Explore the globe in field recordings

Earth Garden is an interactive web-based map application designed to let users explore the globe through the medium of environmental audio and field recordings. Taking inspiration from the well-known Radio Garden platform—which connects users to live radio broadcasts worldwide—this application instead focuses entirely on regional soundscapes. Navigating the virtual globe allows individuals to immerse themselves in diverse auditory environments, ranging from waves crashing against the shores of distant Atlantic islands to a chorus of crickets in Tanzania or rain showers on the streets of Manhattan. The platform is designed to accommodate various listening preferences, offering a rich experience for those interested in active, analytical listening of nature and urban environments, as well as those seeking soothing background audio to assist with daily work or sleep. All of the audio featured on the platform is retrieved from Freesound, an open database of user-submitted audio content. Because Earth Garden relies on this public repository, users may experience variations in recording quality and inconsistent volume levels when switching between tracks. Furthermore, the availability of these recordings reflects the demographics of the sourcing database, resulting in a heavier concentration of soundscapes from the United States and Europe, particularly the United Kingdom. To make the experience more seamless and relaxing, Earth Garden includes an automated rotation feature that slowly spins the virtual planet and crossfades between audio clips as different coordinates pass under the central reticle. Additionally, users have the option to layer generic, low-intensity ambient synth drones beneath the environmental recordings to create a more cohesive soundscape.