Validation of the use of smartphones for measuring environmental urban noise

Authors

  • Andrea Sangurima-Coyago Carrera de Ingeniería Ambiental, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad de Cuenca, Ecuador
  • Michelle Medina-Zambrano Carrera de Ingeniería Ambiental, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad de Cuenca, Ecuador
  • María-Laura Guerrero LlactaLAB-Ciudades Sustentables, Departamento Interdisciplinario de Espacio y Población, Universidad de Cuenca, Ecuador https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5164-1455
  • Daniel Orellana-Vintimilla LlactaLAB-Ciudades Sustentables, Departamento Interdisciplinario de Espacio y Población & Facultad de Ciencias Agropecuarias, Universidad de Cuenca, Ecuador https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8945-2035

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18537/mskn.11.02.08

Keywords:

App, smartphone, urban noise, KoBoToolbox, public space

Abstract

This study evaluates the reliability of using smartphones for monitoring environmental urban noise as a low-cost alternative to conventional monitoring instruments. A noise evaluation tool was designed using KoBoToolbox enabling the simultaneous recording of sound measurements with a professional sound level meter and two smartphone apps: Sound Meter X Standard on iOS, and Sound Meter Pro on Android. The measurements were compared with the one-factor analysis of variance (ANOVA) method. Sampling was carried out in “El Paraíso” park in Cuenca, by following the Ecuadorian legislation. Results suggest that Android app shows less measurement variation compared to the iOS platform. Results also showed a significant relation between high noise levels and noise pollution hotspots caused by traffic. Indeed, this research establishes a background for future use in noise level community monitoring programs under a citizen science focus, while also complements current national laws and regulations.

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Published

2020-12-21

How to Cite

Sangurima-Coyago, A., Medina-Zambrano, M., Guerrero, M.-L., & Orellana-Vintimilla, D. (2020). Validation of the use of smartphones for measuring environmental urban noise. Maskana, 11(2), 81–87. https://doi.org/10.18537/mskn.11.02.08

Issue

Vol. 11 No. 2 (2020)

Section

Technical Notes

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