Metric and Measure

Dr. Nikolai's Chart

Distance and metric
Dr. Nikolai's Chart
Chart Examples

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Metric chart, Qualitative charts
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Metric chart

According to the Manhattan metric the distance is (see the previous section)

(2a)

Instead of the mathematic formula or "metric" we can draw the following chart

Coordinate	Unit of measure	Factor	Value
Width (X)	inch	1	20
Length (Y)	foot	12	2
Metric (Distance)	inch	1	120 + 122 = 44

The chart can be simpler if units and factors are the same:

Coordinate	Value
Car price	$ P
5-year service	$ S
5-year gas	$ G
5 year total	$ T = $ (P+S+G)

This chart can be used for more realistic price comparison after substituting "P", "S" and "G" with real numbers.

As another example let us compare two purchase planes:

Plan:	"Expensive"		"Cheap"
Coordinate	Factor	Value	Factor	Value
Down payment	1	$ 5000	1	$ 1000
Monthly payment	36	$ 350	72	$ 250
Total		$ 17600		$ 19000

"Expensive" plan gives the the following total: $5000*1 + $350*36 = $17000 and the "cheap" one gives $1000*1 + $250*72 = $19000. Now it is your choice to pay less monthly or total.

Qualitative charts

The chart can be extended for the use of such uncertain and qualitative features as the favorite color, make, model, brand, etc.

First you should determine the values of that features. For example, you are ready to pay extra $500 for your favorite car color.
You should add a row and put minus $500 in the value column (or subtract the value).
Then you should put your estimation of the fitness into the factor column (e.g. the actual yellow color 60% match your favorite gold color).

Coordinate	Value	Factor
Car price	$ P	100%
5-year service	$ S	100%
5-year gas	$ G	100%
Color	- $500	60%
5 year total	$ T = $ (P+S+G-0.6*500)

According to this chart, the $20500 car with a perfect (100%) match has the the same value as the $20300 car with 60% match and as the $20000 car with 0% match.

This reflects your own value for the color. This is definitely a subjective estimation but it is OK because you buy a car for yourself. In other words this chart is an objective metric for your subjective preferences.

Remarks