Initial Modeling of the Measurement Concepts in the ISO Vocabulary of Terms in Metrology

The field of software metrics is usually discussed from the perspective referred to as ‘measurement theory’. However, in other disciplines, the domain of knowledge referred to as ‘metrology’ is the foundation for the development and use of measurement instruments and measurement processes. This paper presents an initial modelling of the sets of measurement concepts documented in the ISO International Vocabulary of Basic and General Terms in Metrology. In particular, this modelling illustrates the various levels of abstraction of the concepts as well as the relationships across related concepts and sub-concepts. We refer to this representation type as the topology of the concepts within the ISO Vocabulary. These models will provide the basis for analysing the current status of the field of 'software metrics’ and to suggest improvements along the classical path of the field of metrology.