A new Nordic method to predict rail traffic noise is proposed. It is based on a complete
separation of source emission and sound propagation. Each train is modelled as a number
of point sources each with a certain sound power with or without directivity. The source
model is connected to point source sound propagation theory to yield the sound pressure
level in an arbitrary receiver position. The propagation model is based on accurate
analytical models and it is capable of predicting propagation effects both with and
without the influence of meteorological parameters. In this first version the prediction
method has to rely on old data for the noise emission of trains.