Citizens as Environmental Sensors: Noise Mapping and Assessment on Lemnos Island, Greece, Using VGI and Web Technologies

Abstract

Noise caused by industrial activities, urban life and traffic has a negative impact on people's health and quality of life. Environmental noise mapping is an important tool to study and address this problem. Through specialized measurement and analysis techniques, it is possible to identify areas at high risk of noise and under-stand the extent of the problem. This information can be used to develop strategies to protect the population exposed to high noise levels. In this paper, a method for collecting, processing, managing and mapping spatial noise data based on Volunteered Geographic Information (VGI) and web mapping technologies is present-ed. The proposed method uses noise pollution data collected from citizens using mobile devices. This includes both on-site measurements and information on users' subjective perceptions, providing a comprehensive picture of the problem. This enables authorities to take into account the individual perceptions and needs of citizens when planning noise mitigation measures, which has not been the case in the inter-national literature to date. To achieve this goal, a prototype of a free and open-source tool called "Noise Pollution" was developed. The proposed methodology and the resulting system are intended to help improve the quality of life in noisy environments and protect the health of citizens. They provide a practical tool for collecting and analyzing noise data and enable the development of noise mitigation strategies for the benefit of the population exposed to high noise levels.