Environmental Simulator
To obtain clarity on the effects of the presence of an airport on the environment. The aviation sector wants to offer adequate, airport-specific information The Environmental Simulator, an interactive information system, is the ideal solution. Local residents must be able to obtain insight into what goes on at an airport and what effect this has on their environment. By means of simulations, the effects of changes - in particular as regards noise, emissions and external safety - can be presented in a simple manner.
Approach
The requirements that must be met by the Environmental Simulator will be established by conducting interviews with the stakeholders of the airport. The programme of requirements will provide the input for a conceptual design of the Environmental Simulator.
Results
In late 2007, the SIM study was concluded. The goal was to have a first version of the Environmental Simulator realized by the end of 2009. However, Schiphol has concluded that the Environmental Simulator in the form proposed could not be realized. The financial situation, which the airport experienced at that time, could not justify such an investment as it was proposed earlier. This means that the realization of the first phase of the Environmental Simulator was being stopped.
Though, this does not mean that nothing will happen. It is clear that the right information is not an isolated goal. It has added value. This is why Schiphol in 2010 will be actively looking for another way of realizing an Environmental Simulator. The ambition to create a tool which informs in the right manner remains unchanged. The form in which this can be achieved, however, will be amended. At this moment the feasibility of a "smaller version" is examined.
