# The Implementation of Low-cost Urban Acoustic Monitoring Devices

arXiv: https://arxiv.org/abs/1605.08450 · HTML: https://mlsanity.com/paper/1605.08450/

## Key facts

- Cited by 2 papers in the map (data through 14 Oct 2026).
- First posted on arXiv 26 May 2016.

## Built on by (most cited first, 2 of 2)

- [From Environmental Sound Representation to Robustness of 2D CNN Models Against Adversarial Attacks](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2204.07018/) (2022)
- [First-of-its-kind AI model for bioacoustic detection using a lightweight associative memory Hopfield neural network](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2507.10642/) (2025)

## Abstract (arXiv)

The urban sound environment of New York City (NYC) can be, amongst other things: loud, intrusive, exciting and dynamic. As indicated by the large majority of noise complaints registered with the NYC 311 information/complaints line, the urban sound environment has a profound effect on the quality of life of the city's inhabitants. To monitor and ultimately understand these sonic environments, a process of long-term acoustic measurement and analysis is required. The traditional method of environmental acoustic monitoring utilizes short term measurement periods using expensive equipment, setup and operated by experienced and costly personnel. In this paper a different approach is proposed to this application which implements a smart, low-cost, static, acoustic sensing device based around consumer hardware. These devices can be deployed in numerous and varied urban locations for long periods of time, allowing for the collection of longitudinal urban acoustic data. The varied environmental conditions of urban settings make for a challenge in gathering calibrated sound pressure level data for prospective stakeholders. This paper details the sensors' design, development and potential future applications, with a focus on the calibration of the devices' Microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) microphone in order to generate reliable decibel levels at the type/class 2 level.