Preparation of Noise Maps of Balkan Campus of Trakya University (Edirne-Turkey) By Using Geographic Information Systems

Abstract

Noise in cities is a global problem which has been studied extensively around the world. Today, noise pollution is considered a public health problem for cities and it has many harmful effects on the citizens. There are varieties of noise generation sources of which the traffic noise could be a major source. The point which is perhaps less noticed is that sound level is not the only parameter to indicate the extent and intensity of noise pollution. Noise modeling is also used to determine the impact assessment from large geographical areas to a street. The noise maps generated at ground level over such areas are important tools for assessing the impact of traffic, human, industrial, domestic and transportation sources based noise on human populations at the surrounding. To produce an accurate noise maps, usage of validated and representative noise model is an essential step for the purposes of noise analysis. These maps are a cartographic representation of the noise level distribution in a determined area and period of time. The study area, Edirne is near-by to Greece and Bulgaria. Therefore, there is more car entrance to Edirne from these countries and especially the city main roadway/transport route is used. This is one of the factors that increases the noise pollution in the city. The aim of the study was to explore sources of noise pollution and to make environmental noise measurements in Balkan Campus of Trakya University of Edirne which is located near the main roadway of the city. Noise levels will be measured on 12 different points (at the intersection of the main axis of the campus and the roadway) between 8.00-18.00 h and the results will be analysed statistically. According to this analysis noise maps were generated. Noise maps were evaluated and planting design intended for noise pollution reduction were suggested for the campus area.