Lle

The Environmental Noise Directive required the Welsh Government to produce noise maps in 2012 for major roads, for major railways and for roads, railways and industry in agglomerations. This data package contains all the sound level contours calculated in 2012, in 5-decibel “A-weighted” contour bands. It also contains spatial data on the sources modelled (the major roads, major railways, agglomerations and industrial sites in agglomerations) and designated areas relevant to noise action planning. The maps are due to be reviewed, and some may be revised, in 2017.

Note: (1) Although described as noise maps for the purposes of the Directive, it would be more correct to call these sound maps. The term noise refers to unwanted or harmful sound. (2) The values are calculated, not measured, and should be treated with caution when looking at specific locations. (3) Human response to industrial noise is highly dependent on the nature of the sound being heard and on the level of masking by road traffic, and these factors are not reflected in the industrial noise maps, making them of limited practical value to regulators.

More details can be found here