Benchmark vs. Datum

A standard by which something can be measured or judged

Pl. da·ta (-tə) A fact or proposition used to draw a conclusion or make a decision. See Usage Note at data.

Often bench mark A surveyor's mark made on a stationary object of previously determined position and elevation and used as a reference point, as in geologic surveys or tidal observations.

Pl. da·tums A point, line, or surface used as a reference, as in surveying, mapping, or geology.

To measure (a rival's product) according to specified standards in order to compare it with and improve one's own product.

(dated) data; a single recorded observation.

A standard by which something is evaluated or measured.

(plural: data) (philosophy) A fact known from direct observation.

A surveyor's mark made on some stationary object and shown on a map; used as a reference point.

(plural: data) (philosophy) A premise from which conclusions are drawn.

(computing) A computer program that is executed to assess the performance of the runtime environment.

(plural: datums) A fixed reference point or set of reference points which precisely define a system of measurement or a coordinate system.

(transitive) To measure the performance or quality of (an item) relative to another similar item in an impartial scientific manner.

(plural: datums) (nautical) A floating reference point, or SLDMB, used to evaluate surface currents in a body of water. Often employed by coastal search and rescue.

To give certain results in a benchmark test.

To provide missing data points by using a mathematical model to extrapolate values that are outside the range of a measuring device.

To use something (e.g., a competitor's product) as a standard to improve one's own thing.

Something given or admitted; a fact or principle granted; that upon which an inference or an argument is based; - used chiefly in the plural.

Any permanent mark to which other levels may be referred.

A single piece of information; a fact; especially a piece of information obtained by observation or experiment; - used mostly in the plural.

Something serving as a standard by which related items may be judged; as, his painting sets the benchmark of quality.

The quantities or relations which are assumed to be given in any problem.

A test or series of tests designed to compare the qualities or performance of different devices of the same type. Certain sets of computer programs are much used as benchmarks for comparing the performance of different computers, especially by comparing the time it takes to complete a test.

A point, line, or level surface used as a reference in measuring elevations.

A standard by which something can be measured or judged;

An item of factual information derived from measurement or research

A surveyor's mark on a permanent object of predetermined position and elevation used as a reference point