According to the text's analogy, what does the local measurement using a tape measure represent?

Answer

Taking a tape measure to the finished room today.

The local measurement is compared to measuring the finished room, representing the direct probe of the current state of the universe, contrasting with the early universe data which is like checking the original blueprint.

According to the text's analogy, what does the local measurement using a tape measure represent?
physicsuniversecosmologyexpansion