Noise monitoring

Port Otago monitors noise from four points in our community:

1. Scotia Street, Flagstaff Hill (blue)
2. Cemetery, Port Chalmers (yellow)
3. Henry St, Careys Bay (green)
4. Light Tower 4, Port Chalmers container terminal (red)

As well as measuring the average noise level, these monitors automatically record audio of any high noise events (events above 75dB L AFmax). Such events can be generated by port activity, trains, wind, local vehicles, or birds close to the microphone.
Port Otago worked with Microsoft to develop software capable of analysing these audio recordings and determining their likely source. This groundbreaking system  allows for much greater analysis and management of noise events from port activity.