Interactive Graphics Use in Traffic Noise Modeling

Abstract

Highway noise predictive modeling has evolved dramatically in recent years. Current state‐of‐the‐art models require the extensive use of three dimensional (X,Y,Z) coordinate data to represent roadways, barriers, and receivers. Introduction of incorrect data is all too common when using such models, because of the need to transfer information from maps to coding forms to computer files. To overcome these problems, the Vanderbilt University Transportation Research Group has developed an interactive computer graphics program, VUPLOT designed to plot coordinate data in plan (X,Y) or profile (X,Z) view. One subroutine of VUPLOT permits the plotting of STAMINA (Standard Method in Noise Reduction computer program)‐type input files or selective plotting of roadways, barrier, or receiver files. Another subroutine overwrites roadway segment noise level contributions to the overall