Evaluation of noise pollution level from traffic for Sivas city using GIS-based noise indexes

In this study with the purpose of determining the noise pollution originating from traffic in Sivas city center, noise measurements were performed in 14 different points that represent the city for 5 days in morning, noon and evening. Based on the measurement results, GIS based noise pollution spatial distribution maps were created and also the noise levels and orbits that change according to the time as time-wise and spatial were determined. Also, noise pollution level of city is revealed with calculating indexes such as traffic noise pollution index (NI), noise climate (NC), noise exposure index (NEI) and level of noise pollution (Lnp). Level of equivalent continuous noise (Leq) value is above limit values in all regions and its mean determined for morning, noon and evening hours as 75.19, 73.72 and 75.92 dB respectively. The highest Lnp values are calculated as 96,8 dB for morning, 98,7 dB for noon and 97 dB for evening. The highest NC values are calculated as 18,7 dB for morning, 21,3 dB for noon and 21 dB for evening. Almost all of the NEI values were more than 1 and this shows that the level of noise exposure of all measuring points is at excessive level. The NI value which is calculated according to the measurements is usually above 74 dB. The areas affected by noise within the boundaries of Sivas city were revealed by using the noise distribution maps obtained with the help of GIS. When all of the results are evaluated, it is seen that there is a serious noise pollution problem around the traffic way of city. Noise pollution is the most important factor that disrupts environmental quality and environmental health in the city center.