ID: 2009
Presenting Author: Crystal Mei Yan Lui
Session: 665 - Planning Support Systems for Environmental Assessment and Urban Decision-Making
Status: pending
Web‑NAT v3.0 streamlines HK’s Traffic Noise Impact Assessments through a GIS‑based, standardised, and interoperable web platform, enhancing data consistency, submission efficiency, and review time.
To improve the efficiency and consistency of reviewing the increasing number of Road Traffic Noise Impact Assessment (RTNIA) submissions, the Environmental Protection Department of the HKSAR Government has developed the "Web-based Traffic Noise Assessment Tool" (Web‑NAT). Web‑NAT 3.0 serves as an integrated online platform that standardizes and streamlines RTNIA workflows for residential developments. It provides a modular workflow, GIS‑based data preparation, standardised result tables and figures, and an e‑submission pathway that supports Certified Noise Modelling Professionals (CNMPro) prepared models and Independent Environmental Professional (IEP) verification. Within one interface, users prepare project layouts (via DXF/SHP templates), manage NSRs and mitigation, preview Web‑NAT Plans, and generate uniform outputs for RTNIA submission—reducing manual checking and presentation inconsistencies across submissions.
This paper introduces the v3.0 modules, main interface components (such as the Development Layout panel and plan preview/printing functions), and demonstrates how standardized outputs expedite RTNIA review. Enhanced interoperability also reduces modelling time, as shapefile data can be easily exported for use in third‑party acoustic tools like CadnaA, eliminating repetitive data entry. The discussion concludes with future prospects of adapting this GIS‑enabled, web‑based approach for data centre noise assessments, using map‑driven source management and automated reporting to enhance vetting efficiency and data transparency.
Crystal Lui, representing the Hong Kong Institute of Environmental Impact Assessment, is an environmental consultant specializing in noise impact assessment.
Coauthor 1: Ken Li