Principles of good metrological practice in order to ensure reliable measurements of the surface structure

The most important factors influencing obtaining reliable results of surface structure measurements are presented. The article presents the rules for the selection of an appropriate measurement method adapted to the nature of the measured surface and the advantages, disadvantages and limitations of measuring instruments. Principles of good metrological practice during the preparation of the device for carrying out measurements and performing the analysis in order to calculate the parameters of the of the surface structure were discussed.

Metrology, Memory and Long-Term Landscape Inhabitation: Evidence for the Septarian Package on the Atlantic Façade

All along the Atlantic façade there is evidence that distinctive septarian units of measurement were employed, suggesting a continuity of metrological practice and more particularly the association of the Septarian Package with agropastoral practices. The goal of this paper is to show how this metrological Sprachbund with its geographical diffusion and memory traces can be brought into play to examine cultural conceptualisations and practices that might have been associated with megalithic structures found along the Atlantic façade.

Time and Standards — An Overview

After recalling current performances of time and frequency standards and their use to establish time scales, their limitations in astronomical observations and studies are considered. For expressing the value of almost all quantities, the accuracy of the frequency standards is sufficient. However, an improved stability could find applications in observation techniques and the departure of realized time scales with respect to their theoretical counterparts is not negligible for some studies. The paper recalls the basic rule of quantity calculus and advocates its use in spite of its inadequacy to express difference of readings of time scales. In general, adherence to the metrological practice and the use of the SI may facilitate our work and its understanding by the non-astronomers.