# Urban Noise-Scoring Platforms 'HowLoud' Calculates the Loudness Factor for Different Neighborhoods By Katherine Pendrill | Published 2016-04-26 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/howloud References: [digitaltrends](http://www.digitaltrends.com/home/howloud-urban-noise-soundscore/?utm_source=feedly&utm_medium=webfeeds) & [kickstarter](https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1773626532/sound-map-of-north-america) 'HowLoud' is a new service that helps prospective buyers or renters figure out how noisy a neighborhood will be. When moving to a new area, few consumers consider the level of sound coming from traffic, industrial activities and other sources of urban noise. This service provides a handy noise score so that consumers can 'hear' their house before they move. HowLoud was created by Brendan Farrell as a way to calculate the level of noise in urban areas. The service works by taking account of traffic, air traffic, businesses and other sources of urban noise. A mathematical model is then used to generate a 3D digital sound profile of the area. Finally, a score is assigned to each address, which ranks the noise level out of 100. Similar to [platforms such as Walk Score](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/locationchecker), HowLoud is designed to give consumers more information before buying or renting in a certain area. Farrell has already successful mapped the city of Los Angeles and is now raising funds via [Kickstarter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bebelucy) to expand the project. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.4/10 - Popularity: 13% | Activity: 20% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle) > [Life](https://www.trendhunter.com/life) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Urban Noise-scoring:** There is an opportunity to create more specialized services that target specific types of urban noise, such as construction sites or nightclubs. - **Spatial Sound Modeling:** The technology used in calculating 3D digital sound profiles could have applications in virtual and augmented reality, as well as in the film and music industries. - **Hyper-localized Information Services:** The success of HowLoud suggests that there may be demand for more personalized information services that provide detailed data about specific neighborhoods or streets. ### Where This Applies - **Real Estate:** Real estate professionals could use this technology to better inform clients about the level of urban noise in different neighborhoods and increase the accuracy of property valuations. - **City Planning:** Noise-scoring platforms could be used by city planners to identify areas that require noise reduction measures or to design new construction projects that minimize noise pollution. - **Travel and Tourism:** Tourism providers could use this technology to create specialized packages for visitors who are looking for a quieter travel experience or to avoid certain areas that may be too noisy. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Ambient Sound Tools](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/brownoise.md) - [AI-Generated Soundscape Platforms](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/getsoundai.md) - [Interactive Parisian Neighbourhood Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/notezparis.md) - [Customizable White Noises](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-noices.md) - [Adaptive AI Soundscapes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/project-ambience.md) - [Bioaccoustic Wildlife Monitoring](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/soundscapes-to-landscapes.md) - [Digital Music Hubs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/digital-music-hubs.md) - [Nature Sound Libraries](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/earthfm-app.md) - [Focus Sound Mixers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/earth-sounds.md)