The "CATography" of Ano Syros

With the consensus view that the cats are considered as a powerful and recognisable element that can actively contribute to the promotion and acceptance of projects in which they participate, an "alternative" mapping of the landscape of the settlement of Ano Syros (Syros Island, Greece) with cats as protagonists was created. This study was conducted by the authors for the 7th Interdisciplinary Seminar on Sustainable Development, Culture and Tradition at the Syros Institute. To the reasonable question "why cats?”, the answer is: "Because in Ano Syros, cats are everywhere! Here, cats are not considered as stray cats, they are practically roommates with the inhabitants of Ano Syros and can easily break the threshold between public and private space".A cat count map was created showing the population density of cats on specific routes in Ano Syros. In addition, a map was designed showing the most frequently visited/preferred posts of the most recognisable cats in Ano Syros. Snapshots taken from various landmarks in the settlement are then used to create a cute narrative of the landscape through the eyes of the cats themselves, with the cats as the main characters. An approach, with these popular tourists - residents as the main characters in the photographic composition, can highlight the peculiarities of the region with humour and unexpected clarity. In addition to providing insight in to the local atmosphere, it also helps raise awareness of the importance of preserving and promoting the island's cultural and architectural heritage. Also, it can contribute to the protection and care of this precious domestic animal.It is essentially a creative game of exploration and discovery of Ano Syros, inviting the spectator and, at the same time, potential visitor, to follow, study, discover or rediscover and, ultimately, fall in love with Ano Syros.Place marketing consists of strategically designed processes that rely on a deep knowledge of place image and place identity (Deffner, 2012). Against this background and accepting that cats are an inseparable part of island life and landscape, together with the dynamics of these adorable and popular pets, the development of innovative digital applications that promote Ano Syros with a fun and playful spatial performativity can play an important role in place marketing and certainly constitutes one of the ultimate aims of this work.