Sonic Weather: A Study on the Sonification of Daily Weather Conditions and their Correlation with the Sonic Identity of Locations

This research explores the potential of sonification as an alternative to traditional visual representations of weather data, aiming to create immersive, intuitive, and accessible auditory experiences that represent daily weather patterns. The study investigates the interrelationship between weather conditions and the sonic identity of places, focusing on how environmental soundscapes respond to meteorological fluctuations. A prototype was developed to represent daily weather conditions specifically for the city of Edinburgh. The sonification design combines field recordings and procedural audio to interpret weather data through the dynamic interaction between changing weather patterns and the acoustic responses of the surrounding environment. Additionally, spatial mapping techniques were employed to enhance the realism of sound elements and foster user engagement by creating a tangible sense of place and illustrating the dynamic nature of weather elements, such as wind direction. Through surveys and user testing, the study incorporated feedback from visually impaired and sighted participants. The findings highlight critical factors in the design of accessible auditory interfaces, including cultural context, perceptual ergonomics, and the use of auditory cues. User evaluations indicated a strong appreciation for the clarity of rain and wind cues, the immersive integration of natural soundscapes, and the innovative approach to communicating weather data through sound. However, challenges remain in representing more complex variables, such as temperature, underscoring the need for conditioning auditory cues that align more intuitively with listeners perception. The study concludes that weather data sonification can enrich user experience and accessibility, especially when grounded in environmental context and perceptual design principles.