Accuracy of Short-Term Noise Monitoring Strategy in Comparison to Long-Term Noise Monitoring Strategy

The present study compares the accuracy in short-term noise monitoring strategies in comparison to the long-term monitoring strategies. The difference in short-term strategies from the annual average yearly sound levels is quantified as an error. The study extends the previous work reported exclusively for silence, industrial, commercial and residential zones in Indian scenario. The study re-affirms that random two months’ strategy is the Best Practicable and Economic Option (BPEO), whereby an error of ± 2 dB is observed with a probability of 95% approximately. Adopting long-term noise monitoring strategy in larger parts of Indian cities is cumbersome and expensive process. Thus adoption of random two months’ strategy adopted exclusively for silence, industrial, commercial and residential zones can be a practicable and economical option for noise mapping of larger parts of Indian cities.