Body sensors to measure Heathrow 'noise stress'
Project monitoring aircraft noise using mobile phone app may be extended to include 'annoyance' research http://www.hacan.org.uk/
A project to monitor excessive aircraft noise using a mobile phone app may be extended to include other technological research such as a map which would chart how residents feel about the nuisance in different parts of the Royal Borough.
More than 120 residents have already taken part in the WideNoise aircraft monitoring project since it was launched in April by recording and mapping around 4,500 incidences of aircraft noise. The WideNoise app allows residents to upload recorded sounds of aircraft noise as well as log their responses - ranging from feeling calm to hectic.
Working with the council, University College London (UCL), is looking to extend the project by using the data collected to produce a map to show where in the borough residents' feelings about the issue are at their highest.
This unique map may also be created using information from volunteers wearing body sensors to measure their reactions to excessive aircraft noise. Other measures - announced at the council's Aviation Forum on Tuesday 27 August - include the possibility of placing static sound monitoring machines in residents' homes to provide a more comprehensive approach to researching the issue.
One third of the recordings uploaded using the WideNoise app were over 80 decibels* and comments were also logged by participating residents who complained that the aircraft noise spoilt conversations, use of their gardens, picnics and, generally, their evenings.
Maps showing where aircraft noise in the borough have been recorded as part of the WideNoise project can be viewed online at http://tinyurl.com/WindsorMaidenhead
Source:
- Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead - Press Release 2013-09-03