Effects of traffic-related noise – a GIS-supported problem-oriented spatial analysis in the local area

Bette J, Höhnle S, Schubert J C

Abstract

The special opportunities which a full-function GIS delivers for analyzing space in due consideration of a local issue in the school area are the central part of the article which deals with the analysis of an important environmental problem - traffic-related noise. At first noise measurements are being conducted in the area of the school. The received data is being analyzed using GIS afterwards regarding spatial coincidences for the issue of traffic congestion following a spatial analysis approach. The teaching method follows Anderson's approach of inquiry based learning (Anderson 2007) which starts with a problem or a question and hypotheses related to the question. The examination of these hypotheses structures the following steps in the lesson. The objective data and the found seemingly spatial coincidences are being questioned critically in the last step by contrasting them with subjectively felt noise exposure.