Mapping noise and characteristics of transit-oriented developments (TODs): A Sunbelt region case study

Abstract

While scholars have copiously explored different aspects of Transit-Oriented Developments (TODs) over the last decades, the literature falls short on examining their noise implications. This study examines the planning, transportation, and environmental implications of noise in the Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area by performing geostatistical analysis for various mapping. These maps include a broad range of TODs’ characteristics and noise implications. Using ArcGIS tools applications into technological platforms, the data comprises sound samples through the grid sampling method. The findings confirm that TODs are 11.5 dB(A) noisier compared to non-TODs (although causes for the uncertainty aspects including the microphone position, using a type 2 SPL meter, or many unexplained variables, etc. might exist). This is mainly caused by mixed-land use, neighborhood services, and density features of TODs. These findings apply to the study areas. The study findings call for collaboration among urban planners, transportation planners, environmental planners, and noise controlling engineers to delve deeper into various planning, policy, and acoustic solutions.