On sound source identification and taxonomy in soundscape research : Paper No. in10_780

Sound source identification is typically the first step in a soundscape study. For comparability, a standardized sound source taxonomy and data collection methods are needed. Sound sources typically form three main categories: technological, human and natural sounds (e.g., road traffic, voices, and singing birds). These categories are meaningfully related to emotional responses to soundscapes. Technological sounds are typically judged unpleasant, natural sounds pleasant, whereas human sounds are eventful. Based on our empirical results we discuss how detailed a sound source taxonomy needs to be. We illustrate and conclude, it must state basic principles for how to categorize sound sources, and include clear examples without aiming to be exhaustive. Although standardized, related data collection methods must be flexible and allow adaption to unforeseen circumstances.