New research methods include sound as a core resource for getting a deeper knowledge of the urban space. The lecture gives an introduction in some key concepts of sound research that will be applied by the Frontier Zones Project. Based on approaches developed in the second half of the 20th century - Max Neuhaus’ awareness walks and Murray Schafers World Soundscape Project - the practices of field recording will be reflected. Current research uses geocaching methods and internet archives to explore the spatial allocation of sound and make it accessible for a global audience. At the same time sonic interventions change the perspective towards artistic research methods.