau of Weights and Measures and the International Organization of Legal Metrology implement projects on various pressing topics.
The theme of the World Metrology Day of 2018 is the constant evolution of the International System of Units. This topic was chosen because in November 2018 the General Conference on Weights and Measures plans to approve one of the biggest changes in the International System of Units since its inception. The proposed changes are based on the results of studies of new measurement methods that use quantum phenomena as a basis for fundamental standards. The international system of units will be based on definitions of units, each of which is related to the laws of physics, which has the advantages of further improving measurements in science and technology to meet the needs of users for many years to come.
Metrology, as a science of measurement, plays a central role in scientific discoveries and innovations, industrial production and international trade, in improving the quality of life and in protecting the environment.
Units of physical quantities admitted for use on the territory of the Republic of Belarus are fixed in Technical Regulations TR 2007/003/by.
In Belarus, the World Metrology Day is celebrated annually, beginning in 2004. This holiday is a recognition of the results of professional activities of metrologists.
Today the measuring instrumentation service of Belhydromet is a team of highly qualified metrological engineers providing a uniform state policy in the field of ensuring the uniformity of measurements in order to protect human interests in the field of hydrometeorological activities. The service of measuring instruments of Belhydromet closely cooperates with state metrological organizations to ensure timely metrological control of the measuring instruments and test equipment used.
Dear colleagues, we congratulate you on your professional holiday! We wish to follow your goals, without deviating one millimeter from our dream! Let in your life there will always be something that does not lend itself to any dimensions, what is unlimited and comprehensive: happiness, love, friendship, inspiration! Further success in work!
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