bench mark

n. criterion, measure; evaluation of computer performance (Computers); point of reference for comparison (especially a mark for measuring the level of a body of water against a standing structure, such as a bridge, etc.)

Benchmark may refer to:Benchmark (surveying), a point of reference for a measurementBenchmark (crude oil), a reference for and discussion of cost and/or pricing of petroleum, such as Brent Crude  and West Texas Intermediate in terms of benchmarks based on classification differences.Benchmark (computing), the result of running a computer program, or a set of programs, in order to assess the relative performance of an object by running a number of standard tests and trials against itBenchmarking (geolocating), a sport similar to geocaching in which participants individually go out and find benchmarksBenchmarking, the process used in management in which organizations evaluate various aspects of their processes in relation to the best practice, usually within their own sectorBenchmark Capital, a venture capital firm behind various startups, such as (and including) eBay.
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This article is about the use of bench marks in surveying, for other uses see Bench mark A bench mark in every-day language is a point of reference for a measurement. In surveying a bench mark is specifically any permanent marker placed by a surveyor with a precisely known vertical elevation (but not necessarily a precisely known horizontal location). These reference points may be chiseled into a wall, or more typically, marked by small brass or aluminium disks, iron pins or bolts that are permanently attached to a stable foundation, such as concrete posts, bridge abutments, buildings, or a specifically constructed concrete block. These markers are then used as starting (control) points by subsequent surveyors and other users to establish the elevation of nearby points.
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Noun
1. a surveyor's mark on a permanent object of predetermined position and elevation used as a reference point
(synonym) benchmark
(hypernym) reference point, point of reference, reference

a measurement against which another measurement will be compared. Research Baysian Analysis - a mathematical procedure based on decision theory that aims to estimate the value of a market research project.