GIS mapping and analysis of aircraft noise at Cape Town International Airport

[摘要] ENGLISH ABSTRACT:The noise produced by aircraft during operations around airports represents a senous social,technical, economic and environmental problem which is only going to get worse as air trafficvolumes increase. Rapid urbanisation, development encroachment and poor planning in the pasthave resulted in noisy airport runways being situated too close to residents' living space. Rapidindustrial growth and lack of funding exacerbate noise problems in developing countries. Moreover,developing countries and especially South Africa tend to have moderate climates and open-windowliving, which makes insulation an ineffective solution to the noise problem.This study aims at employing GIS to establish the potential noise exposure of various sensitive landuse categories and population groups in the noise-controlled area at Cape Town InternationalAirport. Firstly, options for the demarcation of a noise-controlled area were evaluated. Thereafter,incompatible land uses and priority areas for land use compatibility projects were identified andrecommendations made for urban renewal projects for these areas. Lastly, the noise-exposedpopulation were profiled according to vulnerability characteristics and vulnerable groups identifiedand located.A recommendation was made that Cape Town International Airport set up an interactive map-basedwebsite to disseminate information to the public about noise and any other important issuesconcerning the airport. An Internet GIS application would empower citizens by providing them witha dynamic and interactive tool for improved public participation and a better understanding of thepotential environmental and socio-economic effects of the airport. Noise complaints could also beinvestigated through the website and prompt feedback given to the communities complaining aboutaircraft noise.At the local community level where people are being annoyed every day and night resulting innegative health effects, the problem of aircraft noise demands urgent attention, and measures shouldbe put in place to reduce vulnerability to noise and improve the overall quality of life of noisewearyresidents.Keywords: aircraft noise, noise mapping, noise-controlled area, noise contours, land usecompatibility, noise exposure

[发布机构] Stellenbosch University