| Résumé | The goal of the Sistema Interamericano de Metrologia (SIM) is to ensure the uniformity of measurements throughout its region. SIM metrology working groups pursue this goal by collaborating on training programs and technical projects, and by reviewing the quality systems and calibration and measurement capabilities (CMCs) of the NMIs. They also organize interlaboratory comparisons. These comparisons help NMIs establish traceability and maintain standards that are accurate enough to support their nation s economy. Each RMO faces its own unique challenges, and SIM faces several. SIM is the largest RMO in terms of land area (Fig. 1), and there is a large variation in both the populations of the SIM nations and the strength of their economies. The SIM region extends throughout North, Central, and South America and the Caribbean, an area that encompasses roughly 27 percent of the world s land mass and some 13 percent of its population (an estimated 910 million people as of 2009). However, as of 2009, about two-thirds of the SIM population (approximately 617 million people) reside in the United States, Brazil, or Mexico. In contrast, 11 SIM nations, mostly islands in the Caribbean region, have populations of less than one million. As of 2009, the per capita gross domestic product (GDP) of the United States and Canada exceeded $38 000 USD, but 15 SIM nations had per capita GDPs of less than $10 000 USD [1]. This disparity in population and money directly translates into the level of resources that are made available for metrology. For example, NIST has about 40 full-time professionals employed in its time and frequency division, but many SIM NMIs are fortunate if even one metrologist is free to focus on time and frequency measurements. |
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