ISO TS 12913-3-2019 PDF

Full title and description

St ISO TS 12913-3-2019 — Acoustics — Soundscape — Part 3: Data analysis. This technical specification gives requirements and supporting information for the analysis of in‑situ soundscape data collected using methods described in ISO/TS 12913‑2.

Abstract

This document provides requirements and supporting information on analysis of data collected in situ through methods as specified in ISO/TS 12913‑2. It describes recommended approaches for processing, summarising and interpreting both objective acoustic measurements and accompanying perceptual/behavioural data to support robust soundscape assessments and reporting.

General information

• Status: Withdrawn (replaced by a 2025 edition).
• Publication date: 10 December 2019 (Edition 1, 2019).
• Publisher: International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
• ICS / categories: 17.140.01 (Acoustic measurements and noise abatement in general).
• Edition / version: Edition 1 (2019).
• Number of pages: 22 pages.

Scope

Specifies requirements and supporting information for the analysis of soundscape datasets collected in the field (in situ) using the data‑collection and reporting approaches set out in ISO/TS 12913‑2. The scope covers processing of acoustic indicators, handling and linkage of perceptual responses, metadata requirements, and recommended formats for reporting analysis results to ensure comparability across studies.

Key topics and requirements

• Recommended statistical and descriptive methods for analysing acoustic indicators (e.g., Leq, L10/L90, event metrics) and frequency‑based descriptors.
• Guidance on linking objective acoustic measures with perceptual data (questionnaires, Perceived Affective Quality metrics) and contextual metadata.
• Requirements for data quality, sample sizes, sampling design and handling of missing or noisy data.
• Suggested approaches for multivariate analysis, visualization and interpretation of soundscape attributes (pleasantness, eventfulness, calmness, etc.).
• Reporting templates and minimum information to be included when publishing or archiving soundscape analysis results to support reproducibility and comparability.

Typical use and users

Used by acoustic and environmental researchers, soundscape practitioners, urban planners, landscape architects, public‑health analysts and consultants conducting field soundscape studies or advising on acoustic design and management. Applicable in academic research, municipal planning, environmental impact assessments and design projects where human perception of sound environments is important.

Related standards

Part of the ISO 12913 soundscape series. Closely related documents include ISO 12913‑1 (Definition and conceptual framework) and ISO/TS 12913‑2 (Data collection and reporting requirements). The 2019 technical specification (Part 3) has subsequently been revised and published as ISO/TS 12913‑3:2025.

Keywords

soundscape, acoustics, data analysis, perceptual data, Leq, soundwalk, Perceived Affective Quality (PAQ), ISO 12913, environmental noise, reporting requirements

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ISO/TS 12913‑3:2019 is a technical specification that provides guidance and requirements for analysing in‑situ soundscape data collected according to ISO/TS 12913‑2.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers methods for processing and interpreting objective acoustic measurements together with human perceptual responses and contextual metadata, and it recommends reporting formats to support comparability and reproducibility of soundscape studies.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Researchers, acoustic consultants, urban and environmental planners, public‑health professionals and others involved in assessing or managing sound environments and human responses to sound.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The 2019 edition has been withdrawn and replaced by a later edition published in 2025 (ISO/TS 12913‑3:2025). Users should consult the 2025 edition for the most current requirements and guidance.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — it is Part 3 of the ISO 12913 series on soundscape. Other parts include ISO 12913‑1 (definition and conceptual framework) and ISO/TS 12913‑2 (data collection and reporting requirements).

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Soundscape, acoustics, data analysis, perceptual assessment, Leq, PAQ, soundwalk, reporting, ISO 12913.