The potential for spatiotemporal population data sets for aviation noise studies

Abstract

Aviation noise analysis has traditionally focused on modeling the noise from an average day of operations. We investigate the potential of moving from this static approach to a dynamic method of assessing aircraft noise experienced by people where they are as they move about the day and night. In this research conducted on behalf of the National Academy of Sciences Airport Cooperative Research Program, we evaluated population data sets that account for the movement of people between their daytime versus nighttime location and assessed their applicability for aviation noise studies. We provided guidance on using these spatiotemporal data sets for aviation noise studies using the Aviation Environmental Design Tool, including sample maps and analyses. We also discussed the limitations of spatiotemporal population data, namely they only account for a person's location by time of day and not whether they are engaged in noise-sensitive activities. A fuller picture of noise impact by location and time of day may be achieved by developing an activity-based model, which combines data on location and level of noise sensitivity. We outline the basic elements of such a model.