Participatory Noise Mapping: Harnessing the Potential of Smartphones Through the Development of a Dedicated Citizen-Science Platform

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eoin A. King ◽  
Akin Tatoglu ◽  
Robert D. Celmer
Keyword(s):  
Citizen Science ◽  
Mobile Apps ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Environmental Noise ◽  
Sound Level ◽  
Noise Mapping ◽  
Measurement Variability ◽  
Noise Measurements ◽  
Noise Assessment ◽  
The Impact

This paper presents results of an ongoing project which aims to develop a purpose-built platform for using smart phones as alternative to sound level meters for citizen-science based environment noise assessment. In order to manage and control environmental noise effectively, the extent of the problem must first be quantified. Across the world, strategic noise maps are used to assess the impact of environmental noise in cities. Traditionally, these maps are developed using predictive techniques, but some authors have advocated the use of noise measurements to develop more reliable and robust noise maps. If adopted correctly, smartphones have the capability to revolutionize the manner in which environmental noise assessments are performed. The development of smartphone technology, and its impact on environmental noise studies, has recently begun to receive attention in the academic literature. Recent research has assessed the capability of existing smartphone applications (apps) to be utilized as an alternative low-cost solution to traditional noise monitoring. Results show that the accuracy of current noise measurement apps varies widely relative to pre-specified reference levels. The high degree of measurement variability associated with such apps renders their robustness questionable in their current state. Further work is required to assess how smartphones with mobile apps may be used in the field and what limitations may be associated with their use. To over come the above issues, this project is developing a platform specifically for citizen science noise assessment. The platform consists of a smartphone app that acquires a sound signal and transfers the data to a server via a web based API for post processing purposes. This then returns key information to the user, as well as logging the data for use in a massive noise mapping study. The structure of the proposed platform maintains a clear separation between client (phone) and server. This approach will allow implementation of future open source client side apps for both Android and iOS operating systems.

Sound influence on spa park perception in feelings of visitors

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Małgorzata Sztubecka ◽  
Maria Mrówczyńska ◽  
Anna Bazan-Krzywoszańska ◽  
Marta Skiba
Keyword(s):  
Human Perception ◽  
Special Kind ◽  
Sound Level ◽  
Health Resort ◽  
Measurement Results ◽  
Noise Measurements ◽  
Permissible Levels ◽  
The One ◽  
The Impact

Noise can have many harmful effects on the recipients, however people exposed to noise on a long-term and regular basis can get used to it, even if the permissible levels are exceeded. In cities, green areas and park systems are provided to create a climate for rest and relaxation. Spa parks are a special kind of such park systems, which – in addition to the above-mentioned features – support therapies offered by spa facilities located there. On the one hand, patients and visitors appreciate various social and entertainment events held there, but – on the other – a multitude of sounds associated with them may reduce the comfort of their stay. The aim of this paper is to analyse the relationship between the results of noise measurements and the human perception of noise within the impact zone. The examined area is a spa park in the health resort district of Inowrocław, where seasonal measurements (taken in summer and winter) provided a basis for the determination of the connection between the measured values of equivalent sound level and the noise level perceived by surveyed people. A statistical analysis was performed to take into account the correlation between the obtained measurement results and the human perception of noise. It shows some differences in the perception of heard sounds. The results allow an evaluation of the soundscape of the analysed area.

Characterization of environmental noise based on noise measurements, noise mapping and interviews: A case study at a university campus in Brazil

Cities ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 31 ◽  
pp. 317-327 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paulo Henrique Trombetta Zannin ◽  
Margret Sibylle Engel ◽  
Paulo Eduardo Kirrian Fiedler ◽  
Fernando Bunn
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Noise ◽  
University Campus ◽  
Noise Mapping ◽  
Noise Measurements

scholarly journals Assessing Health Effects and Soundscape Analysis as New Mitigation Actions Concerning the Aircraft Noise Impact in Small- and Middle-Size Urban Areas in Greece

Environments ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 4 ◽  
Author(s):  
Georgia Gerolymatou ◽  
Nicolas Rémy ◽  
Konstantinos Vogiatzis ◽  
Vassiliki Zafiropoulou
Keyword(s):  
Health Effects ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Environmental Noise ◽  
Aircraft Noise ◽  
Population Exposure ◽  
Noise Mapping ◽  
Acoustic Environment ◽  
International Airport ◽  
Disability Adjusted Life ◽  
The Impact

