A noise map is normally generated using computer software that calculates noiselevels from input data such as traffic flows and topography (e.g. ground levels) Computer modeling is used rather than noise measurement as measurement wouldbe prohibitively expensive and it would be technically difficult to isolate differentsources of noise (e.g. that from road, rail, aircraft or industry). Noise maps are normally contour maps showing areas of differing levels of noiseThey can be maps of individual noise sources i.e. road traffic, railway traffic, aircraftin flight or industry. However, all the sources can be combined into one map to givean overall picture of the noise climate.