Strategic noise map and noise zone (dB)

Strategic noise maps are produced by the Czech Ministry of Health under Section 80 of the Public Health Protection Act and updated at least every 5 years. The current round is from 2022: the data were processed by the Public Health Institute in Ostrava and the map was published in November 2023. Only major roads (over 3 million vehicles a year), major railways (over 30,000 trains a year), major airports (over 50,000 take-offs and landings a year, in Czechia Václav Havel Airport Prague) and seven agglomerations are mapped.

How to read it

Noise is shown in 5 dB bands for two indicators under Decree No. 523/2006 Coll. Ldvn (day-evening-night, the Czech name for Lden) is an annual average with extra weight on the evening (18-22 h) and night (22-6 h); Ln covers the night only. Values are calculated at 4 m above ground at the facade most exposed to noise. When a house is “outside the noise zone”, noise from the mapped sources there is below the lowest band drawn.

What to watch out for

• The map says nothing about roads and railways with less traffic, industry or neighbours. “Outside the zone” therefore does not mean quiet.
• Ldvn and Ln are not the same as the statutory noise limits, which are assessed with the LAeq indicator for day and night. The limit values of strategic mapping, for roads Ldvn 70 dB and Ln 60 dB, are used to prepare noise action plans.
• The values are calculated, not measured. The best check is to visit at different times of day, including the evening.

Frequently asked questions

Where can the map be found?

It is public in the map application of the Ministry of Health Geoportal (Noise map 2022).

How can I tell whether noise will increase?

Planned roads and railways appear in the zoning plan as transport infrastructure zones and corridors. For large projects the EIA documentation describes the effects on noise.