Principles of Photometry
Photometry is the measurement of Electromagnetic radiation weighted by the human eye's response. This response changes with wavelength, and to an extent, from person to person. Internationally-agreed standard observer functions are therefore used in order to provide a consistent measurement base for photometry; the two most widely used are the V(λ) function, which applies for photopic vision (typical day-time light levels) and the V'(λ) for scotopic vision (low lighting levels). At intermediate light levels (mesopic or ‘twilight’ levels, such as found on lit roads at night), the CIE system of mesopic photometry is used to provide a smooth transition between these two functions.