Bio Mapping: Charting Emotional Hotspots in the Cityscape

Like a mental weather map or traffic update, the Biomapping project visualizes emotional data within cities. Christian Nold, a London-based artist, used GPS coordinates coupled with a device that measured participant’s galvanic skin response as they walked through a designated urban area. Galvanic skin response gauges emotional arousal by measuring the electrical resistance of the skin. Emotions GSR usually picks up include: fear, anger, startle response, orienting response and sexual feelings.

Nold charted the emotional location data onto Google maps, and allowed participants to note what was happening along the way. This produced a detailed profile the hidden psychological side of the city.

I can imagine many possible uses for this kind of emotional map for both professionals and residents. You could plan your way through the city, avoiding high tension hot-spots and discover peaceful areas to rest. City planners, architects and advertisers should also find this kind of information invaluable.

[via Richard Florida]