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In the framework of the European Directive 2002/49/EC, from 2012 to 2016, several cities in Greece have completed noise strategic maps with noise action plans that usually define the main strategies to reduce the noise residents are exposed to and introduce and preserve “quiet zones”. Several medium urban agglomerations in Greece (Volos, Larissa, Chania, Heraklion, Corfu, Agrinio, Thessaloniki) have been chosen to also analyse the sound qualities of the soundscapes of specific urban neighbourhoods in order to generate recommendations for the urban design of the soundscapes of these agglomerations in a manner that complements conventional noise mitigation measures. The general principle of this approach is to relate quantitative data (e.g., from measurements, acoustic simulations, urban forms, topography, and traffic model) with qualitative data (e.g., from type of sources, interviews, reports on environmental noise perception) by creating quantitative and qualitative maps. The aim of this study is to propose possible action tools to the relevant authorities aiming at diminishing noise levels in affected areas and also to provide solutions towards a sustainable sound environment both in space and time. This paper presents the main current methodology, selected important results proposed for the urban agglomerations of a typical Southeast Mediterranean country such as Greece.

Abstract: There currently exist a number of commercial tools which may be used to develop strategic noise maps in an effort to satisfy the requirements of EU Directive 2002/49/EC. However, these tools may not be readily available to local authorities with limited resources. This paper investigates the possibility of developing a simplified alternative to using detailed commercial software for the creation of strategic noise maps. In-house noise prediction software was used to calculate a noise map of Dublin city centre and results were compared to those of commercial standard software. The in-house software tool was then used to assess the impact of various source-dependent action plans in a time-efficient and practical manner. Measurements were also carried out at various locations throughout the test area, which were then used to investigate the accuracy of predictions. Finally, a hybrid approach to developing a strategic noise map by integrating measurements taken on-site with predictions was developed. This approach was applied to the test area and yielded a refined noise map that presented noise levels which were more reflective of the measured levels recorded on-site. This demonstrated that the method could be used to determine noise levels that would be representative of the acoustic environment experienced on-site. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]