Special interpretation of formal measurement scales for the case of multiple heterogeneous properties

A formal model of measurement is constructed and its components are outline d in this paper. An integrated hierarchical formal four-level structure whi ch allows description of the multiple heterogeneous properties of a complex object under measurement is developed in order to have a uniform tool for the selection of specific scales for the measurement of these properties. A special treatment of a measurement scale defined on the space of the objec t states is offered, and corresponding structures of basic types of scales are explained permitting to take into consideration distances between relat ions on these states. Our approach can serve as the uniform formalised basi s for development of measuring systems and algorithms of their operation in various application areas which are characterised by heterogeneous and man y-dimensional properties of objects under investigation. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.