Acoustic Atlas – Auralisation in the Browser

The Acoustic Atlas project, funded by the European Commission, explores a new model for experiencing acoustic heritage data in the form of room impulse responses (RIRs), as real-time auralisations. The browser-based Web Audio application functions on any smart mobile device or computer running a web browser. It utilises the built-in microphone and headphone output of the device to transport the user to a selected heritage site via headphones and a live microphone feed. Users are able to emit sounds to hear the reflections from a first-person point-of-hearing. Researchers in the field of heritage acoustics have advocated for the importance of acoustical studies and their historical, artistic and spiritual value. However, heritage sites still prioritise dissemination through visual means, such as maps, 3D models, photographs and videos. Where acoustic research is available, it is mostly published in text form through the analysis of objective acoustical parameters. When attempting to access auralisations, the search becomes difficult and fragmented. Acoustic Atlas provides real-time auralisations to wide audiences, beyond those already working in the field of heritage acoustics and, as a result, contributes to the awareness of the importance of listening and the preservation of sonic heritage. The present paper explores the web architecture of the project that utilises the Web Audio API and Tone.js which currently enables auralisations at acceptable latency. It also looks into achieving synchronisation between B-format RIRs and 360 head positioning in the browser, in real-time.