Shabda

Troubled by noise in your neighbourhood?

Use the Shabda app to measure noise levels across the city.

Easy to use and free to download

Shabda is a free and easy-to-use Android mobile application, developed by the Center for Study of Science, Technology and Policy (CSTEP).

Captures noise levels on your phone

Shabda uses the embedded microphone in your mobile to measure noise levels. The app geotags the recorded noise levels.

Allows user inputs

The app allows the users to report the primary source of noise and how it impacts them.

Shabda is a tool to build a noise exposure repository for your city.

By using Shabda, you are contributing towards noise pollution reduction efforts to promote quieter neighbourhoods.

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How to download and use the Shabda app?

You can download the Shabda app on Google Play.

Step 1: Click on the recorder button to start measuring the noise. Once the recording starts, it continues for 10 seconds.

Step 2: Once the recording is complete, it is automatically geotagged to your location.

Step 3: The app prompts you to report whether the noise observation was made from an indoor or outdoor location. It also displays the details of the noise measurement you recorded (i.e. total run time, and average and maximum noise level).

Step 4: You can then submit the measured noise recording.

Step 5: You can also choose to report the primary source of noise, how it affects you and then submit your measured noise recording.

Why should you use Shabda?

Sounds in our surroundings can either be relaxing or stressful. The exposure to high noise levels can not only damage ears but also cause psychological impacts. Research indicates that for every 10 decibels, the risk of a heart attack increases by 3 per cent and more than 360 million people worldwide have disabled hearing loss due to noise pollution.

Data on temporal and spatial distribution of noise in our surroundings is crucial to invoke necessary policy responses and actions. Shabda is a step towards collating this data for cities. By using Shabda, you are contributing towards building a noise database for your city and help appropriate agencies to take necessary actions.

What are the key features of the Shabda?

Shabda is an easy-to-use Android mobile application with multiple features.

It measures noise level at any given time and location
It automatically geolocates the measured noise
It allows users to report the primary source of noise and how it impacts them

How will the data from Shabda be used?

The noise data captured from Shabda is fed into a dashboard, generating interesting visualisation and analysis. Visit the dashboard to explore noise data in your city.

Does Shabda access any private information from your smartphone?

Shabda does not access any private information from your smartphone. The app only uses the embedded microphone in your mobile to measure noise levels and the inbuilt GPS to geotag the recorded noise levels.

What are the key benefits?

Turns your smartphone into a noise-measuring device
Serves as a tool to build a noise data repository
Helps authorities articulate prevention efforts
Raises awareness about ambient noise environment

Click on the recorder button to start measuring the noise. The noise is recorded for 10 seconds.

Once the recording is complete, it is automatically geotagged to your location.
Details of your recording are displayed on the screen.
Select indoor or outdoor to indicate your location.
Click on continue to move to the next screen or submit the measured noise recording.

Select an appropriate option to indicate the primary source of noise and click on next.

Select appropriate options to indicate how the noise affects you and click submit.