Advice for model ground truthing

[bjhodgson]

Hi all!

I'm working on a project to determine how traffic-related noise emissions impact wildlife movement. I'd like to use NoiseModelling to model noise intensity across our study area, but the decibel levels need to be precise and accurate to draw conclusions about noise effects on animal behavior.

To that end, I took noise measurements in decibels at different locations in our study area. I have a few questions:

1. How would you suggest I use these measurements to validate the model?
2. Is it possible to define a starting decibel emission level at the road in NoiseModelling based on my measurements?

Thank you in advance for your advice!

Best,
Ben

[pierromond]

How would you suggest I use these measurements to validate the model?

Mmmm just comparing the sound level with results in first approx.

Is it possible to define a starting decibel emission level at the road in NoiseModelling based on my measurements?

Yes ! if you have only one close road and the sound measurement was taken close to the road, it is possible to compute emission level from measurements. For example : https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0003682X12003040