Potential noise zone detection in Rawalpindi city:GIS view

Noise pollution is a challenging environmental issue, distracting aesthetic quality of life for many people. It has been potentially quantified to study its effects on human and ecosystem. These impacts are resultant of the personal exposures to noise levels exceeding the standard values. In recent years, an increasing rate of urbanization and development has lead to many environmental issues in developing countries. This paper attempts to scientifically assess the noise pollution in one of major cities of Pakistan through identifying noise levels in decibel (dB) on potential spots and to demarcate the risk zones into Noise Potential Areas (NPA) based on measured noise levels. A preliminary research on noise levels are taken from seven different locations and is done in two temporal ranges namely off-peak (5-7am) and peak (6-8pm). Geographical Information System (GIS) is then used to produce NPA and map zonations through spatial interpolation. It plays significant role in mapping noise potential areas. This investigation identifies vehicular traffic as the biggest cause of noise related issues around the city. This model research has been initiated to examine the concept of spatial proximity with help of GIS techniques. The interpolated maps provide a clear visualization of correlation of noise levels with associated risks to human health.