Whether generated by aircraft, industrial plants or commercial operations, noise arises in different ways. To objectively assess its impact on the population, noise is not only measured but also calculated.

Scientific calculation models are used to calculate:

• Aircraft noise: Flight routes, aircraft types, engine power and weather conditions are taken into account, as well as sound propagation across terrain and buildings.
• Industrial and commercial noise: Aircraft types, vehicles and machinery as well as their number and operating times, building structures and the surrounding environment are taken into account.

A noise exposure map is the simplest way to visualize average noise exposure over a given period. Using isolines, each showing a defined decibel range, affected areas can be more easily identified.

Noise exposure maps show the spatial planning implications of the calculated aircraft noise. They distinguish between sensitivity levels (ES). ES I is not shown because no inhabited areas fall within this zone. For ES II to ES IV, as defined in the Noise Abatement Ordinance (LSV), a separate map is created for each level. These maps show the areas belonging to the respective sensitivity level as well as the corresponding limit value curves (GWK). Three levels are distinguished: the planning value (PW in green), the exposure limit value (IGW in yellow) and the alarm value (AW in red).