Fieldwork Skills » Fieldwork Equipment - 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 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:

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

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:

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

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.