Did you know that noise pollution is the second-largest environmental health risk after air pollution? Yet unlike air quality, noise levels remain largely unmeasured, unregulated, and invisible to most communities.
The Hidden Health Crisis
- 125 million Europeans are exposed to harmful traffic noise levels daily
- Noise pollution causes 48,000 new cases of heart disease annually in Europe alone
- 12,000 premature deaths per year are linked to environmental noise
- Children in noisy environments show impaired learning and memory development
- Sleep disruption from noise affects millions of people worldwide
While we have thousands of air quality monitoring stations worldwide, noise monitoring is virtually non-existent:
- Most cities have fewer than 5 noise monitoring stations for millions of residents
- Expensive commercial systems cost €10,000-50,000 per unit
- Data is often proprietary, limited, or completely unavailable to citizens
- Communities suffering from noise pollution have no evidence to support policy changes
This is where Open NoiseNet comes in.
Open NoiseNet is an ambitious open-source project to create the world's first global, citizen-powered noise monitoring network.
🔧 Affordable Hardware
- DIY noise monitoring devices for €30-45 (vs €10,000+ commercial units)
- ESP32-based with MEMS microphones and weather-resistant enclosures
- Solar power options for remote deployment
📡 Smart Software
- Real-time sound level processing and A-weighted measurements
- Machine learning for noise source classification (traffic, construction, alarms)
- Pattern detection for recurring noise events
🗺️ Open Data Platform
- Global noise pollution map with real-time data
- Open data exports for researchers and policymakers
- Community dashboards for local advocacy
⚖️ Privacy-First Design
- Numeric sound levels only (no audio recording by default)
- GDPR-compliant with full user control
- Optional encrypted audio snippets for classification
With your help, Open NoiseNet will:
✊ Empower Communities - Give citizens the data they need to fight noise pollution 📊 Enable Research - Provide scientists with unprecedented noise pollution datasets 🏛️ Drive Policy - Create evidence for noise regulations and urban planning 🌐 Build Awareness - Make the invisible problem of noise pollution visible to all
Status: 🟢 Active Development | Phase: Early MVP Development | Progress: Core Components Built
| Component | Status | Progress | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| 📱 Mobile App Core | ✅ Complete | 100% | Flutter app structure, routing, dependency injection |
| 🎤 Audio Processing | ✅ Complete | 100% | Real-time SPL calculation, noise meter integration |
| 📡 Event Detection | ✅ Complete | 100% | Threshold-based event detection with rolling windows |
| 💾 Local Data Storage | ✅ Complete | 100% | SQLite with minute aggregates, 24h rolling window |
| 🎵 Audio Recording | ✅ Complete | 100% | Circular buffer recording system (15min intervals) |
| 📈 Statistics Engine | ✅ Complete | 100% | Hourly/daily aggregation, L10/L50/L90 percentiles |
| 🧹 Data Management | ✅ Complete | 100% | Automatic cleanup, retention policies, health monitoring |
| 🤖 AI Analysis Queue | ✅ Complete | 100% | Ready for local ML model integration |
| 🎨 UI/UX Design | 🟡 In Progress | 60% | Core monitoring interface, settings screens |
| 🗺️ Location Services | ✅ Complete | 100% | GPS integration, privacy controls |
| 🔧 Device Calibration | ⏳ Planned | 0% | Device-specific calibration system |
| 🌐 Backend API | ✅ Complete | 90% | FastAPI server, PostgreSQL, authentication, file uploads |
| 🖥️ Web Dashboard | 🟡 In Progress | 30% | React frontend structure, basic components |
| 🌍 Landing Page | ✅ Complete | 100% | Professional Next.js landing page with story integration |
| 🐳 Infrastructure | ✅ Complete | 95% | Docker containers, Compose setup, deployment configs |
| 🔧 Device Calibration | ⏳ Planned | 0% | Device-specific calibration system |
| 🔌 Hardware Designs | ⏳ Planned | 0% | ESP32 firmware, PCB designs, enclosures |
🟢 Completed Features (Click to expand)
- Flutter BLoC State Management: Complete state management with event-driven architecture
