UAF14 — Measurements Typical and Actual

There is often a confusion between typical and actual measurements. Causes some modelers to use these elements incorrectly. Modelers sometimes insert the expected or desired “value” of a measurement into the Measurement element rather than in the Actual Measurement element. Does not make sense to allow Measurement to have any values since the Measurement element is intended to be the “standard” for doing the measuring. That would be like having a meter stick and marking 27 cm on the stick itself. For comparison purposes, look at definitions of Measurement and Measure in dictionary.

Definition of measurement: the dimension, quantity or capacity determined by measuring. Which is really what “actual measurement” element is dealing with. Definition of measure: a reference standard or sample used for the quantitative comparison of properties [e.g., a “yard stick” or “meter stick”].

Proposed element name changes to address this issue. Change name of Measurement element to Measure. Change name of Actual Measurement element to Measurement. As noted above, measurement is defined as being the result of measuring. Change Measurement Set to Measure Set (to align with changes above).

See attached slides.