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

Abstract

Noise refers to unwanted sound that 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 the effect of noise in the academic areas of the University of Kufa, Kufa River Campus (Faculty of Urban Planning, Faculty of Law, Faculty of Archeology). Kufa River campus area is exposed to several types of external noise. Noise field data has 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 (8.30–10.30), at noon (10.30–12.30), and in the afternoon (12.30–2.30). The data were analyzed using the Excel program (percentile method) to obtain noise level values at 10%, 50%, and 90% of the data after arranging them ascendingly. The equivalent noise level (Leq) is calculated as well. The equivalent noise level data is converted to a GIS program for mapping and studying the spatial variation of noise intensity using the 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, 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.