scope:

The purpose of this standard is to provide basic quantities and procedures for the description and measurement of sound in community environments. The information in this document supplements the basic information contained in the Standards listed as references.

This standard defines the basic quantities that can be used separately or in combination for the description of community sound and describes basic procedures for measurement of the quantities. The scope of this standard encompasses all types of environmental sounds, separately or in combination, that contribute to the total sound at a site.

This standard does not specify limits for environmental sounds or recommend measurement locations or durations.

This standard is applicable to the description and measurement of community sound for purposes of land use planning, environmental assessment, and noise control. Based on the principles described in this standard, compliance limits of sound may be specified by cognizant authorities and conformance with these limits controlled for purposes of environmental assessment and regulation and land use planning.