Spatial Analysis of Urban Form and Pedestrian Exposure to Traffic Noise

Ni Sheng and U. Wa Tang
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Ni Sheng: Faculty of Management and Administration, Macau University of Science and Technology, Avenida Wai Long, Taipa, Macau, China
U. Wa Tang: Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Macau, Choi Kai Yau Building, Taipa, Macau, China

IJERPH, 2011, vol. 8, issue 6, 1-14

Abstract: In the Macao Peninsula, the high population density (49,763 inhabitants/km 2 ) and the lack of control over the number of vehicles (460 vehicles/km) have led to an increase in urban pollution. To provide useful information to local government and urban planners, this paper investigates the spatial distribution of traffic noise in the Macao Peninsula. The interactions among urban form, traffic flow and traffic noise are addressed. Considering the spatial nature of urban geometry and traffic, a high-resolution GIS-based traffic noise model system is applied. Results indicate that the Macao Peninsula has fallen into a situation of serious traffic noise pollution. About 60% of traffic noise levels along the major pedestrian sidewalks in the evening peak hour exceed the National Standard of 70 dB(A) in China. In particular, about 21% of traffic noise levels along the pedestrian sidewalks are above the National Standard by 5 dB(A). Noticeably, the high pedestrian exposure to traffic noise in the historical urban area reduces the comfort of tourists walking in the historic centre and is ruining the reputation of the area as a World Cultural Heritage site.

Keywords: urban form; traffic volume; traffic noise; GIS (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2011
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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