Technical aspects of the implementation of Directive EU 2015/996 into noise mapping software

The Environmental Noise Directive requires the mapping of the noise following common noise assessment methods. These methods have been adopted under Directive EU 2015/996 based upon the DG JRC Reference Report published in September 2012 and their use starting from the fourth round in 2022 is mandatory. Any new implementation of a method is done by its inclusion within noise mapping software in a consistent manner meaning that different software products produce the same results for the same test situations. On the other hand, the new road method according to Directive EU 2015/996 includes the input of extended data, such as five vehicle categories or user-defined road surface absorptions. Gathering this data can be a challenge in those Member States where no previous databases exist. This paper discusses the implementation of the Directive 2015/996 road calculation method into a noise mapping software platform including its technical and operational aspects as well as the most important elements that must be taken into account in order to meet the requirements of the applicable quality standards.