Driving noise parameters from an image

I was wondering if it's possible to generate a noise map from the 'black & white' values of an image.

While checking out an exercise of the 'generative-design' book I stumbled onto the following;

creating a swarm of agents where all points are being directed by noise.

To add some control it would be nice if I could somehow predefine this noise from an image source.

If anyone has an idea, would be of great help!