Noise Assessment
The Noise Assessment tool estimates the noise generated by a UAV based on a selected flight plan (arrival and departure locations) and drone type. Ground-level noise exposure is visualized through interactive heatmaps, providing a representation of the spatial distribution of acoustic impact. Beyond sound levels, the tool also evaluates psychoacoustic metrics, including changes in perceived annoyance (based on an annoyance rating scale) and the percentage of highly annoyed individuals affected by UAS noise above defined thresholds. Users can compare multiple flight trajectories while accounting for population density and background (ambient) noise conditions. The tool further supports the generation of detailed noise maps for cities, buildings, and local environments under specific spatial and temporal scenarios, including restricted or unrestricted flight zones and varying numbers of flights per hour.
The tool has been developed by USAL & TUD.
Watch the short video below to explore the tool in action.
How can this tool create value for its key users?
This question shaped the business impact analysis conducted by Future Needs.
Based on stakeholder input, the primary target users of the Noise Assessment tool are UAS operators and smart cities. For UAS operators and service providers, the tool significantly facilitates regulatory approval processes by identifying flight paths associated with higher noise levels and increased perceived annoyance, taking into account population density and ambient noise conditions. By highlighting noise-sensitive areas and quantifying annoyance impacts, the tool enables the selection of optimized routes that minimize societal disturbance and improve the likelihood of operational authorization. For smart cities, the tool supports the integration of innovative air mobility solutions into urban logistics systems. Through network-wide noise visualization under specific operational scenarios, city authorities can assess cumulative acoustic impacts and implement noise-aware routing strategies aligned with broader sustainability and quality-of-life objectives. In this way, the tool helps balance technological innovation with responsible urban planning.