Ambient Noise & Sound 🔈

This page provides insights into the data from the Ambient Noise(dB) and Sound Level(dB) sensors. The charts are based on data representing the average value per day for each resource.

Overview

The Ambient Noise and Sound Level dashboard tracks acoustic conditions across the workplace. It captures both ambient noise (background level, useful for baseline workplace acoustics) and sound level (peak event-driven noise), each measured in decibels.

Use this dashboard to:

• Identify noise hotspots and quiet zones

• Inform open-plan and neighbourhood-design decisions

• Validate the acoustic performance of meeting rooms and breakout spaces

• Provide objective data to support flexible-working and focus-area policies

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Sensor Status Bands

The dashboard uses the following status bands for both Ambient Noise and Sound Level readings:

Status	Range	Meaning
🟢 Excellent	< 40 dB	Very quiet; ideal for focused work
🟡 Acceptable	40–50 dB	Moderate background noise; typical open office
🔴 Poor	≥ 50 dB	High noise level; likely to impact concentration and wellbeing

Acoustic Reference (General Guide)

Level	Range	Typical Environment
Very Quiet	< 40 dB	Library, private office, focus zone
Moderate	40–50 dB	Open office hum, normal conversation
Loud	50–65 dB	Busy café, multiple overlapping conversations
Disruptive	> 65 dB	Noisy environment; fatigue rises rapidly

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Dashboard Structure

The dashboard is organised into four tabs:

1. Monitoring

2. Data

3. Map

4. Floor Heatmap

A metric switcher toggles every chart between Ambient Noise and Sound Level.

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Tab 1 — Monitoring

Ambient Noise Trend

Line chart with Daily / Weekly granularity tabs.

Ambient noise level (dB) over time. Background bands mark the Quiet / Active / Loud / Disruptive zones.

Use it to: track whether the workplace is becoming louder over time — a common pattern as desk density rises.

Average Ambient Noise by Resource

Horizontal bar chart, ranked.

Resources ranked by ambient noise, colour-coded by band.

Use it to: identify the loudest neighbourhoods and the quietest, supporting the assignment of focus and collaboration zones.

Average Ambient Noise by Weekday

Bar chart.

Noise averages by day of the week.

Sound Level Trend

Line chart with Daily / Weekly granularity tabs.

Peak sound level (dB) over time, with reference threshold lines.

Use it to: detect transient noise events such as construction, equipment startup, or alarms.

Average Sound Level by Resource

Horizontal bar chart, ranked.

Resources ranked by average peak sound level.

Average Sound Level by Weekday

Bar chart.

Peak-noise averages by day of the week.

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Tab 2 — Data

Noise Data Table

Sortable data grid.

Minimum, maximum, and average ambient noise (dB) per resource.

Sound Data Table

Sortable data grid.

Minimum, maximum, and average sound level (dB) per resource.

Both tables support CSV, JSON, and PDF export.

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Tab 3 — Map

Sensor Map View

Interactive geographic map.

Buildings plotted on a world map, colour-coded by acoustic status.

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Tab 4 — Floor Heatmap

Acoustic Floor Heatmap

Colour-coded overlay on an interactive 2D floor plan.

Each monitored resource appears as a heat point coloured by its current acoustic band.

Use it to: visualise where in the floor plan noise concentrates, supporting decisions on screening, partitioning, and zoning.

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Filters & Controls

• Building, Floor, Resource, Resource Type

• Date range with presets and custom ranges

• Granularity tabs on trend charts

• Metric switcher: Ambient Noise / Sound Level

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Tips

• Cross-reference high noise readings against the Occupancy dashboard. Persistent noise during low-occupancy periods often indicates a faulty sensor or persistent equipment hum.

• Use the Sound Level chart to investigate complaints about specific events — peaks are usually clearly visible.