Beijing has published a map of traffic noise, which is said to be the first of its kind for the city.
Plotted by the Beijing Municipal institute of Labor Protection under the Beijing Academy of Science and Technology, the map enables people to see how the different urban districts of Beijing are affected by noise pollution.
The sample map, which covers an area of 12.9 square kilometers of Beijing's Haidian District, shows in different colors the noise levels of each area — ranging from 35 decibels to 85 decibels. The farther a point is from the traffic, the quieter it is.
It is learned that data used in the map is based on the sounds patterns made by motor vehicles and calculated sound levels emitted by road users.
Originating from Europe, a noise map is used to tell the noise situation of a city. It helps the public to know about the status of their environment so they can join in monitoring the environmental situation.
