Indicators and References

Indicators and references help you interpret the sound environment on the plan.

Toolbar with Indicator and References controls highlighted

Indicator tool

Use Indicator to place a sound reading marker. Indicators display the combined SPL from placed deterrents at that location.

How to place an indicator:

Select Indicator.
Click the map where you want to monitor sound.
Select or click the indicator to edit it.

Indicator marker with SPL label on the map

Maximum noise limits

Each indicator can optionally enforce a maximum SPL.

How to set a limit:

Select the indicator.
Enable Enforce maximum noise.
Enter Maximum SPL (dB).
Review whether the current SPL is under or over the limit.

Use limits for sensitive receptors such as patios, offices, public sidewalks, tenant spaces, nesting areas, or property boundaries.

Moving indicators

Use Select to drag an indicator to a new location. Its SPL label updates based on the new position.

Use References to place everyday sound examples on the map. References help reviewers understand what a decibel value might feel like.

Available references:

Whisper: 30 dB.
Conversation: 65 dB.
Heavy City Traffic: 85 dB.
Vacuum Cleaner: 90 dB.
Rock Concert: 110 dB.

References menu with everyday sound levels

Placing a reference

Open References.
Choose a reference level.
Click the map to place it.

Clearing references

Use Clear References to remove all sound reference markers. Auto-Deploy also clears existing sound references before applying a new recommended layout.

Indicators versus references

Indicators measure modeled SPL from deterrents at a location. References are fixed comparison markers that represent familiar everyday sound levels.