A basic scheme of direct, highly accurate dimensional measurements of nanostructures is presented. We have constructed a scanning tunneling microscope (STM) unit combined with a diode laser-based Michelson interferometer module. The compact size of the STM allows it to be installed in an ultra high vacuum (UHV) chamber and is capable of measuring atomic spacings on a reconstructed single crystal surface. This method aims at direct dimensional calibration of microelectronic structures such as linewidths. and line/space features. The calibrated dimensions of these features will be traceable to the international unit of length through the He-Ne laser wavelength and be a reliable standard for next generation nanostructures and nanofabrication.