The Use of Noise Maps and Planning Tools in the Management of an Acoustic Climate in an Urban Area

Nowadays, noise is considered as one of the most significant factors polluting the environment. It is classified in the first place among the indicators of the comfort of home, leisure and work. Therefore, more and more attention is paid to the need to study the sources and effects of noise on the environment and to develop effective methods of protection against nuisance and harmful sounds. Analysis of environmental factors is an especially important part of the process of spatial planning. The article covers characteristics of spatial and temporal differentiation of acoustic phenomena occurring within selected district of Lublin – the largest Polish city east of the Vistula River. Field measurements and analytical operations, which enable mapping noise, and consequently measuring the exposure of residents to the impact of abnormal sound levels, were made. There was also an attempt to evaluate the spatial development and its relationship with prevailing acoustic conditions. The collected results allowed developing recommendations for planning the city centre area acting as a standard. The need to design buffer zones to reduce the sound level near roads or locating residential areas away from sources of noise was underlined. The study should prove helpful in forecasting changes in the acoustic conditions and spatial planning and deciding on protection measures in urban areas.