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

Abstract

In 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.

Soundscape mapping in environmental noise management and urban planning: case studies in two UK cities

“…What can be taken for sure is that almost in all cases different interpolation methods will produce different results [23]. Since there are no hard and fast rules for soundscape mapping, previous studies have used several interpolation algorithms such as: Kriging [24,25] Inverse Distance Weighted (IDW) [26] or Spline [27].…”

“…A few studies have dealt with the representation of psychoacoustic parameters [26,32] such as loudness, sharpness or pleasantness in the urban environments. However, very few studies [24,33] have dealt with the overall assessment of the sound environment as a holistic process and in cooperation with the local planning authorities or City Councils.…”

Noise level arrangement in determined zones of homogenous development of green areas on the example of the spa park in Inowrocław

“…In order to compare the layout of noise during the whole year, measurements of noise level were conducted in four seasons. Acoustic data was collected by sampling technique allowed by Polish norm [20][21][22]. 29 measurement points were chosen at the area of the park (Figure 4) where equal level of sound (L Aeq ) was measured during the time of day.…”

Analysis of the acoustic climate of a spa park using the fuzzy set theory

“…The visitors willingly choose, in their opinion, quieter areas. Therefore, subjective sounds perception and its correlation with physical measurements is an important part of creating a soundscape in this type of areas [6,10,11]. The above analysis showed inconsistencies in the perception of sounds.…”

“…By de nition, parks are quiet areas, being the place to rest, relax and enjoy social gatherings. They enable people to spend their free time, either by resting or entertaining themselves [6][7][8][9][10]. The main objective of a park is to create favourable conditions for peaceful individual or non-organised leisure.…”