Noise mapping of densely populated neighborhoods—example of Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro—Brazil

Copacabana is one of the most famous neighborhoods of the city of Rio de Janeiro/Brazil but suffers from a high inhabitant density. One of the many environmental problems faced is related to noise pollution. In order to assess not only the noise levels, to which the population is exposed, but also to quantify the influence of architectonical aspects, the paper presents the steps taken towards a simulation of the noise immissions and propagation in this area. The results of the simulation are compared to measurements in different locations and daily-hours. The discrepancies are analyzed and the methodology is discussed in view of its application to a huge urban center like the city of Rio de Janeiro.