Applications of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for Highway Traffic Noise Analysis: Case Studies of Select Transportation Agencies

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) can help transportation agencies conduct noise analyses, including assessing how highway traffic will affect noise levels and identifying noise migration options. To explore this topic in depth, Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and the Volpe National Transportation Systems Center conducted a series of telephone discussions and sponsored a peer exchange in Nashville, Tennessee, focusing on select State DOT’s use of GIS in highway noise analysis. These interviews and peer exchange provided an opportunity for practitioners to discuss new approaches for using GIS to address Federal mandates. They also facilitated opportunities for States to gain knowledge from others’ successes and challenges in the application of GIS. Furthermore, resources that can support agencies’ use of GIS can be found in the appendix.