Beamforming is a method of mapping noise sources using an acoustical array. Beamforming discerns the direction from which the sound originates by means of the time delays that occur as the sound passes over an array of microphones. The method is very quick, allowing a full map to be calculated from a single-shot measurement. It is mainly used from one to a few wavelength's distance from the source under test and is chiefly of interest for medium to high frequencies.
Applications are found indoors, outdoors (Moving Source Beamforming), underwater and in windtunnels.