What is a noise model ?

A NoiseMap noise model supplies all the data that NoiseMap requires to undertake noise predictions.
At its simplest level, it can be regarded as a special form of digital map. The NoiseMap model must describe:

• Noise source, such as roads, vehicles, plant, railway tracks
• Transmission path, particularly noise barriers,  ground topography and hard or soft ground cover
• Receiver locations

However, the user does not need to know in detail how these affect the generation and spread of noise. For example, a barrier may screen part of road from some receivers, but other receivers may not have any screening. The user does not need to consider this detail. You only have to make sure that you put into the model the various objects which affect the spread of noise, and NoiseMap will work out how these affect the noise level at any point of interest.

The noise model resembles the three-dimensional physical situation, but only includes the features which affect the spread of noise.  These only need to be shown to a level of detail and accuracy which will give acceptable noise calculations.