The sensors in Apeldoorn measure decibels via the LoRa network*. The aim is to provide insight into the extent to which developments such as the expansion of Lelystad Airport, the widening of the A1 motorway or speed restrictions on the A50 motorway affect noise pollution in the city.
The data from the sensors can be viewed by anyone via the Apeldoorn Municipality’s data portal and via sound.jeng.io.
Private individuals can also install sensors on their own property to measure, for example, air quality (particulate matter), temperature (heat stress), humidity and similar factors. Anyone can join the LoRa Community Meetup in Apeldoorn to, amongst other things, build sensors together or expand their knowledge. Data is also available on Apeldoorn in Data.
The local authority has decided to make a contribution in the field of noise monitoring as well. The approach is for the local authority to make the technology and data available to the wider community, so that members of the community or (groups of) residents have the opportunity to work with them further and carry out analyses.
Councillor Wim Willems: “These boxes may be small, but to me they symbolise something much bigger. They represent technological progress. That is not an end in itself, but rather a means of working intelligently towards a liveable and sustainable city. And it’s one of the many innovations we’re working on in Apeldoorn under the ”Smart Metering’ initiative.”
The council is also making a very conscious decision to take on a facilitating role in this: “For me, these sensors also symbolise greater influence for our residents over their own living environment. Because the data these sensors will collect is public and can be used by anyone as they see fit. This increases knowledge of and engagement with your own neighbourhood, but can also provide tools for raising issues and starting a dialogue.”.
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