How can noise mapping and monitoring tools help assess the environmental impact of aircraft operations?

1 Noise measurement

Noise measurement is the process of collecting and analyzing sound data from different sources, such as aircraft engines, airframes, propellers, and landing gears. Noise measurement can be done in different ways, such as using microphones, sound level meters, or acoustic arrays. The data can be used to calculate noise indicators, such as sound pressure level, sound exposure level, or equivalent continuous sound level, that describe the intensity and duration of noise events.

2 Noise modeling

Noise modeling is the process of using mathematical equations and computer simulations to predict the noise propagation and distribution from aircraft operations. Noise modeling can account for various factors, such as aircraft characteristics, flight paths, weather conditions, terrain features, and background noise. Noise modeling can be used to generate noise contours, which are lines or areas that show the same noise level on a map.

3 Noise visualization

Noise visualization is the process of using graphical tools and techniques to display and communicate the noise information and its impacts. Noise visualization can use different formats, such as maps, charts, animations, or interactive dashboards. Noise visualization can help to compare different scenarios, identify noise hotspots, evaluate noise mitigation measures, and inform stakeholders and the public.

4 Noise assessment

Noise assessment is the process of using noise mapping and monitoring tools to evaluate the noise exposure and its effects on the environment and the population. Noise assessment can use different methods, such as noise indices, noise metrics, or noise indicators, that quantify the noise impact in terms of annoyance, health, sleep disturbance, or quality of life. Noise assessment can help to set noise limits, monitor noise compliance, and plan noise reduction strategies.

5 Noise reduction

Noise reduction is the process of using noise mapping and monitoring tools to design and implement measures that can lower the noise impact of aircraft operations. Noise reduction can involve different approaches, such as source noise reduction, operational noise reduction, or land-use noise reduction. Source noise reduction aims to reduce the noise generated by the aircraft components, such as engines, airframes, propellers, or landing gears. Operational noise reduction aims to reduce the noise emitted by the aircraft during takeoff, landing, or flight, such as by optimizing flight paths, altitudes, speeds, or procedures. Land-use noise reduction aims to reduce the noise exposure of the affected areas, such as by installing noise barriers, insulation, or zoning.

6 Noise management

Noise management is the process of using noise mapping and monitoring tools to coordinate and integrate the noise reduction measures and the noise assessment methods. Noise management can involve different actors, such as aircraft designers, operators, regulators, airports, communities, or researchers. Noise management can use different tools, such as noise action plans, noise databases, noise reporting systems, or noise advisory committees. Noise management can help to balance the economic and social benefits of aviation with the environmental and health costs of noise.