Mapping the Sound Environment of Andorra and Escaldes-Engordany by Means of a 3D City Model Platform

Abstract

In the new paradigm of the smart cities world, public opinion is one of the most important issues in the new conception of urban space and its corresponding regulations. The data collection in terms of environmental noise cannot only be related to the value of the equivalent noise level L A e q of the places of interest. According to WHO reports, the different types of noise (traffic, anthropomorphic, industrial, and others) have different effects on citizens; the focus of this study is to use the identification of noise sources and their single impacts on background urban noise to develop a visualization tool that can represent all this information in real time. This work used a 3D model platform to visualize the acoustic measurements recorded at three strategic positions over the country by means of a sound map. This was a pilot project in terms of noise source identification. The visualization method presented in this work supports the understanding of the data collected and helps the space-time interpretation of the events. In the study of soundscape, it is essential not only to have the information of the events that have occurred, but also to have the relations established between them and their location. The platform visualizes the measured noise and differentiates four types of noise, the equivalent acoustic level measured and the salience of the event with respect to background noise by means of the calculation of SNR (Signal-to-Noise), providing better data both in terms of quantity and quality and allowing policy-makers to make better-informed decisions on how to minimize the impact of environmental noise on people.

Preparation of Industrial Noise Mapping and Improvement of Environmental Quality

“…The establishment of web-based and real-time noise measurement monitoring systems is also targeted in studies in different countries. For example, Alsina-Pagès et al [ 6 ] stated for the future goals to enable the real-time monitoring of the acoustic environment of the country, the development of real-time operation with a network of acoustic sensors deployed in Andorra and Escaldes-Engordany was aimed. Noise monitoring systems can detail the changes in noise levels over the years and contribute to the determination of urban growth policies.…”

“…Arbaoui et al [ 5 ] reported that noise exposure can cause hearing problems, hypertension, heart disease, and sleep disturbances. Alsina-Pagès et al [ 6 ] stated that in recent years, many researchers aimed at noise reduction to avoid various adverse health effects such as sleep disturbance, discomfort, cardiovascular effects, learning impairment, and hypertension. Bozkurt and Demirkale [ 7 ] stated that environmental noise can significantly affect public health and have a remarkable impact on human activities.…”

Descriptors and Indicators of the Acoustic Environment in Andorra and Escaldes-Engordany

“…With this idea in mind, some time ago we started a joint project to observe and characterise the different types of noise existing at three specific points in the two cities, with the aim of categorising all the audible sounds at these points into four categories: Traffic, People, City and Works [8]. For this purpose, samples of raw acoustic data were recorded at these locations for two days to be studied and labelled, as well as the final part of visualization of the types of noise [9].…”