Ympäristömelukartat

Ympäristömelukartat, or environmental noise maps, are visual representations of noise levels in a specific area. They are created to assess and communicate the impact of environmental noise on human health and well-being. These maps typically display noise levels as colors or patterns on a geographical map, making it easy to identify areas with high noise pollution.

The primary purpose of environmental noise maps is to inform urban planning, noise mitigation strategies, and public awareness. By visualizing noise sources and their propagation, authorities can identify problem areas and prioritize interventions. Common noise sources mapped include road traffic, railway traffic, industrial activities, and aviation. The maps often use standardized metrics like Lden (day-evening-night level) or Lnight (night level) to quantify noise exposure.

Environmental noise mapping is often a legal requirement in many countries, particularly within the European Union through the Environmental Noise Directive. This directive mandates the creation of strategic noise maps for major agglomerations and transport networks. The data collected for these maps can then be used to develop action plans aimed at reducing noise pollution in affected areas. These action plans might include measures such as noise barriers, traffic management, or promoting quieter technologies.

The creation of these maps involves sophisticated modeling techniques that take into account factors like traffic volume, speed, road surface type, building geometry, and topography. The resulting maps serve as valuable tools for both policymakers and the public, fostering a better understanding of noise pollution and its potential solutions.