- Dependency Injection: Service locator pattern with GetIt
- Routing System: GoRouter with deep linking support
- Database Layer: SQLite with comprehensive DAO pattern
- Real-time SPL Monitoring: Continuous sound pressure level calculation
- A-weighted Measurements: Industry-standard noise measurements
- Noise Event Detection: Configurable threshold-based event detection
- Rolling Window Analysis: 10-minute sliding window for trend analysis
- Minute-level Aggregates: L10, L50, L90 percentiles with sample counts
- 24-hour Rolling Window: Automatic cleanup of old measurements
- Hourly Statistics: Automated aggregation with exceedance tracking
- Daily Statistics: Peak/quiet hour identification, weekly patterns
- Storage Optimization: Database vacuuming, compression, health monitoring
- Circular Buffer Recording: Max 3 recordings (45min total coverage)
- Event-triggered Capture: 15-minute recordings on threshold exceedance
- File Management: Organized storage with automatic 7-day retention
- Privacy Controls: Optional recording with full user control
- Analysis Queue System: Ready for local noise classification models
- Classification Framework: Prepared for traffic, construction, alarm detection
- Model Management: Versioning and confidence scoring system
- Background Processing: Efficient queue management with error handling
🟡 In Progress Features
- Monitoring Dashboard: Real-time SPL display with visual feedback
- Statistics Views: Historical data visualization and trends
- Settings Management: Threshold configuration, privacy controls
- Event History: Detailed event logs with location data
- Real-time Charts: Live SPL readings with trend indicators
- Historical Graphs: Daily, weekly, monthly noise patterns
- Exceedance Analysis: WHO guideline compliance tracking
- Export Functionality: Data export for research and advocacy
- ✅ Professional Landing Page: Complete Next.js landing page with interactive elements and story integration
- ✅ Backend API Foundation: FastAPI server with PostgreSQL, authentication, and file upload capabilities
- ✅ React Frontend Structure: Basic dashboard framework with TypeScript and component library
- ✅ Complete Mobile App Backend: SQLite integration, audio processing, and data management systems
- ✅ Infrastructure Setup: Docker containerization and deployment configuration
Open NoiseNet is transforming from concept to reality - we need passionate contributors to complete the mission!
We've built a solid foundation - now we need your expertise to complete the ecosystem!
🔥 HIGH PRIORITY ROLES:
- Complete UI/UX implementation for monitoring dashboard
- Implement data visualization charts and graphs
- Build export/sharing functionality
- Skills: Flutter, BLoC pattern, SQLite, Material Design
- Build FastAPI server with PostgreSQL + TimescaleDB
- Implement event ingestion and real-time processing
- Create user management and device registration
- Skills: FastAPI, PostgreSQL, TimescaleDB, Docker
- Build web dashboard with real-time noise mapping
- Create data visualization and analytics interface
- Implement responsive design for all devices
- Skills: React, TypeScript, Leaflet/Mapbox, WebSocket
- Develop ESP32 firmware for audio capture and SPL calculation
- Implement WiFi connectivity and data transmission
- Optimize power consumption for battery operation
- Skills: ESP32, Arduino IDE, I2S, WiFi, FreeRTOS
- Develop local noise classification models
- Implement on-device inference for mobile app
- Create training pipeline for noise source identification
- Skills: TensorFlow Lite, Audio Processing, On-Device ML
- Design PCB layouts and component selection
- Create weather-resistant enclosures
- Develop solar power and battery management
- Skills: PCB Design, CAD, Electronics, Manufacturing
We welcome community support for:
- Hardware prototyping: Components and testing equipment
- Cloud infrastructure: Data hosting and processing resources
- Community building: Hackathons, documentation, and outreach
- Research partnerships: University collaborations and studies
Your support will be recognized in all project materials and you'll have direct input on the roadmap.
Help us amplify this message!
