Overview
ISO/TS 12913-2:2018 - Acoustics - Soundscape - Part 2 specifies requirements and supporting information for data collection and reporting in soundscape studies, investigations and applications. It harmonizes how to obtain, measure and report relevant information about the three key components of a soundscape: people, the acoustic environment, and the context. The Technical Specification complements ISO 12913-1 (definition and conceptual framework) and guides researchers and practitioners on standardized, reproducible soundscape data.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Core components: Data must address people (participants and their perceptions), the acoustic environment (measurements and sound sources) and context (location, activity, visual/other sensory factors).
- Data collection methods: Standardized methods include soundwalks, questionnaires, guided interviews, non‑participatory observation, and binaural measurements (annexes describe procedures).
- Acoustic indicators: Classical acoustic indicators shall be reported in conformance with ISO 1996-1 (e.g., equivalent continuous sound levels and percentile/exceedance levels).
- Psychoacoustic indicators: Loudness (ISO 532-1) is required; additional parameters such as sharpness, tonality, roughness, and fluctuation strength are recommended when appropriate. Calculation methods must be documented.
- Sound source taxonomy: Sound sources should be described using a clear taxonomy to ensure consistent reporting of foreground/background and total sound.
- Reporting requirements: Minimum reporting items and good‑practice guidance are provided (see normative Annex A and informative Annex E) to ensure transparency and reproducibility.
- Measurement contexts: Guidance covers field vs. laboratory studies and real, recorded or virtual (reproduced) sound environments.
Practical applications and users
ISO/TS 12913-2 is intended for:
- Acoustic consultants and urban planners assessing environmental sound and quality of life
- Researchers in soundscape ecology, psychoacoustics, landscape and urban design
- Public health and transport authorities integrating human perception into noise management
- Designers of audio reproduction experiments (binaural/virtual environments)
Practical uses include baseline soundscape surveys, pre/post interventions, design decisions for public spaces, and comparative studies where standardized data collection and reporting are critical.
Related standards
- ISO 12913-1 (soundscape definition and framework)
- ISO 1996-1 (environmental noise - acoustic indicators)
- ISO 532-1 (loudness, Zwicker method)
- ITU‑T P.58 and ANSI/ASA S3.36 (head/torso simulators for binaural measurements)
Keywords: ISO/TS 12913-2:2018, soundscape, data collection, reporting requirements, acoustics, psychoacoustic indicators, soundwalk, binaural measurements, environmental noise, sound source taxonomy.