Participatory approach to noise mapping and acoustic climate management

Noise maps and noise action plans developed in EU countries following the Directive 2002/49/EC are prepared by use of many specialized tools, enabling simulations based on the geometric models and supported by processing results of acoustic measurement. However research focused on acoustic environment should take into account non-technical problems, too. In this area, both the "toolboxes" and methodology of using them in the specified field are still not well-recognized and developed. For instance, social sciences show that level of noise annoyance and social response to noise problem do not coincide with the level of environmental noise specified by acoustic parameters. It is obligatory for the authorities responsible for developing strategic noise maps and noise action plan to inform and consult the society in a clear, comprehensible and accessible way. As many observations show, methods commonly used in the processes of consulting environmental noise problems very often do not meet these requirements. This article shows a concept and potential benefits of implementing participatory approach in acoustical environment management to help to reach mutual understanding and agreement between decision-makers and citizens. Combination of practice of social science with data from acoustic maps saved in GIS-class tools, described as Participatory GIS (PGIS) methodology, seems to be promising for developing decision support systems in the field of acoustic climate management.