Evaluation of Electromagnetic Field Pollution Level in Gaziantep City with Geographic Information Systems

Abstract

The advancement of technology has led to the widespread use of electronic devices, such as cell phones, which generate electromagnetic fields. Factors like population growth and social needs have contributed to the widespread use of these devices. In parallel with this situation, there has been a significant increase in the number of base stations, high-voltage lines, and TV antenna receivers that provide communication. This study evaluated the electromagnetic field pollution levels in Gaziantep using Geographic Information Systems (GIS). 662 base stations were identified in Gaziantep, the city under study. The Open Signal Map application was used to identify the base stations, and GPS was used to pinpoint their locations. Measurements were conducted using the Lutron EMF 839 device, following the 6-minute rule recommended by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP). The measurement results were analyzed using the interpolation method in ArcGIS 10.8 software, which estimates values between known data points to determine the electromagnetic field levels in the city. The analysis revealed higher electromagnetic field levels in areas with concentrated base stations than in other areas. Additionally, there was a significant decrease in electromagnetic field values from the center to the periphery. A comparison of the electromagnetic field values in Gaziantep with the ICNIRP and Türkiye's national limit values revealed that they were below the specified limit.

Keywords

• Electromagnetic Field
• Electromagnetic Field Map
• Geographic Information Systems
• Gaziantep

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