If you’re a safety officer, EHS manager, or plant engineer, you probably already perform occupational noise measurements as part of your workplace safety program. But are you making the most of that data?
Creating a noise map from your measurements doesn’t require complex modeling or advanced acoustic training anymore. With the right tools, it’s simple, fast, and incredibly useful—especially when it comes to compliance, communication, and proactive noise control.
In this article, we’ll show you how to convert your sound level meter readings into a clear, professional noise map using SoundPLANmanda, a modern acoustic simulation tool available through SoundPLAN Asia.
Why Create a Noise Map in Your Factory?
Occupational noise mapping offers multiple advantages over raw decibel readings:
- Visual clarity: Identify high-exposure zones at a glance
- Compliance support: Demonstrate adherence to ISO 11690 and local regulations
- Better communication: Explain noise risks to management and workers with clear visuals
- Targeted noise control: Plan barriers or PPE more effectively
- Documentation: A noise map supports audits, inspections, and long-term safety planning
Step-by-Step: Creating a Factory Noise Map from Measurements
You don’t need to guess or model everything from scratch. If you’ve already measured noise levels across your production floor using a sound level meter, you’re halfway there.
Here’s how to go from measurement to map in just a few steps.
1. Prepare Your Measurement Data
Use a calibrated Class 1 or Class 2 sound level meter to measure LAeq values (or others as required by your local standard). Common measurement points include:
- Operator positions
- Between machines
- Walkways and entrances
- Control rooms
Export your data in a spreadsheet or directly from your instrument’s software.
2. Set Up Your Factory Layout in SoundPLANmanda
Using SoundPLANmanda, you can:
- Import a simple 2D floor plan (DWG, DXF, PDF, or image file)
- Define walls, machinery, and other structures as obstacles or reflective surfaces
- Place receivers or measurement points where your data was collected
The interface is user-friendly and designed for safety officers—not just acoustics consultants.
3. Input Measured Sound Levels
Instead of guessing source power levels, you can:
- Assign the actual measured levels to machinery locations
- Treat measurement points as fixed-level sound sources in the model
- Optionally, use standard machinery noise levels from a built-in library
This is where SoundPLANmanda shines—it allows quick, practical modeling based on real factory data.
4. Run the Calculation and Generate the Noise Map
With one click, SoundPLANmanda performs the calculation and:
- Interpolates noise levels across the entire workspace
- Factors in reflections and shielding effects
- Generates a color-coded noise map overlaid on your factory layout
You can easily spot areas exceeding 85 dB(A), 90 dB(A), or any other threshold.
5. Export and Share the Results
You can export:
- High-resolution noise maps (PDF or image)
- Data tables for reporting
- Project files for documentation
Noise maps can be printed and posted in break rooms, emailed to management, or used during safety briefings.
Use Cases: How Safety Officers Use Noise Maps
- Zoning for PPE requirements
- Identifying sources for noise reduction efforts
- Evaluating the impact of new machines
- Improving layout for lower noise exposure
- Preparing for DOL or ISO audits
Why Use SoundPLANmanda?
Most traditional noise modeling tools are built for expert consultants. SoundPLANmanda is:
- Easy to learn — no acoustic degree needed
- Designed for real users — safety officers, maintenance teams, engineers
- Fast and modern — runs on your PC with a simple, clean interface
- Backed by experts — SoundPLAN Asia provides local support and training
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Ready to Try It Yourself?
If you’re already collecting occupational noise measurements, you can create your first noise map today. It takes less than an hour with the right setup.
Visit www.soundplan.asia to learn more, request a demo, or get started with SoundPLANmanda.
Need help? Our acoustic experts in Southeast Asia are ready to support you in English, Thai, Bahasa, or Vietnamese.
Need a Template to Get Started?
Contact us and we’ll send you a free starter project file and layout template to use in your own facility.