A Comparative Analysis of Locative Audio for Mobile Cartography: A Preliminary Study

Abstract

In this preliminary study, we present a comparative analysis of locative audio design and technology for mobile cartography. Locative audio describes the placement of sound into the landscape, and is now widely supported in mobile technology using the device’s GPS and other spatial sensors. Sound cartography occupies a relatively small space in cartographic research in favor of visual methodologies, despite the growing relevance to both mobile-first and inclusive cartographic design. We analyzed 38 locative audio tours by five criteria: app technologies, tour characteristics, visual representations, sonic representations, and interactions. In the presentation, we present the preliminary design insights and future directions derived from the comparative analysis.