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3.2 Community Noise Impact ModelAccurately predicting the impact of noise on a community is critical to developing strategies for mitigating noise impact and for determining the need for and benefits of technology to reduce noise. In FY 1999, researchers at NASA developed a community noise impact model called the Aircraft Noise Impact Model (ACNIM). The model is a computer program that incorporates airport noise prediction, census data, and satellite imagery into a user-friendly geographical information system. It also incorporates the FAA's Integrated Noise Model, which is the standard airport noise prediction model used around the world.The resulting impact assessment model was greatly improved over earlier efforts. First, the census data and satellite imagery included in the model provided more accurate estimates of population density and location. Second, the ability to predict community impact was improved by including more accurate models of noise-induced sleep disturbance and response to the noise of future airplanes, which potentially could sound different from today's airplanes. Third, the model can determine optimized airplane ground tracks and trajectories that would minimize the impact of noise in nearby communities. Results of studies with the developed models indicate that, if combined with advanced operational procedures, improved high-lift systems have potential to reduce community noise impact by the equivalent of a 2-4 dB reduction in source noise. Future plans include incorporating the developed operational procedures into an integrated air traffic management system that is being proposed in potential new initiatives.
Graphic from the new community noise impact assessment model, showing increased accuracy for airport noise contours and census tracts superimposed on the satellite image. NASA POC: William Wilshire (757) 864-5270 W.L.Willshire@larc.nasa.gov
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NASA Headquarters Responsible Official: Code R
Curator: SAIC Information Services http://www.aerospace.nasa.gov |
