Is simple better than accurate?

Abstract

We are always trying to improve the accuracy of noise measurements and become more aware of how accurate our measurements are. As scientists and engineers these are laudable if not essential aims. But we should also be aware of how accurate our measurements need to be. We should start measurement work with a clear idea of what we are doing the measurements for. We are usually doing measurements to help us do one of two things. The first is to protect people's amenity such as by limiting industrial noise at noise sensitive locations or ensuring good sound insulation in housing. The second is to improve people's quality of life, such as by designing spaces for the perfect reproduction of music or soundscapes that enhance the environment. Is a 3 hour road traffic measurement on one day in one set of weather conditions sufficiently accurate to predict amenity over a longer period? Is a procedure to measure domestic sound insulation to one tenth of a decibel too accurate? The author discusses whether sometimes we are being too accurate and, as a result, becoming obscure and remote from the people we are serving.