Exploring the Geosensory in Geography: Examining Olfaction and Geo-virtual Immersion as Contributors to a Sense of Place and Embodiment
Aaron Michael Ferrari · 2018
Exploring the Geosensory in Geography: Examining Olfaction and Geo-virtual Immersion as Contributors to a Sense of Place and Embodiment Aaron Michael FerrariImmersive, virtual environments have proven to be valuable tools for geographic research of place, embodiment and experience.Although current trends in Geography indicate a shift toward 3D GIS and visualization, there remains a visucentric focus that has, so far, discounted additional senses beyond sight and sound.This research implemented a case study using a virtual representation of Wheeling, WV in the 1860's as described in the book Life in the Iron Mills, by Rebecca Harding Davis to study the effectiveness of olfactory stimulation in contributing to and evoking a sense of place.Because of the direct link between the olfactory and limbic systems, olfactory stimulation can instantly evoke vivid memories and emotional responses that sights and sounds alone often cannot attain.Through questionnaire responses and focus group discussions, this work found that the addition of scents into a geo-virtual environment does enhance a person's sense of place.Table of Contents Ch. 1 Introduction-p.1