PEMS is a study investigates mountain auditory environments and the influence on mountaineering experiences, through the intricate interplay between individual sounds and the overall perceived soundscapes. Research on people's perception of mountain soundscapes highlights the positive impact of natural sounds on well-being, people's experience, tourism, conservation,connectivity, and restoration. However, limited data sets do not allow generalization, transfer of knowledge or map connectivitybetween mountain ranges. Capturing greater quantities of accurate data (i.e. sound field recording, in-situ and lab soundscape assessment, and long-term monitoring) is needed to address current and future gaps. How do mountaineers perceive mountain soundscapes? How can we effectively capture mountaineers' unique listening experiences when in the mountains? What sounds are most often heard by mountaineers when in the mountains? How do soundscapes contribute to safety and navigation when mountaineering? We ran an online survey followed by a thematic analysis. Participants answered questions related to their auditory perception during mountain explorations in relation to their experience in navigation and safety in the mountains. We then extracted themes and explored the interaction between the data. We gathered data from 219 participants from 21 countries (60% male, 39% female, 1% non-binary). Most were experienced in mountaineering and scrambling. Results showed soundscapes significantly contributed to the overall mountain experiences. It helps identify wildlife, note changing seasons, and provide a sense of scale. 'Silence' and natural sounds contributed to tranquillity and enjoyment. Awareness of sounds assisted in understanding the landscape, safety (i.e., avalanches, rock falls), navigation (i.e., surroundings, territorial features) and a sense of connection with nature. Sound plays a multifaceted role in outdoor navigation, contributing to safety, emotional experiences, and effective route finding.
Di Donato, B., & McGregor, I. (2024). PEMS: People Experience of Mountain Soundscapes. In Proceedings of the Forum Alpinum 2024. Kranjska Gora, Slovenia (PDF)
Interview for RadioVoce Camuna (ITA): https://www.vocecamuna.it/il-ricercatore-balandino-di-donato-racconta-il-suono-della-montagna/