In 2013 and 2014, two main International Airports in Greece were evaluated through the European directive on noise environment 2002/49/EC: “Nikos Kazantzakis” International Airport of Heraklion Crete and “Ioannis—Kapodistrias” International Airport in Corfu, both located in highly touristic areas of Greece. Acoustic measurement’s campaign, environmental noise mapping simulations and population exposure to noise were implemented in order to produce a complete Strategic Noise Map. Correlated to this acoustic approach, a comprehensive interview campaign and a detailed soundscape analysis were also conducted in both airports’ adjacent areas (Alikarnassos district in Heraklion and the peninsula of Canoni in Corfu City) in order to understand the impact of aircraft movements on both local residents and tourists, and analyze the perception of the soundscapes. A similar evaluation was also executed in order to assess possible health effects by using the WHO’s DALY’s (Disability Adjusted Life Year) metrics for environmental noise in relation to the exposure of the population. This paper presents the main results of these representative case studies, attempting a combined assessment of both health effects and soundscape characteristics to be used as evaluation tools towards the management and the rehabilitation acoustic environment characterized mainly by aircraft noise in touristic areas.

scholarly journals Soundscape approach integrating noise mapping techniques: a case study in Brighton, UK

Noise Mapping ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Francesco Aletta ◽  
Jian Kang
Keyword(s):  
Road Traffic ◽  
Environmental Noise ◽  
Sound Level ◽  
Road Traffic Noise ◽  
Sound Sources ◽  
Noise Mapping ◽  
Acoustic Environment ◽  
Sound Environment ◽  
Sound Maps

AbstractIn the guidelines about the management of areas of good environmental noise quality recently published by the European Environment Agency (EEA) it is suggested to combine different methodologies, like noise mapping, sound level measurements and the soundscape approach. Such a recommendation has started to be recognised by a number of local authorities in Europe that are gradually integrating a holistic concept into their environmental noise policies. This research aimed to explore and demonstrate the possibility to integrate conventional noise mapping methods and soundscape methods in an actual urban redevelopment project. A case study was made using the Valley Gardens project in Brighton & Hove (UK). Different scenarios of sound-pressure level distributionswere simulated for both traffic sound sources (i.e. noise maps) and natural sound sources (i.e. sound maps). Additionally, individual responses about the sound environment of the place collected during an on-site question survey were used to implement soundscape maps.The overall picture revealed that the road traffic noise should be reduced, but also it is feasible that preferred sounds likewater features or birdsong could be introduced to make the sound environment more appropriate for the place. Generally, within the framework of this research, noise maps, sound maps and soundscape maps were used together to "triangulate" different layers of information related to the acoustic environment and the way it is perceived, providing a possible working procedure to consider for planners and policy-makers in the future.

Environmental Noise and Annoyance in the Urban Area at Different Time Intervals

2014 ◽  
Vol 617 ◽  
pp. 110-115 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ľubica Argalášová ◽  
Jana Jurkovičová ◽  
Ludmila Ševčíková ◽  
Zuzana Štefániková ◽  
Katarína Hirošová ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Noise Exposure ◽  
Road Traffic ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Environmental Noise ◽  
Economic Transformation ◽  
Sound Level ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Road Traffic Noise ◽  
Residential Areas ◽  
The Impact

Environmental (community) noise, particularly road traffic noise, has attracted widespread attention in recent decades as a major environmental health concern. The aim of the study was to determine the impact of environmental noise on psychosocial well-being of young healthy individuals and to follow the time trends of exposure in the period of 10, 15, 20, 25 years. The validated methodology was used to assess noise annoyance, interference with activities and sleep disturbance; the objectification of noise levels was done by direct measurement using sound level analyzer with a module for frequency analysis. The results revealed the sharp increase during the years 1989 and 1999 (the period of political and socio-economic transformation and the changes in traffic management) and the decrease in the year 2013. The findings of our study indicate the need for preventive measures to reduce environmental noise exposure in residential areas and to emphasize the importance of the elaboration of methods for environmental noise exposure risk assessment.

scholarly journals NoiseModelling: An Open Source GIS Based Tool to Produce Environmental Noise Maps

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Erwan Bocher ◽  
Gwenaël Guillaume ◽  
Judicaël Picaut ◽  
Gwendall Petit ◽  
Nicolas Fortin
Keyword(s):  
Open Source ◽  
Input Data ◽  
Noise Exposure ◽  
Road Traffic ◽  
Transportation Network ◽  
Environmental Noise ◽  
Noise Model ◽  
Population Exposure ◽  
Noise Mapping ◽  
The Impact

The urbanisation phenomenon and related cities expansion and transport networks entail preventing the increase of population exposed to environmental pollution. Regarding noise exposure, the Environmental Noise Directive demands on main metropolis to produce noise maps. While based on standard methods, these latter are usually generated by proprietary software and require numerous input data concerning, for example, the buildings, land use, transportation network and traffic. The present work describes an open source implementation of a noise mapping tool fully implemented in a Geographic Information System compliant with the Open Geospatial Consortium standards. This integration makes easier at once the formatting and harvesting of noise model input data, cartographic rendering and output data linkage with population data. An application is given for a French city, which consists in estimating the impact of road traffic-related scenarios in terms of population exposure to noise levels both in relation to a threshold value and level classes.

