Slashdot Mirror
Geographic Mapping of Emotions
datafr0g writes "New Scientist has an overview of a project that maps emotional responses to geographic locations. Emotions are read from an individual using a Galvanic Skin Response Sensor. This data is combined with that from a GPS Receiver and the results can be viewed with mapping software such as Google Earth to show where the emotional highs and lows of the day traveling were spent. Points of significance on the map could also be tagged with more info by the user, which could make the information even more useful for town planners, architects, etc. From the project site: 'Bio Mapping is a research project which explores new ways that we as individuals can make use of the information we can gather about our own bodies. Instead of security technologies that are designed to control our behaviour, this project envisages new tools that allows people to selectively share and interpret their own bio data.'" I like the concept of architecture designed with emotion in mind, but galvanic skin response might not be the most accurate way to read "emotion" -- it might show that joggers are just as happy as sunbathers.
Years ago at a sports psychologist's office I had these skin-response devices (among other things) attached to me while I was told to close my eyes and imagine being in a relaxing natural setting. It was neat to see my brain activity mapped out on a monitor and change drastically because of those thoughts. So not only do real places affect us, but imagined ones as well.
Here ya go: http://www.waywelivednc.com/maps/historical/cape-f ear.gif
Where were you when the voynix came?
Every day, we see more and more silly things to do with GPS and Google Earth. I, for one, embrace silliness.
Soon, we'll be able to draw big maps of the earth showing which countries are happier than others. There could be league tables of happiness, angryness, sadness, fear etc. Maybe entire gambling rings....
There is nothing interesting going on at my blog
Who thinks I need a map to tell me where I'm happy and sad and so forth day-to-day? Let's cut to the chase: Happy - in front of the TV watching baseball or Law & Order; Unhappy - work; Angry - commuting.
Just because we have certain technologies does not mean they should be combined to created mindless information for mass consupmtion. Are we going to end up with the Google Happy Zone, with a Google Earth map with little emoticons all over it? Are the going to link this to your IM so people on the other end of your messages know your mood? All this is a high-tech version of the 70's mood ring.
GetOuttaMySpace - The Anti-Social Network
"Honey, what is this redlight district?"
"You're everywhere. You're omnivorous."
it might show that joggers are just as happy as sunbathers.
... having done both of the above, I'd say that the former is much more enjoyable than the latter.
Though I can't say I put much faith in the readings of the E-Meter-wannabe, I don't understand the logic behind the above statement. It seems to suggest that joggers are supposed to be less happy...
Exercise induced endorphins, anyone?
>> Standing on head makes smile of frown, but rest of face also upside down.
it might show that joggers are just as happy as sunbathers.
I would venture to say that joggers are as happy as sunbathers. Maybe I'm outside the norm here, but I'd rather be jogging than sunbathing. Just like I'd rather be coding than watching TV.
There is a feeling you get in the middle of a good run that is euphoric. You feel like you could run forever. It's a happy feeling.
"Data:"
-- smells like armpits;
-- overboding sense of fear:
--> must be New Jersey.
--> If garlic present: possibly a French subway."
The information age is upon us. http://wefeelfine.org/
You constantly struggle for self improvement - and it shows.
Hooray for bad Engrish on fortune cookies
My first impression of that headline is a huge map of the US with smiley faces everywhere but here!
stuff |
I don't want to sound like I'm trolling, but what relevence does this acutally have? For instance, the sum of everyone's emotions on a particlar spot I would imagine would equal zero. This is because what makes one person happy, may make another sad, etc. How does any of it make sense through all the emotional noise? For example, the sight of a tall sky scraper may seem like an awe inspiring feat of engineering to one, whilst it is a tearful reminder of the potential destructive force of a rag tag band of terrorists to another. How does all the subjectivity produce any meaningful results?
We're all hypocrites. We all have hidden parts, it's the contrast between them that make us more a hypocrite than others
Slashgeo (a site for us geospatial types) reported this in May. You can see it here.
The Tao that can be spoken is not the one eternal Tao