Methodologies for environmental sound assessment: Characterization and measurement approaches at Six ES Sites In Portugal

Abstract

Environmental sound assessment can be carried out in different ways, depending on the measurement goals, the sampling techniques used (both spatial and temporal), and the effort required to obtain representative results. The purpose of the measurement may be to characterize the overall sound levels at a given time, without distinguishing between their sources or whether they are considered pleasant or unpleasant. Alternatively, it may aim to characterize sound levels associated with specific human activities, including noise from road, rail, and air traffic, as well as industrial operations. A major challenge, however, is the development of sound assessment methods that go beyond traditional “noise mapping” to capture the complexity of acoustic environments, which include both natural and anthropogenic sounds. This is particularly relevant in the context of environmental sustainability and biodiversity conservation, where sound plays a crucial role in ecological processes and human well-being. The NATURELAB project addresses this challenge by creating an integrated framework for classifying different natural spaces (such as forests, urban parks, and gardens) based on their potential to promote health. Within this framework, the present study contributes by collecting and analyzing acoustic data from six Experimental Sites (ES) in Portugal. These data, along with on-site visits and short-term measurements, provide the foundation for defining robust measurement strategies in the next phase of the project. This study presents information collected on the acoustic environment of six Experimental Sites (ES) in Portugal. This information, combined with on-site visits and short-duration measurements, has supported the identification of appropriate measurement types to be implemented in the following project phase.