Spatial Analysis of Noise in Kufa University (Kufa River Campus) using GIS

Abstract

Noise refers to unwanted sound, which causes great discomfort to the ears, and is usually measured in decibels. Very high levels of sound above 100 dB cause permanent hearing loss. This study deals with effect of noise in the academic areas, University of Kufa, Kufa river campus (Faculty of Urban Planning, Faculty of Law, Faculty of Archeology). Kufa river campus area is exposed to several external noise types. Noise field data have been measured and collected for 98 station points. The noise intensity ratio was measured using the Sound Level Meter at three different times during the working hours in the morning hours (8.30-10.30), at noon (10.30-12.30), and in the afternoon from (12.30-2.30). The data were analyzed using the Excel program (percentile method) to obtain a noise level values at 10%, 50%, and 90% of data after arranging it ascendingly. The equivalent noise level (Leq) is calculate as well. The equivalent noise level data converts to GIS program form mapping and studying the spatial variation of noise intensity using a Spline interpolation method. The results showed that the effect of external noise is much greater than the effect of internal noise. The highest noise intensity at the points near the fence reached 94 decibels, and the lowest noise ratio was in the center of the faculty of Physical Planning, and the points near the green trees reached 45.1 db.