SoundPLAN

In-Depth Analysis

SoundPLAN is the industry-standard environmental noise prediction and mapping software used by acoustical consultants, environmental agencies, and infrastructure planners worldwide. The platform creates detailed 3D acoustic models of noise environments, incorporating terrain, buildings, barriers, vegetation, and atmospheric conditions to predict noise levels at any point in the modeled area. SoundPLAN supports all major noise prediction standards including ISO 9613, CNOSSOS-EU, CRTN, RLS 90, NMPB, and FHWA TNM, enabling consultants to perform calculations accepted by regulatory authorities globally. The software handles complex scenarios including road traffic, railway, industrial, airport, and mixed-source noise with cumulative impact assessment. SoundPLAN's grid noise maps visualize predicted noise levels as color-coded contour maps that communicate impact clearly to planners, regulators, and the public. The building noise map module calculates noise levels at every facade point of buildings within the study area, enabling population exposure assessment for Strategic Noise Maps required by the EU Environmental Noise Directive. SoundPLAN also supports barrier and mitigation design optimization — engineers can test different barrier configurations, building orientations, and source treatments to find the most cost-effective noise reduction solution.