The Milan agglomeration Strategic Noise Map

This paper deals with the procedure applied in the development of Milan agglomeration Strategic Noise Mapping, as defined by Environmental Noise Directive (2002/49/EC). City of Milan is a complex case study because of the presence of a multitude of sources: roads, railways, tramways and airport (Linate). The assessment method follows the guidelines contained in the "Good Practice Guide for Strategic Noise Mapping and the Production of Associated Data on Noise Exposure" (WG-AEN). The study of noise generated from several sources was carried out with the integrated use of both numerical models and Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Numerical models allow to estimate noise levels in large areas near to a specific noise source and GIS enable the efficient acquisition, management and elaboration of geo-referenced data representative of territory, sources and buildings. The purposes of this paper are mainly to describe data collected typologies, to show problems connected to their management and to point out technical solution adopted for Strategic Noise Map achievement. In particular we report the methodology for the estimation of road traffic flow data for each reference period (day, evening and night) from rush hour data obtained from a specific road traffic simulator. Furthermore we pay attention to the management of buildings and population data; these data are essential to estimate the number of inhabitants exposed to specific intervals of the noise indicators Lden and Lnight. Finally the results of Strategic Noise map, displayed in different ways, are exposed.