Abstract

Using ArcGIS to Predict Noise Impacts: A Comparison of Methodologies
Track: Environmental Management
Authors: Diana Smith, Jason Sokol

Noise assessment is a critical yet small component of an Environmental Impact Report especially in transportation projects. Selecting the alignment with the least impact is a delicate and data intensive task with not one but many tools to employ in a complex work-flow. ArcGIS proved a perfect solution as it possesses the tools and methods for calculating line of sight, identifying natural barriers and the framework to locate the required mitigation barriers. This paper compares two unique methodologies to calculate noise impacts at any given receptor points along a proposed railway employed during two separate project phases. The first approach relied on ArcGIS functionality, integrating Spatial and 3D Analyst functions in a complex model. The second approach utilized a geodatabase, ArcPy functions and scripts and stored procedures to automate the extensive calculations in one step. Although very different, both approaches yielded comparable and accurate results.