2617D-3 Meaningful measurements for the Millennium Once upon a time, measurements were taken with simple scales or meters and resulted in explicit quantities such as weight, distance, or voltage. With the ubiquity of low-cost computing power, we now have the ability to measure more complex and dynamic systems, using implicit parameters that are not directly accessible to physical measuring devices, and which are often highly interdependent. The Art of Measurement: Theory and Practice is the first book to bring together the practical tools of standard measurement with the philosophy and theory behind probability and statistical estimation. The result is a book that empowers users to find the best approach for each measurement they make, and to learn how to evaluate and balance the impact of the inevitable inaccuracies that occur. In keeping with its practical approach, The Art of Measurement: Theory and Practice uses numerous case studies to give concrete illustrations of theoretical concepts. Drawn from the fields of electrical and mechanical engineering, control systems, and satellite navigation technologies, these examples offer a broad variety of applications for all users.
The book's appendices offer a review of basic mathematical terminology and tools, but to get the most out of this book some higher-level math is required, in particular a familiarity with Fourier and Laplace transforms, matrix algebra, multi-dimensional vector spaces, probability theory, statistics, and estimation theory. Scientists and engineers in a variety of fields will find The Art of Measurement: Theory and Practice an invaluable addition to their reference libraries.