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Project title

Innovative data capture and presentation techniques in support of the EU Environmental Noise Directive

Primary Funding Agency

Environmental Protection Agency

Co-Funding Organisation(s)

n/a

Lead Organisation

Compass Informatics Limited

Lead Applicant

Gear�id � Riain

Project Abstract

The Environmental Protection Agency of Ireland funded a research project to develop methodologies to meet data-related challenges arising under the EU Environmental Noise Directive (END) (2002/49/EC) for Ireland. The research project sought to assess the role of advanced ground and air-based spatial video and photography in the creation of data required for suitably accurate noise modelling in road environments.The project undertook surveys using the spatial video and airborne imagery technologies to provide a plan and oblique view of the road environment thereby facilitating a more complete characterisation of elements of the road environment that impact on noise propagation and attenuation.Custom software allowed a team of processors to extract features describing the road environment i- these features included embankments walls and noise barriers bridges and buildings with the plan position and height of these objects being recorded. The data thus generated was used as an input to noise modelling software. A pilot noise modelling exercise served to refine the features captured by the project team and led to fine-tuned processes for additional data capture and noise modelling. The data was actively used in the modelling of road noise by the National Roads Authority and a separate follow-on project gathered additional data using the project techniques supporting the NRA across the majority of routes required to be modelled under the Directive. The techniques as developed through this project have proven their value in providing selected data requirements for noise modelling: In particular the role of spatial video has been shown to be of value supported by aerial imagery where existing mapping is not suitable and where additional plan-view verification of features is required.Related research by the project partners continues the development of the project technologies and other advanced sensor technologies. The development and fusion of these technologies continues to offer real opportunities in assisting data collection to support the more extensive noise mapping required under further rounds of the Environmental Noise Directive.The Environmental Protection Agency of Ireland funded a research project to develop methodologies to meet data-related challenges arising under the EU Environmental Noise Directive (END) (2002/49/EC) for Ireland. The research project sought to assess the role of advanced ground and air-based spatial video and photography in the creation of data required for suitably accurate noise modelling in road environments.The project undertook surveys using the spatial video and airborne imagery technologies to provide a plan and oblique view of the road environment thereby facilitating a more complete characterisation of elements of the road environment that impact on noise propagation and attenuation.Custom software allowed a team of processors to extract features describing the road environment i- these features included embankments walls and noise barriers bridges and buildings with the plan position and height of these objects being recorded. The data thus generated was used as an input to noise modelling software. A pilot noise modelling exercise served to refine the features captured by the project team and led to fine-tuned processes for additional data capture and noise modelling. The data was actively used in the modelling of road noise by the National Roads Authority and a separate follow-on project gathered additional data using the project techniques supporting the NRA across the majority of routes required to be modelled under the Directive. The techniques as developed through this project have proven their value in providing selected data requirements for noise modelling: In particular the role of spatial video has been shown to be of value supported by aerial imagery where existing mapping is not suitable and where additional plan-view verification of features is required.Related research by the project partners continues the development of the project technologies and other advanced sensor technologies. The development and fusion of these technologies continues to offer real opportunities in assisting data collection to support the more extensive noise mapping required under further rounds of the Environmental Noise Directive.

Grant Approved

�217,659.00

Research Hub

Natural Environment

Research Theme

Soils and Land-Use

Start Date

n/a

Initial Projected Completion Date

n/a