Transforming Urban Noise: Acoustic Comfort Mapping with IoT and Open GIS

In Brief

This research introduces an innovative Urban Acoustic Comfort Map that integrates IoT, GIS, and crowdsourced citizen input to predict and enhance acoustic comfort in urban environments by combining physical, physiological, and psychological data.

In Depth

Urban life is a symphony of sounds—some delightful, others disruptive. The constant hum of traffic, lively chatter in public spaces, or construction noise can shape how we experience a city. But how do we measure and improve our acoustic comfort? Researchers have developed an innovative Urban Acoustic Comfort Map using IoT, citizen input, and advanced GIS technology to decode the soundscape puzzle and help urban planners create quieter, more pleasant spaces.

Why Acoustic Comfort Matters

Acoustic comfort is all about how we feel in our environment’s soundscape. It’s not just about noise levels; it’s also about our expectations, activities, and even how stressful our day has been. A quiet park may be soothing, while the same noise in a crowded street might feel overwhelming.

This study steps beyond measuring decibels (dB) and dives into the human experience of sound, incorporating physiological and psychological factors to create a holistic view of urban soundscapes.

The Research Framework

The team developed a CityGML-based framework to fuse three key data types:

1. Physical Attributes: Noise levels, traffic density, and building layouts.
2. Physiological Factors: Age, income, and other demographic details.
3. Psychological Insights: Comfort levels, pleasantness, and personal expectations.

By collecting noise data through mobile apps and surveys at Montréal bus stops, researchers trained machine learning models to predict acoustic comfort. They even incorporated crowdsourced data to refine predictions, making this a truly collaborative approach.

How They Did It: Data Collection and Analysis

Participants used the NIOSH Sound Level Meter app to measure noise at nine bus stops in downtown Montréal. After each measurement, they answered surveys about their perceptions—was the noise too loud? Did they feel comfortable? These responses helped define their overall comfort levels.

The data was then fed into a GIS platform enriched with 3D city models. Using regression models like K-Nearest Neighbors (KNN), Support Vector Regression (SVR), and XGBoost, researchers accurately predicted comfort levels based on combined physical, social, and psychological inputs.

Key Findings from the Study

1. Noise and Comfort Are Linked: Higher noise levels often meant lower comfort, but personal factors like gender, mood, and stress levels (e.g., deadlines!) also played a role.
2. Crowdsourced Data Works: Mobile apps and public input can effectively complement traditional noise monitoring systems, making large-scale studies more affordable and inclusive.
3. AI Predicts Comfort Well: Models incorporating social and psychological data performed better than those using noise levels alone, highlighting the need for a human-centric approach to urban planning.

Future Prospects for Urban Soundscapes

This research sets the stage for smarter, more inclusive cities:

• Personalized Comfort Zones: Imagine apps suggesting quieter routes or bus stops based on your preferences!
• Better City Planning: Planners could use these insights to design more harmonious public spaces, balancing greenery, traffic flow, and human activity.
• Beyond Noise: The model can extend to other urban issues like air quality, thermal comfort, and safety, creating a comprehensive urban experience dashboard.

Closing Thoughts

The Urban Acoustic Comfort Map is a groundbreaking example of how technology and human input can come together to make cities more livable. With tools like IoT, GIS, and machine learning, we’re not just monitoring noise—we’re creating cities that listen to their residents.

So, next time you hear the hustle and bustle of your city, remember: engineers and researchers are hard at work turning those sounds into comfort.

In Terms

Acoustic Comfort - How satisfied and comfortable you feel with the sounds around you, like traffic noise or birds chirping. It's about more than loudness—it's how you experience the soundscape!

Soundscape - The “audio environment” of a place, made up of all the sounds you hear—whether pleasant, neutral, or annoying. Think of it as the soundtrack of your surroundings.

Noise Level (dB) - Measured in decibels (dB), it tells us how loud or soft a sound is. Traffic might hit 70 dB, while whispering is around 30 dB.

IoT (Internet of Things) - Devices like phones or sensors that collect and share real-world data over the internet. For example, your smartphone acting as a noise level meter!

GIS (Geographic Information System) - A digital tool that maps and analyzes data linked to locations, like city noise patterns or traffic flow. Think Google Maps, but smarter!

CityGML - A 3D digital model of a city that combines physical features (like roads, buildings) with data (like noise levels) to help urban planners make better decisions.

Crowdsourcing - Gathering data or input from a large group of people—like citizens measuring noise levels using an app on their phones.

Regression Models - A type of machine learning tool that predicts outcomes (like how comfortable you’ll feel at a bus stop) by analyzing patterns in data.

Source

Zarei, F.; Nik-Bakht, M.; Lee, J.; Zarei, F. Urban-Scale Acoustic Comfort Map: Fusion of Social Inputs, Noise Levels, and Citizen Comfort in Open GIS. Processes 2024, 12, 2864. https://doi.org/10.3390/pr12122864

From: Concordia University; SLR Consulting Ltd.