Applications of geographic information systems (GIS) for highway traffic noise analysis

2012PDFTech ReportGeographic information systemsTraffic noiseCase studiesNoise sourcesNoise controlNoise barriersTransportation planningHighway planningState departments of transportationDecision makingGeospatial dataPeer exchangesNoise modelingUnited StatesJohn A. Volpe National Transportation Systems Center (U.S.)Fine, AlisaBartak, JaimyeJohn A. Volpe National Transportation Systems Center (U.S.)Cambridge SystematicsUnited States. Federal Highway Administration. Office of Interstate and Border PlanningNTL-GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS-GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMSNTL-ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENT-Environment ImpactsVolpe National Transportation Systems Center, Technical Reference Center;Federal Highway AdministrationNoise from highway traffic can be pervasive in areas near roadways. How and to what extent noise travels is strongly influenced by geospatial features such as terrain and elevation. Thus geographic information systems (GIS), which enable users to more easily manage, analyze, and present geospatial information, can help transportation agencies evaluate noise impacts from highway traffic and identify noise mitigation options.There is great potential in applying GIS for highway traffic noise analysis, but its use is still evolving nationwide. To explore how transportation agencies are applying GIS to highway noise analysis, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) sponsored a peer exchange on April 23-24, 2012, in Nashville, Tennessee. The peer exchange convened eight State Departments of Transportation (DOTs) that have made progress in using GIS to better understand noise considerations. Prior to the peer exchange, the Volpe Center, in coordination with FHWA, conducted telephone discussions with the peer exchange State DOTs to better understand how agencies are developing GIS tools and applying geospatial data to meet noise program objectives. Case studies summarizing these DOTs\u2019 efforts were then developed.This report, which synthesizes these case studies to describe overall observations, is expected to support GIS and noise practitioners to identify examples of noteworthy practices, consider the pros and cons of GIS applications for noise, and determine how these applications might be best utilize