How NoiseMap works
Below is a step-by-step description of the service: from adding a noise report to its appearance on the map, in the heatmap and in area statistics. We keep the process transparent so you know where your reports go and how they are used.
1. Submitting a noise report
Any visitor can submit a report. Open the interactive map, click the location of the incident and fill in a short form. The service stores coordinates and, when possible, an approximate address from geocoding.
The form includes: noise type (music, renovation, thumping, dog barking, party, shouting, etc.), loudness level (1–5), time of day (day or night), event type (one-off, recurring, long-lasting), and optionally — noise source (apartment, entrance, yard, street, construction) and a short description. Descriptions help moderators and other users but are not required.
A simple captcha is used before submit to reduce spam and bots. After clicking «Submit», the report goes to the moderation queue and is not shown on the map until approved.
2. Moderation
All new reports are reviewed before publication. Moderation filters out spam, duplicates, offensive or off-topic content and obvious abuse (e.g. bulk submissions from one device).
Moderators do not visit locations or verify noise in person — NoiseMap is not an official authority. Decisions are based on the report content. Approved points are published and included in the map, clusters, heatmap and statistics. Rejected reports are not shown. If your report has not appeared after several days, it may have been rejected; you can contact support or the club (link in the header).
3. Points on the map and recent reports
After approval, a point appears on the map as a marker. Markers can be shown individually or in clusters when many reports fall in one area. Clicking or hovering shows a tooltip with type, level, time, date and description if provided.
The «Recent reports» panel (clock icon) lists the latest approved reports and lets you jump to them on the map.
4. Heatmap
The heatmap visualises «hot» zones where noise is reported more often and at higher levels. It uses approved points and factors in count, loudness and recency — recent reports weigh more, older ones fade so the picture stays relevant.
You can switch between markers/clusters only or markers plus heatmap, and choose the period: last 7, 30 or 365 days. This helps analyse current and long-term patterns (e.g. seasonal noise).
5. Location and city statistics
Aggregated statistics are computed for predefined locations (cities, districts). For each we show: total reports for 7, 30 and 365 days, average noise level, share of night-time reports, and optionally breakdown by noise type. These figures appear on the homepage and on dedicated location pages, which also include descriptive text and FAQs (laws, where to complain, how to reduce noise) and a mini-map of reports in that area.
6. How the data is used
Aggregated, anonymised data can support residents (e.g. when choosing a place to live or complaining to authorities), activists and NGOs (evidence for campaigns), city services and property managers (identifying problem areas), and researchers or media (with attribution and under the terms of use).
7. Search and navigation
The header search lets you type a city, district or street name and jump to the corresponding location page or map view. Results update as you type.
8. Feedback
We improve NoiseMap with user feedback. Suggestions, bug reports and data-use questions are welcome via the «Club of Silence Defenders» channel (link in the header). Thank you for using NoiseMap and helping make urban noise more visible and accountable.