A general review is presented of most areas of sound‐propagation outdoors that are of interest for the control of community noise. These areas are geometrical spreading, atmospheric absorption, ground effect, (near horizontal propagation in a homogenous atmosphere close to flat ground), refraction, the effect of atmospheric turbulence, and the effect of topography (elevation, hillsides, foilage, etc.) The current state of knowledge in each area is presented and suggestions made concerning research activities, applications of existing research, and practical problems which arise in the prediction of noise levels.