  Quantum metrology studies quantum strategies which enable us to outperform
their classical counterparts. In this framework, the existence of perfect
classical reference frames is usually assumed. However, such ideal reference
frames might not always be available. The reference frames required in
metrology strategies can either degrade or become misaligned during the
estimation process. We investigate how the imperfectness of reference frames
leads to noise which in general affects the ultimate precision limits in
measurement of physical parameters. Moreover, since quantum parameter
estimation can be phrased as a quantum communication protocol between two
parties, our results provide deeper insight into quantum communication
protocols with misaligned reference frames. Our framework allows for the study
of general noise on the efficiency of such schemes.
