Through pilot projects with schools, music associations and civic associations, we investigated how we can map environmental noise in Flanders and how people experience that environmental noise. The project developed a Proof of Concept to link objective noise measurements via sensors to citizens' perceptions via questionnaires in a distributed citizen science approach. Sensors were not lent out centrally, but passed on between participating citizens via local “hubs” such as schools and associations. With this approach, local actors deploy the sensors in a targeted manner within their own network, reducing the burden on central coordination. This also means that fewer sensors are needed, which was an important objective given their cost.

The test setup provided important lessons for a broad upscaling in Flanders. Operation via local hubs proved feasible and relevant, but needs to be supported by clear communication and good technical central support. The insights from the pilots were compiled in a report that can be consulted on the FRIS portal.