This project needs visibility to succeed. We're looking for:
- Tech YouTubers: Help explain the technology and problem
- Environmental advocates: Connect with climate and health communities
- Maker community: Showcase DIY hardware builds and tutorials
- Policy influencers: Bridge to government and regulatory discussions
- Social media: Spread awareness about noise pollution impacts
Content collaboration opportunities:
- Hardware build videos and tutorials
- Noise pollution awareness campaigns
- Citizen science and DIY electronics content
- Environmental justice and community advocacy
- Urban planning and smart city discussions
We need people to:
- Build relationships with NGOs and environmental groups
- Organize local maker spaces and hackathons
- Create educational materials and workshops
- Coordinate with universities and research institutions
- Engage with policymakers and city planners
Status: 75% Complete | Duration: 4-6 weeks | Team Size: 2-3 developers
| Week | Milestone | Owner | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-2 | Complete UI/UX for monitoring dashboard | Mobile Dev | 🟡 In Progress |
| 2-3 | Implement data visualization and charts | Mobile Dev | ⏳ Planned |
| 3-4 | Add export functionality and sharing | Mobile Dev | ⏳ Planned |
| 4-5 | Beta testing and performance optimization | QA Team | ⏳ Planned |
| 5-6 | App Store submission and release | Product | ⏳ Planned |
Deliverables:
- ✅ Local-first mobile app with privacy controls
- ✅ Real-time SPL monitoring and event detection
- ✅ Sophisticated data storage and analytics
- 🔄 Professional UI with data visualization
- ⏳ App store release (iOS/Android)
Duration: 8-12 weeks | Team Size: 3-4 developers
| Component | Timeline | Dependencies | Priority |
|---|---|---|---|
| FastAPI Server | 3 weeks | None | 🔥 Critical |
| PostgreSQL + TimescaleDB | 2 weeks | FastAPI | 🔥 Critical |
| Event Ingestion Pipeline | 4 weeks | Database | 🔥 Critical |
| User Management System | 2 weeks | FastAPI | 🟡 High |
| Device Registration API | 2 weeks | User System | 🟡 High |
| Real-time WebSocket API | 3 weeks | Core API | 🟡 High |
| Data Export APIs | 2 weeks | Database | 🟢 Medium |
Duration: 6-10 weeks | Team Size: 2-3 developers
| Feature | Timeline | Complexity | Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Real-time Noise Maps | 4 weeks | High | 🔥 Critical |
| Analytics Dashboard | 3 weeks | Medium | 🔥 Critical |
| User Account Management | 2 weeks | Low | 🟡 High |
| Community Features | 3 weeks | Medium | 🟡 High |
| Data Export Interface | 2 weeks | Low | 🟢 Medium |
| Mobile Responsive Design | 2 weeks | Medium | 🟡 High |
Duration: 12-16 weeks | Team Size: 2-3 engineers
Milestone Breakdown:
- Audio capture and SPL calculation (2 weeks)
- WiFi connectivity and data transmission (2 weeks)
- Power management and optimization (2 weeks)
- PCB design and component selection (4 weeks)
- Enclosure design and 3D printing (3 weeks)
- Weather resistance testing (1 week)
- Initial prototype assembly (2 weeks)
- Field testing and calibration (3 weeks)
- Documentation and build guides (1 week)
Duration: 8-12 weeks | Team Size: 2-3 ML engineers
- Local Classification Models: Traffic, construction, alarm detection
- On-device Inference: Mobile app integration with TensorFlow Lite
- Training Pipeline: Automated model updates and improvements
- Privacy-preserving ML: Federated learning implementation
Duration: 24+ weeks | Team Size: 5-8 people
- Community Partnerships: NGO collaborations and pilot programs
- Manufacturing Scale-up: PCB production and assembly
- Global Infrastructure: Multi-region deployment
- Policy Integration: Government and research partnerships
- ✅ Q4 2024: Mobile app foundation (ACHIEVED)
- 🎯 Q1 2025: Mobile app MVP release
- 🎯 Q2 2025: Backend API operational
- 🎯 Q3 2025: Web dashboard launch
- 🎯 Q4 2025: Hardware prototypes ready
- 🎯 Q1 2026: Full ecosystem MVP
- 🎯 Q1 2025: 500 GitHub stars, 50 contributors
- 🎯 Q2 2025: 1,000 beta users, 5 partner organizations
- 🎯 Q3 2025: 5,000 app downloads, 100 deployed devices
- 🎯 Q4 2025: 10,000 users, 500 active devices
- 🎯 Q1 2026: 50,000 users, 2,000 devices globally
- Cities Covered: Target 100+ cities by end of 2026
