Watch this space: From collective to collaborative uses of locative media

In 2000 the restriction of high quality global positioning system (GPS) data ended, making everyday use of GPS possible and affordable, for route planning, navigation and even to draw pictures on the Earth's surface. Since that date artists have been exploring the use of GPS as an expressive and social medium. This paper focuses upon the capacity for locative media to support the social discussion of place. Beginning with the work of established artists and researchers who use GPS, the authors highlight a tendency in the works to engage with individuals in the field, but to discuss social aspects at a distance. In attempting to allow social reflection upon a place in ‘real-time’, the authors have developed a novel technical and conceptual twist on the use of GPS data that allows them to sustain live spatial/social dialogues.