Identification, Prioritization, and Assessment of Urban Quiet Areas

2018 ◽  
pp. 150-180 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aggelos Tsaligopoulos ◽  
Chris Economou ◽  
Yiannis G. Matsinos
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Urban Growth ◽  
Environmental Noise ◽  
Urban Setting ◽  
Noise Prediction ◽  
Noise Mapping ◽  
Noise Measurements ◽  
North Aegean

Urban growth retains a bipolar dissension regarding quality of life as it is both deleterious and beneficial for urban dwellers. Environmental noise could be considered a byproduct of growth, and according to numerus studies, it should not be ignored. The small urban setting of Mytilene located in the island of Lesvos (North Aegean, Greece) was the case study of this research. By implementing a novel protocol, the potential Quiet Areas of Mytilene were highlighted. The methodology consisted of noise measurements, soundscape recordings, and strategic noise mapping using the CadnaA noise prediction software. Furthermore, several soundwalks were conducted with the scope to obtain the citizen perspective regarding Quiet Area management. The way that city inhabitants perceive their acoustic surroundings could determine the character of the landscape along with the quality of the soundscape and define the meaning of quietness, which still remains vague.

RESEARCH AND MAPPING OF LOW FREQUENCY NOISE GENERATED BY POWER PLANTS OF INDUSTRIAL ENTREPRISES

Akustika ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 103
Author(s):  
Andrey Vasilyev
Keyword(s):  
Power Plants ◽  
Low Frequency ◽  
Environmental Noise ◽  
Frequency Noise ◽  
Low Frequency Noise ◽  
Frequency Range ◽  
Noise Mapping ◽  
Industrial Enterprises ◽  
Noise Measurements ◽  
Urban Territory

Environmental noise level from industrial enterprises is constantly increasing, especially in low frequency range. This paper presents the results of research and mapping of low frequency noise generated by power plants of industrial enterprises. Environmental noise mapping results of urban territory of Samara region of Russia are also presented. Results of noise measurements during industrial enterprises operation (on the example of “KuibyshevAzot” company) are showing that in some measuring points there were exceeding values compared with Russian sanitary norms requirements. The most serious problem is low frequency noise impact.

scholarly journals Advances in the development of common noise assessment methods in Europe: The CNOSSOS-EU framework for strategic environmental noise mapping

2014 ◽  
Vol 482-483 ◽  
pp. 400-410 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stylianos Kephalopoulos ◽  
Marco Paviotti ◽  
Fabienne Anfosso-Lédée ◽  
Dirk Van Maercke ◽  
Simon Shilton ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Noise ◽  
Assessment Methods ◽  
Noise Mapping ◽  
Common Noise ◽  
Noise Assessment

scholarly journals Transformative Potential and Learning Outcomes of Air Quality Citizen Science Projects in High Schools Using Low-Cost Sensors

Atmosphere ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (6) ◽  
pp. 736
Author(s):  
Sonja Grossberndt ◽  
Antonella Passani ◽  
Giulia Di Lisio ◽  
Annelli Janssen ◽  
Nuria Castell
Keyword(s):  
High School Students ◽  
Air Quality ◽  
Citizen Science ◽  
World View ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Good Practice ◽  
Sensor Systems ◽  
Science Projects ◽  
Transformative Potential ◽  
The Impact

The rise of advanced ICT technologies has made it possible to apply low-cost sensor systems for measuring air quality in citizen science projects, including education. High school students in Norway used these sensor systems in a citizen science project to design, carry out, and evaluate their own research projects on air quality. An impact assessment framework was designed to assess the impact of these activities, considering five areas of impact: scientific, social, economic, political, and environmental. In addition, the framework also considers the transformative potential of the citizen science pilot, i.e., the degree to which the pilot can help to change, alter, or replace current systems, and the business-as-usual in one or more fields such as knowledge production or environmental protection. Data for this assessment were gathered in the form of questionnaires that the students had to complete before starting and after finalizing the pilot activities. The results showed positive impacts on learning, a pro-environmental world view, and an increase in pro-science attitudes and interest in scientific and environmental-related topics at the end of the pilot activities. Only weak impacts were measured for behavioral change. The activities showed transformative potential, which makes the student activities an example of good practice for citizen science activities on air quality with low-cost sensors.

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