Case Studies

The determination of distances with low measurement uncertainty, linked to the SI, is used in the surveillance of large-scale facilities during construction and the deformation monitoring of critical infrastructures. It is also important in observations of geological hazards, such as volcanoes or tectonic faults and can help ch...

The second, the unit for time, is a component of six out of the seven base SI units and its realisation underpins almost all areas of metrology. The most precise devices available to measure time are optical clocks, a type of atomic clock that utilises isolated ions or neutral atoms with energy transitions in the high-frequency...

Geodesists chart changes in the Earth’s surface with high precision using space-geodesic techniques, like the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS). In GNSS, orbital satellites send radio waves to receivers on the ground. The time delay between transmission of the signal and reception can be used to determine a position on ...

To monitor changes caused by natural phenomena, like earthquakes or volcanoes, or the effects of global warming, accurate measurements of the Earth’s surface are required. This is performed by geodesists using ‘reference frames’, one of which is the ‘International Terrestrial Reference Frame’ (ITRF). This utilises a suite of po...

As energy grids across Europe become increasingly decarbonised, reliance on renewable energy sources such as solar, wind and hydroelectric power is becoming more prevalent. However, due to the nature of these sources, their integration into the grid brings with it more variability of supply and more complex conditions. To main...

Nanoparticles (NPs), due to their small size (1-100 nm), have enhanced activity compared to the same material of larger sizes and are finding uses in a range of products and processes, including cosmetics, sunscreens and water treatment. It is estimated that the global market for NPs is €20 billion – with over 300 000 European ...