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ZENODO
Preprint . 2026
License: CC BY
Data sources: ZENODO
ZENODO
Preprint . 2026
License: CC BY
Data sources: Datacite
ZENODO
Preprint . 2026
License: CC BY
Data sources: Datacite
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Sonification of Geoglyphs: A Framework for Translating Geometric and Symmetry Properties of Nazca Lines into Rhythmic Sound Parameters

Authors: Hoyos-Bucheli, Gonzalo;

Sonification of Geoglyphs: A Framework for Translating Geometric and Symmetry Properties of Nazca Lines into Rhythmic Sound Parameters

Abstract

This research note introduces a conceptual and computational framework for the sonification of prehistoric geoglyphs, with a focus on the Nazca Lines (Peru). The core contribution is a pipeline that converts geometric and symmetry properties of geoglyph contour data—extracted via GIS—into structured rhythmic sound parameters. Drawing on Lynch's concept of the imageability of urban paths as a model for perceptual movement through form, I propose that a geoglyph can be understood as a spatial score: its geometry encodes pacing, intensity, and bilateral structure that map systematically onto rhythm, instrumentation, and stereo positioning. A bilateral symmetry algorithm (PCA/SVD on point clouds, outputting R, E50, S, and per-point L/R side) provides the quantitative basis for this translation. This note describes the conceptual framework, the translation table from geometric condition to rhythmic pattern, the computational pipeline (QGIS → Python → MIDI/OSC → SuperCollider), and open questions for future experimental work.

Keywords

sonification, geoglyphs, Nazca Lines, archaeoacoustics, bilateral symmetry, spatial score, algorithmic composition, GIS, rhythm, stereo panning

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selected citations
These citations are derived from selected sources.
This is an alternative to the "Influence" indicator, which also reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
BIP!Citations provided by BIP!
popularity
This indicator reflects the "current" impact/attention (the "hype") of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network.
BIP!Popularity provided by BIP!
influence
This indicator reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
BIP!Influence provided by BIP!
impulse
This indicator reflects the initial momentum of an article directly after its publication, based on the underlying citation network.
BIP!Impulse provided by BIP!
0
Average
Average
Average
Green