Wednesday, December 11, 2013

Know Your UOM - (Unit of Measure)

While reading the Wikipedia bit about the Apollo 11 Moon Landing, I was reminded of an event I frequently think of and cite as an example of why it is important to know (and display) your unit of measure.

Google: Mars Climate Orbiter Mission Fails Due To Unit of Measure Error

Distance is a good example.  Say you are telling someone how to get somewhere and you say: "Go 3 and turn Left."  Ummm, OK... 3 what?  Blocks?  Miles?  Light-years?  There is a difference.  Liquid is a good example too.  "It takes 10 to get that done."  10 ounces?  10 gallons?  10 Acre Feet? ... Again, big differences.

Just a quick thought.

Have Fun!

:-)

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