Mapping out the unseen and ignored, sensory researcher Kate McLean created a series of "smell maps" called 'Sensory Maps.' The maps graph out odor across six cities. Since conventional maps focus solely on the landscape of a location, people are not aware of the smells around them. McLean wanted to help people "use their noses, to become more aware of the smells that go to make up our urban environments."
Each map has a series of odor landmarks called "smellmarks" with long curved lines indicating where the smells extends to. Some smellmarks that McLean used includes brewery malt fumes, fish & chip shops and vomit.
By creating these maps of urban smellscapes, McLean hopes that smell will be taken into a stronger consideration during city planning. More information about smells will help officials place an emphasis on protecting the smell of public spaces.
Aroma-Charting Maps
The 'Sensory Maps' by Kate McLean Visualize Urban Smellscapes
Trend Themes
1. Sensory Mapping - Opportunity to create innovative mapping tools that visualize sensory experiences in urban environments.
2. Urban Smellscapes - Opportunity to develop new technologies and solutions that enhance and improve urban smells.
3. Smell-aware City Planning - Opportunity to incorporate smell data into urban planning and design decisions.
Industry Implications
1. Urban Planning and Design - Opportunity for urban planning and design professionals to consider smell as a key factor in creating livable cities.
2. Mapping and Data Visualization - Opportunity for companies that specialize in mapping and data visualization to offer new tools and services that incorporate sensory experiences like smell.
3. Air Quality Monitoring and Improvement - Opportunity to develop technologies and strategies to monitor and improve the quality of smells in urban environments.