The measurement of soundscapes – Is it standardizable?

Beyond doubt, soundscaping is on the rise. Soundscape investigations are increasingly performed and soundscape research takes place extensively in recent years. Unfortunately, there is little agreement about adequate measurement procedures, reporting requirements and soundscape indicators. Although the general openness, interdisciplinary roots and multi-dimensionality of the soundscape approach are very important to preserve, a certain consensus about measurement procedures, reporting requirements and analyses tools is needed. In particular, a common denominator with respect to measurement procedures is required, since due to the diversity of measurement procedures the comparability and compatibility of soundscape investigations is very limited. The paper will refer to recent soundscape studies and their outcomes and will discuss the applied methods and procedures. Since the standardization of soundscape aspects is already under way (ISO/DIS 12913), e.g. regarding terms, minimum reporting requirements and measurement protocols, a thorough discussion of soundscape methods and procedures is imperative.