BLS // Melissa del Carmen Ernstberger and Luka Laval:Sonic Carthography workshop

In a world where the emphasis on visual data is ever-growing, we propose an interactive sonic mapping workshop exploring the small but growing field of cartophony; i.e. the utilization of sonic methods for the mapping of spatial environments. With a walk-through of a prototype sonic mobile mapping app, we propose alternatives to visual mapping practices, placing emphasis on the skill of ‘listening’ for understanding our ‘where’.

Ultimately, the workshop proposes an open discussion space inviting creative thoughts and ideas for collective (re)interpretation of listening to other-than-human environments. Together, we will explore the potential of soundscape design in enriching human-space/place-understandings. In the context of cartography and further geo-visualization sciences (pillars central to ecological and environmental sciences), the goal is to also question creative ways of expressing space beyond the conventional norms. Centering music and sonic practices within a scientific, cartographic method, special attention is placed on encapsulating emotional expression across these disciplines.