Areawide Road Traffic Noise Contour Maps

In this study a framework for developing an object-oriented tool –DRONE (areawide Dynamic ROad traffic NoisE simulator) to generate areawide noise contour maps for a road network is demonstrated. This provides faster access to information for abatement of noise policies. The approach for integrating the dynamic output from traffic simulator to noise model, which predicts traffic noise based on geographical data set for the study area, are described. Noise level at different points of study area is calculated based on integration of noise prediction model, ASJ Model-1998, with traffic simulation model, SOUND. The integration with traffic simulation model provides a dynamic access to traffic-flow characteristics and hence automated and detailed prediction of road traffic noise. Data from the integration of traffic and noise simulation models are used to generating areawide noise contours using GIS. The application of DRONE on a real world situation is also presented.