Rail Noise Levels Across England Modeled on a 10m Grid

2012 strategic noise mapping data indicates 24-hour annual average rail noise levels (Lden) for England. The data covers areas with populations over 100,000 and along Network Rail and HS1 traffic routes, modeled on a 10m grid and aggregated into noise class polygons. It was produced by the UK Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs to meet the Environmental Noise Directive requirements.

Use Cases

• Assess population exposure to rail noise based on the 10m grid modeling and noise class polygons.
• Model noise propagation from major rail routes mentioned in the description.
• Analyze spatial patterns of noise pollution in agglomerations with over 100,000 people.
• Support policy evaluation for the Environmental Noise Directive using the strategic noise mapping data.

Strengths

• Data is modeled on a detailed 10m grid at a receptor height of 4m.
• Covers major population centers (agglomerations over 100,000 people) and key rail routes (Network Rail, HS1).
• Noise levels are categorized into specific classes (e.g., 75.0+ dB, 70.0-74.9 dB).

Limitations

• Data is from a single year (2012), limiting temporal analysis.
• Row count and column-level documentation are absent; field semantics must be inferred after download.
• Data may reflect geographic bias inherent to the UK-specific sources and mapping methodology.

Provenance

Source

Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

Collection Method

Strategic noise mapping analysis undertaken in 2012 to meet the requirements of the Environmental Noise Directive.

Time Range

2012

Freshness

Last updated 2026-06-29 22:06:17.034782; freshness should be verified.

Geography

England