Designing Interactive Sound Maps Using Scalable Vector Graphics

Abstract

Geographical research and cartography have, for the most part, neglected sound, even though it is an important part of the environment within which human society exists. This article examines the use of sound in other disciplines, arguing that cartography is unusual in its relatively limited use of sound and examining research indicating that sound has the potential to provide useful options to cartographers in their map designs. The article then presents research carried out using interactive sound as an added dimension of maps designed to be accessible over the World Wide Web. The sounds are conceived as an integral part of the map, augmenting rather than replicating the visual information to provide new insights into the subject matter of the map. The article presents a detailed discussion of the design of a map of results from the Canadian federal election of 28 June 2004, showing a selection of electoral districts in the vicinity of Ottawa, ON. The map, implemented using Scalable Vector Graphics (SVG), JavaScript, and recorded audio files, uses recorded speeches by the leaders of the federal political parties to provide an auditory dimension.