Spatial hearing is described in three distinct coordinate systems with different strengths.

Evidence

In this context we define three coordinate systems, each of which has its specific strengths: … 1. Rectangular coordinates or Cartesian coordinates {x, y, z}. This is a natural way to describe three-dimensional information when observing a sound space and a listener from an external point of view. The listening subject can be positioned at the origin, looking, for example, along the x-axis. From the perceptual point of view of the listener, the rectangular coordinate system is not the most intuitive one. 2. Spherical coordinates {ϕ, δ, r} from the most natural ‘head-related’ or ‘listenercentric’ coordinate system for subjects when orienting themselves in an acoustic environment. Figure 12.2 illustrates this case using the azimuth angle ϕ of a direction, −180◦≤ϕ < + 180◦; the elevation angle δ of a direction, −90◦≤δ < + 90◦; and the distance r of an object. — Ville Pulkki, Matti Karjalainen, Communication Acoustics- An…, 1396

Categorization

• DEFINE: Clearly explains the three coordinate systems (Cartesian, spherical, cone-of-confusion) used to describe spatial hearing.