This paper is based on a collaborative UK Research Council-funded project between researchers in sustainability and aviation at Manchester Metropolitan University, and researchers in airport planning and computer science at Loughborough University. The aim of the research is to develop a 'proof of concept' decision support tool that facilitates the planning of airport development in a way that avoids breaches of air quality and noise regulations. Feasibility testing is underway for the integrated modelling and indication of aircraft noise emissions, gaseous emissions by surface vehicles and aircraft, consumption of water and electricity, production of solid waste, surface vehicle and aircraft counts. The spatial distribution and magnitude of noise and gaseous emissions will be displayed via a GIS interface for given traffic volumes. The model underpinning the tool is being generated with in-house software specifically designed to enable decision-makers to evaluate development scenarios without a high level of programming skill. Manchester Airport is serving as the main source of data and knowledge of airport system dynamics for the prototype, with other regional UK airports acting as validation sites.
Abstract