Open-source software tools for strategic noise mapping: A case study

Currently, the European Union has adopted a series of measures to combat noise problems, focusing on some key indicators, such as the daily and night level of noise. Among the possible actions to manage environmental noise, there are the creation of noise maps and the adoption of action plans. Noise maps are, usually, produced by modelling and simulating data relating to traffic and various activities of an area. However, in some cases, these input data are not available or it is not possible to include all noise sources in the models used, causing difficulties in the prediction and analysis of the environmental impacts of noise. In this paper, starting from the analysis of open-source software tools for data collection, noise modelling and mapping, i.e. Openstreet Map, Noise Modelling and QGIS, based on free and public licenses, a methodology for the creation of noise maps will be presented. Finally, the outputs of the application of the methodology to the city centre of the Municipality of Nocera Inferiore, in south Italy, will be the creation of noise maps characterized by the spatial representation of the main standard noise indicators.