I’m a mechanical engineer and I’ve only heard “datum” used in the context of a reference. It’s plural form is datums. Different concept than the singular form of data. I’d be curious what field of engineering you are in that people actually use datum (singular of data) in daily conversation. I’d be considered a pedant at my job if I used the word datum to convey the concept of a single piece of information.
Disparaging other engineers by saying they are engineers in title only is childish. Incidentally, this is the type of attitude that gives engineers a bad reputation.
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>> “I’m a mechanical engineer and I’ve only heard “datum” used in the context of a reference. It’s plural form is datums” <<
Yes.
A datum can be an entire system of measurement, such as NAVD 88 which provides for the ability of GPS units to give an approximation of elevation.
Or in archaeology a specific time datum can relate different epochs.
In statistics a datum as a part of an accumulation of data is often of great importance. A datum is often an arbitrary choice in an iterative analysis.