Fieldwork Skills » Fieldwork Equipment - Noise Meters and Tape Measures

What you'll learn this session

Study time: 30 minutes

The purpose and importance of noise meters in geographical fieldwork
How to use noise meters to collect accurate data
The different types of tape measures used in fieldwork
Practical techniques for measuring distances in various environments
How to record and present data collected with these instruments
Common errors and limitations when using noise meters and tape measures

Introduction to Fieldwork Equipment: Noise Meters and Tape Measures

Fieldwork is a crucial component of geography that allows you to collect primary data outside the classroom. To conduct effective fieldwork, you need the right tools. This guide focuses on two essential pieces of equipment: noise meters and tape measures, which help you gather quantitative data about your environment.

Key Definitions:

Noise meter: A device that measures sound levels in decibels (dB), used to quantify noise pollution in different environments.
Tape measure: A flexible ruler used to measure distances, dimensions and spatial patterns in fieldwork.
Decibel (dB): The unit used to measure the intensity or loudness of sound.
Primary data: Information collected firsthand by the researcher through direct observation or measurement.

🔊 Noise Meters

Noise meters help geographers study sound pollution, urban environments and the impact of human activities on local areas. They provide objective measurements that can be compared across different locations and times.

📏 Tape Measures

Tape measures are fundamental tools for spatial analysis, allowing you to record distances, dimensions and patterns in the landscape. They're essential for mapping, measuring landforms and studying human-made structures.

Noise Meters in Geographical Fieldwork

Noise meters (also called sound level meters) are increasingly important in geographical studies as we become more aware of noise pollution's effects on environments and communities.

Types of Noise Meters

When conducting fieldwork, you might encounter several types of noise meters:

📱 Digital App Meters

Smartphone apps that measure sound levels. They're convenient and accessible but may be less accurate than dedicated devices.

💾 Handheld Digital Meters

Purpose-built devices with digital displays showing decibel readings. These offer better accuracy and often include data logging features.

💻 Professional Meters

Advanced equipment with calibration features and the ability to analyse different sound frequencies. Used for detailed environmental studies.

How to Use a Noise Meter

Follow these steps to collect reliable noise data:

Calibration: Ensure your meter is calibrated correctly before use.
Positioning: Hold the meter at arm's length, away from your body and other reflective surfaces.
Height: Maintain a consistent height (usually 1.2-1.5m above ground) for all readings.
Duration: Take readings for a standardised time period (e.g., 1 minute) at each location.
Multiple readings: Collect several measurements at different times to account for variations.
Recording: Note the maximum, minimum and average readings, along with the exact location and time.

Case Study Focus: Urban Noise Transect

Students in Birmingham conducted a noise survey along a transect from the city centre to the suburbs. They took readings every 500m and found that noise levels decreased from 85dB in the CBD to 45dB in residential areas. They identified noise hotspots near major road junctions and construction sites, creating a noise map that helped identify areas exceeding WHO recommended levels (70dB). This data was used to suggest locations for noise barriers and green spaces to reduce sound pollution.

Common Fieldwork Applications for Noise Meters

Noise meters can be used in various geographical investigations:

Comparing noise levels in different urban zones (CBD, residential, industrial)
Measuring the effectiveness of noise reduction measures like barriers or trees
Studying the relationship between traffic volume and noise pollution
Investigating the impact of airports or railways on surrounding communities
Assessing the acoustic environment of public spaces like parks

Tape Measures in Geographical Fieldwork

Tape measures are among the most versatile tools in a geographer's kit, allowing you to collect spatial data across various environments.

Types of Tape Measures

Different fieldwork situations require different measuring tools:

📐 Pocket Tape Measures

Compact, retractable tapes typically 3-5m long. Useful for small-scale measurements like plot sampling or measuring building features.

📎 Long Tape Measures

Flexible tapes of 30-50m, often housed in a case with a winding handle. Ideal for measuring longer distances like river width or beach profiles.

🌍 Surveyor's Wheels

A wheel attached to a handle that counts distance as you push it along the ground. Perfect for measuring long transects or routes.

How to Use Tape Measures Effectively

Follow these techniques for accurate measurements:

Straight line: Ensure the tape is pulled tight and straight, not sagging or bending.
Teamwork: For longer measurements, work with a partner to keep the tape level and taut.
Marking points: Use stakes or markers to identify start and end points for consistent measurements.
Wind considerations: In windy conditions, take measurements close to the ground or use weights to stabilise the tape.
Slope adjustments: On slopes, take horizontal measurements rather than following the ground surface to avoid overestimation.
Recording: Note measurements immediately, including units (metres or centimetres).

⚠ Common Errors with Tape Measures

Be aware of these potential issues:

Allowing the tape to sag, resulting in measurements longer than the actual distance
Misreading the units or scale on the tape
Failing to account for slopes when measuring horizontal distances
Not starting from zero on the tape (some tapes have a blank section at the start)
Stretching fabric tapes over time, leading to inaccurate measurements

💡 Fieldwork Applications

Tape measures are essential for:

Measuring river channel width and depth
Creating beach profiles and measuring coastal features
Plotting vegetation transects and quadrat spacing
Measuring building heights and urban features
Setting up sampling grids for soil or biodiversity studies
Measuring infiltration rings for soil permeability tests

Case Study Focus: Coastal Erosion Monitoring

A GCSE class in Dorset used tape measures to monitor cliff retreat at Barton-on-Sea. They established fixed points 10m inland and measured the distance to the cliff edge every three months over a year. Their data showed an average retreat of 0.75m, with increased erosion (up to 1.2m) after winter storms. By combining tape measurements with photographs, they created a detailed record of erosion patterns that helped local authorities identify high-risk areas for coastal management strategies.

Combining Equipment for Effective Fieldwork

The most successful geographical investigations often combine multiple tools to build a comprehensive picture of the environment.

Integrated Fieldwork Examples

Urban microclimate study: Use tape measures to record distances from green spaces while using noise meters to assess how vegetation affects sound levels.
Traffic impact assessment: Measure road widths and distances between junctions with tape measures while recording traffic noise levels at standardised points.
River study: Use tape measures for channel dimensions and spacing while using noise meters to compare the sound of flowing water at different discharge rates.

Recording and Presenting Your Data

Effective data collection requires good organisation:

Create clear data collection sheets before fieldwork
Record all measurements with proper units (metres, decibels)
Note the time, weather conditions and exact location of each measurement
Take photographs to provide context for your measurements
Consider using digital tools like spreadsheets for immediate data entry

For presentation, consider:

Noise level maps with isoline contours showing sound patterns
Cross-sectional diagrams using tape measure data
Scatter graphs showing relationships between distance and noise levels
GIS mapping that combines spatial measurements with other data

Conclusion

Noise meters and tape measures are fundamental tools that allow geographers to collect quantitative data about their environment. By mastering these simple but powerful instruments, you can conduct meaningful fieldwork that reveals patterns and relationships in both human and physical geography. Remember that the quality of your data collection directly affects the validity of your conclusions, so take time to practice using these tools correctly before your main fieldwork.

🧠 Test Your Knowledge!