The package checking program will require use of
metric equipment and inexpensive metric weight
kits will have to be purchased for this use. The
greatest problem for the Department of Agriculture
will be training, education, and application.
price for kits showing metric values is not con-
sidered to be a major problem.

The

In all areas affected in the Department of Agri-
culture, there will have to be the following basic
activities:

The metric system is presently being used in various
activities of the Department of Transportation. The
Office of Materials and Tests is the largest user of
the metric system. It uses metric scales, balances,
thermometers, volumetric measurement equipment, and
pressure measurement equipment in six of its labora-
tories. The metric system is also being used in
environmental studies by the Environmental Bureau
of the Office of Planning. Other general uses within
the Department are in cameras, film usage, and special
measurements and testings.

A study was conducted in the Department of Transportation to investigate the possibilities of conversion from the Imperial System to the SI System of Measurement within the Georgia Department of Transportation; to determine the effect on the productivity of Departmental personnel in respect to the goal of increasing efficiency and productivity and decreasing energy consumption; and to determine problems which may occur within the Department as a result of the conversion to SI System of Measurement.

Questionnaires were distributed within the Divisions,
Sections, Offices, and Districts of the Georgia
Department of Transportation requesting information
as to the effect of the conversion on productivity,

operating costs over short periods of time (one or two years) and long periods of time (ten years). Types of procedures, calculations, and computer oriented work which would be affected by the conversion was requested. The effect of a conversion to the SI System of the Department's relationship with the public was requested. General remarks on the conversion was also sought. A total of fiftytwo questionnaires have been returned and analyzed.

Table 1 summarizes the effects on productivity, operating costs, and overhead costs that were given by the various Divisions, Sections, Offices, and Districts of the Georgia Department of Transportation. These effects have been separated into advantages and disadvantages. An analysis of the questionnaire resulted in a list of types of procedures, calculations, and computer operations as shown in Table 2 which would be affected by conversion to the SI System of Measurement.

One of the major problem areas involved in conversion to the SI System of Measurement was shown by the questionnaire to be in the area of relationships with other state agencies and the general public. The answers to this question showed the need for simultaneous conversion in other state agencies as well as in private agencies. Massive public educational efforts would be needed in order for Department personnel to effectively communicate with the public.

Generally, comments made on the questionnaire were favorable to conversion to the SI System of Measurement. Many, however, reiterated the need for public education and conversion to the SI System during the same period of time as the Department would convert. Many of the comments brought out areas of individual problems within the Department that would be associated with conversion. There was, however, opposition to conversion. Much of the opposition was due to increased costs of productivity and operation, the problems with public communication, and beliefs that the SI System of Measurements may not be more efficient than the Imperial System of Measurement. The results of this study show that a definite trend is underway in transportation in the United States to change from the Imperial System to the SI System of Measurement. There is no national policy, however, to guide the transportation industry toward metrication at this time. Such a policy may be

Summary of Effects of Conversion to the SI System of Measurement on Productivity, Operating Costs, and Overhead Costs