Maatstaven

Maatstaven is a Dutch term that broadly means standard, yardstick, or criterion. It refers to reference points used to measure, compare, or judge something. The word covers both concrete measurement tools and abstract benchmarks, and can be used in singular or plural form (een maatstaf, maatstaven).

In metrology, maatstaven are the reference standards that establish the meaning of measurement units. National metrology institutes maintain and calibrate these standards, ensuring traceability to the International System of Units (SI) via international agreements coordinated by the BIPM. This system allows measurements performed in different countries to be comparable.

In law, policy, and industry, maatstaven function as normative references used to assess conformity, safety, quality, or performance. Standards may be normative (mandatory) or voluntary, and they can be developed by international organizations such as ISO and IEC, regional bodies like CEN, or national standardization agencies. Compliance with maatstaven can be required by regulation, or used by companies to demonstrate quality and interoperability.

The concept also plays a role in everyday language, where maatstaven provide benchmarks for decisions, evaluation, or judging consistency. In practice, different fields may use different sets of maatstaven, and updates to standards reflect advances in technology, science, and social expectations. The term remains flexible, covering both measurement artefacts and criterion-based assessments.