The Environment Protection Agency (EPA) in Victoria sought an integrated city noise map of the greater Melbourne region. The scope included approximately two million buildings, over 55,000 road segments and 1,100 km of rail and tram lines in an area of 5,600 km2. The study considered noise from roads, heavy rail and freight, trams and industrial noise sources.
EPA Victoria wanted to use the study as a base to help understand the noise exposure, and subsequent health impacts, from environmental noise to the wider population.
Valuable Solution
We built this study predominantly from Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) aerial survey data. We used this data to create the following features in the construction of the project noise model:
- Digital elevation and surface models
- Building polygons and associated heights
- Road and rail bridges and overpasses
To complement the terrain feature data, we incorporated road, rail and industrial source information. This was a collaborative effort that included VicRoads, the Department of Transport, Public Transport Victoria and the Department of Sustainability and Environment.
Community Benefits
This was the country’s first integrated city noise map. It has the potential to change the way we look at the planning, policy and assessment of environmental noise in Australia.
