GPS Beatmap from Jesse Stiles on Vimeo.
Locative media is still a minute niche in the location-based services and applications industry. But whenever I come across a cool project in this little niche, I think it’s definitely worth sharing. That said, what do you get when you cross a vast database of GPS data, a Ford LTD Crown Victoria, the Bonneville Salt Flats, and some catchy DJ algorithms? The GPS Beatmap…
Looping musical phrases are represented on a map as overlapping circular territories. As the vehicle approaches the center of a circle, the volume increases. In areas of the map where territories overlap the vehicle generates dynamic mixes of the overlapping musical phrases. By exploring a very large map of many overlapping territories the Beatmap creates complex, dynamic mash-ups.
The map can be explored on foot, by plane, boat, train, or automobile. In this footage the map is explored by car on the Bonneville Salt Flats, allowing the user to freely accelerate, swerve, and slam to a stop for optimum musical control of the instrument.
…is best described by watching the video above.