Noise maps showing areas that are relatively louder or quieter, measured in decibels (dB), for industry noise within agglomerations in 2021. The data represents the evening levels (Leve) – the annual average A-weighted long-term sound over the evening period (19:00-23:00). Qualifying agglomerations are urban areas with populations in excess of 100,000 people, i.e. Aberdeen, Dundee, Edinburgh, Falkirk and Glasgow.
Scottish Ministers commissioned strategic noise mapping analysis to meet the requirements of the Environmental Noise Directive (Directive 2002/49/EC), which is legally implemented in Scotland thorough the Environmental Noise (Scotland) Regulations 2006, as amended by the Environmental Noise (Scotland) Amendment Regulations 2018.
Noise maps are used to identify areas where noise levels are high and, by linking population data, estimate how many people are affected. This aids in the production of noise action plans to manage noise and reduce noise levels where appropriate.