Dr Balandino Di Donato B.DiDonato@napier.ac.uk
Lecturer
PEMS: Peoples Experience Of Mountain Soundscapes
Donato, Balandino Di; Mcgregor, Iain
Authors
Dr Iain McGregor I.McGregor@napier.ac.uk
Associate Professor
Abstract
This study investigates the role of soundscapes in mountain environments, focusing on their contributions to safety, navigation, and environmental understanding. A survey of 219 participants from 27 countries, primarily experienced mountaineers with varying levels of experience in activities ranging from casual hiking to specialised mountaineering, revealed that natural sounds play a vital role in guiding navigation, enhancing safety, and fostering a deeper emotional connection to the environment. Most participants reported no hearing impairments and rated mountain soundscapes positively (median score of 4/5). Natural auditory cues, such as creaking ice, rockfalls, and shifting snow, were frequently used to assess risks and navigate in low-visibility conditions, while human-made sounds, including traffic noise and overcrowding, were perceived as disruptive and detrimental to the experience. Emotional responses to soundscapes were also significant, with participants reporting feelings of peace, awe, and excitement. Findings highlight the essential role of auditory cues in complementing visual information for navigation and safety in mountain settings. The study advocates further research into soundscape perception and suggests exploring the potential of technology in enhancing sound-based navigation tools to improve safety and environmental interaction in mountain environments.
Citation
Donato, B. D., & Mcgregor, I. (2025, June). PEMS: Peoples Experience Of Mountain Soundscapes. Presented at Forum Acusticum / Euronoise 2025: 11th Convention of the European Acoustics Association, Málaga, Spain
| Presentation Conference Type | Conference Paper (published) |
|---|---|
| Conference Name | Forum Acusticum / Euronoise 2025: 11th Convention of the European Acoustics Association |
| Start Date | Jun 23, 2025 |
| End Date | Jun 26, 2025 |
| Acceptance Date | Feb 13, 2025 |
| Deposit Date | Feb 18, 2025 |
| Peer Reviewed | Peer Reviewed |
| Keywords | Soundscapes; Mountain; Perception; Safety; Navigation |
| Public URL | http://researchrepository.napier.ac.uk/Output/4122803 |
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