FAA Integrated Noise Modeler Visualization

The Federal Avaiation Administration (FAA) Office of Environment and Energy has developed the Integrated Noise Model for evaluating aircrat noise impacts in the vicinity of airports. The model has many analytical uses and may be used to evaluate operational procedures and assess noise impact resulting from new or extended runways. The tool uses flight track information, aircraft fleet mix, standard aircraft profiles and terrain as inputs and produces noise exposure contours that are used for land use compatibility maps and can be imported into commercial Geographic Information Systems (GIS).

ECS developed a visualization component for the INM that allows users to interactively view a 3D model of the airport and its surrounding terrain while providing the ability to toggle various INM contours on and off for discussion. This tool was used extensively at the Miami International Airport during the design process of a new runway to determine the impact on the surrounding community.This tool was also used in public hearings to allow members of the community to visualize the impact of the new runway.