Noise annoyance mapping in urban environments as an advanced tool for the design of effective noise mitigation actions

The design of noise mitigation actions, after strategic noise map evaluation of urban environments, is always a challenging task that normally relies on technology for the definition of proposals for noise prevention and control. Taking into account that the main objective of strategic noise maps and noise action planning in agglomerations is citizens' quality of life, comfort and health rather than just putting decibels down, the main effect of environmental noise on people living in urban areas, that is annoyance, must be taken into consideration when deciding about proposals for noise control and mitigation. Citizens' noise exposure comes as a direct result from strategic noise maps, both as percentage of people exposed to noise ranges, usually 5 dBA intervals, and as noise exposure mapping. In this work we focus on urban road traffic noise annoyance mapping, evaluated by means of recommended exposure-response relationship and recent WHO Europe revision formula, as a complementary tool to assist the design of effective noise mitigation actions that strengthens the advocacy of the person in the process of selecting proposals.