Interactive noise maps for action planning in the framework of the European Noise Directive

The European Noise Directive (END) requires assessment of noise exposures as well as the formulation of Action Plans for the reduction of the number of people harmfully affected by environmental noise. Within the framework of the project ‘Urban Strategy’, TNO has developed an interactive noise map. This detailed interactive noise map allows local authorities to assess, real time, the effect of different noise abatement measures. Different noise measures, such as the application of silent road surface types or lowering speed limits, can be interactively explored with the system. It directly shows the updated detailed noise contour maps as well as indicators describing the impact (such as annoyance) after a measure has been applied though the interactive interface. Because response times are very short, the instrument can be used in interactive workshops with specialists and stakeholders. In this way, authorities can formulate effective noise abatement strategies in a very short time span while involving the relevant parties. The software is built in such a modular way that it can be linked to a traffic model, so that measures affecting traffic flows can also be evaluated. The noise model is implemented in such a way that it readily can be replaced by other detailed noise models