Concept of Communicating The Results of Noise Monitoring

Decibels and noise maps, data and colorful posters are untapped assets - in most cases they do not reach their final destination unless proper communication. This paper presents a unique concept of a combined technical and communicational approach. The case-study we examine is the practical application of long-term monitoring system to support urban planning. On one hand we present the benefits of noise mapping and a simplified noise indicator for communication. On the other hand, this paper presents a unique approach, the practical application of long-term monitoring system to support urban planning and the well being of residents. If not used properly, the output of a long-term noise monitoring system is limited to numeric values without leading to any conclusions. To avoid this common failure, the authors established the future goals of the system long before installing it. The main goal providing information on the noise situation for a) stakeholders of the govt. b) urban planners c) residents. Every group needs different ways of communication to understand and make use of the results. The presented concept delivers solution to address all three groups. Tools like simplified NPI or the developed dynamic noise map all automatically generated by the system serve awareness raising purposes.