- Data Points: 10M+ noise measurements collected
- Research Partnerships: 25+ universities and NGOs
- Policy Impact: 10+ cities using data for regulations
- Create Project Landing Page - Professional website with live demos
- Complete Mobile App UI - Finish monitoring dashboard and charts
- Technical Documentation - API specifications and architecture guides
- Community Onboarding - Contributor guidelines and development setup
- Backend API Development - Start FastAPI server implementation
- Partnership Outreach - Contact environmental NGOs and universities
- Funding Applications - Apply for grants and accelerator programs
- Content Marketing - Create technical blog posts and demo videos
- 🍴 Fork the repository and explore our Flutter mobile app
- 📖 Read CONTRIBUTING.md - Development setup and guidelines
- 🎯 Check Open Issues - Find tasks matching your skills
- 💬 Join Discussions - Introduce yourself and ask questions
- 🚀 Submit your first PR - Start with documentation or UI improvements
- 🔥 URGENT: Mobile app UI completion (Flutter/Dart)
- 🔥 URGENT: Backend API development (Python/FastAPI)
- 🟡 HIGH: Web dashboard frontend (React/TypeScript)
- 🟡 HIGH: ESP32 firmware development (C++/Arduino)
- 🟢 MEDIUM: Technical documentation and guides
- 🏢 Enterprise Partners: Contact us for collaboration opportunities
- 🏛️ Government Partners: Pilot programs for smart city initiatives
- 🎓 Research Institutions: Joint research and data collaboration
- 🌱 NGO Partners: Community deployment and advocacy support
- Recognition on project website and materials
- Collaboration on feature development priorities
- Early access to APIs and research data
- Co-development opportunities and joint publications
- 🎥 Technical Videos: Mobile app demos, hardware builds, data analysis
- 📝 Blog Posts: Noise pollution awareness, citizen science impact
- 🎙️ Podcasts: Environmental health discussions, smart city topics
- 📱 Social Media: #OpenNoiseNet campaign, community highlights
- Local Communities: Deploy devices and organize noise monitoring campaigns
- Policy Engagement: Present data to city councils and environmental agencies
- Educational Outreach: University workshops and maker space presentations
- ⭐ Star this repository to follow development progress
- 🔔 Watch releases for major updates and announcements
- 🐦 Share on social media with #OpenNoiseNet and #NoisePollution
- 💬 Join conversations in GitHub Discussions
- 📧 Tell colleagues about environmental monitoring opportunities
- 💻 GitHub Issues: Bug reports, feature requests, technical discussions
- 💭 GitHub Discussions: Community conversations and Q&A
- 📚 GitHub Wiki: Documentation, guides, and tutorials
- 🌐 Project Website: Coming Soon - Professional landing page
- 📧 Email: Coming Soon - Contact and partnership inquiries
- 📱 Social Media: Coming Soon - Follow for updates and announcements
- 📊 Project Board: Real-time development progress
- 📈 Releases: Major milestones and version updates
- 📝 Changelog: Detailed development history
Ready to join the fight against noise pollution?
Together, we're building the world's first open-source noise monitoring ecosystem! 🌍🔊
- 📋 Product Requirements (PRD) - Complete project vision and specifications
- 🔧 Technical Architecture - Detailed technical design and implementation
- 👥 Contributing Guidelines - How to contribute code, documentation, and ideas
- 🛠️ Development Guide - Technical setup and development workflows
- 📈 Data Models - Database schema and API specifications
- 🧪 Testing Strategy - Quality assurance and validation approaches
- 🔒 Privacy Policy - Data protection and GDPR compliance
- ⚖️ License Terms - MIT License and usage rights
- 🔊 Noise Pollution Science - Health impacts and measurement standards
- 🏗️ Hardware Guides - DIY device assembly and deployment
- 📱 Mobile App Tutorial - Using the OpenNoiseNet app
- 🌐 API Documentation - Integration guides and examples
OpenNoiseNet is more than a project—it's a movement toward environmental justice, community empowerment, and data-driven policy change.
⭐ Star • 🍴 Fork • 💬 Discuss • 🐛 Issues • 🚀 Contribute
Active development since September 2025 • Mobile app in progress • Ready for global deployment