Metrology is the field of knowledge concerned with measurement , and includes all aspects both theoretical and practical with reference to measurements, whatever their level of accuracy, and in whatever fields of science or technology they occur.
Metrology is a continuously developing area, as illustrated by the photo below.
It shows the old national metre prototype together with one of the two lasers, which are the tools of to-day. A growing need for reliable measurement results Measurements play a key role in modern life - in industry as well as in trade and in society in general, in assuring quality and safety in assigning costs. In addition, there is a growing need in science and technology for increasingly accurate and more complex measurements. SP's responsibility as a National Laboratory is to meet the needs of industry and society for traceable measurements and to provide close access to measurement technology competence. The duties of the National Laboratories involve maintaining and developing the national measurement standards and ensuring their international traceability.