The best books draw the reader into their worlds, and now a new audio book is using the GPS in smartphones to use the real world as a trigger for different parts of its story.
The Cartographer’s Confession tells the story of a young immigrant in post-Second World War London, and encourages users to head to the areas of London featured in the story to unlock new parts of the tale.
Using the GPS built into all modern smartphones, the free iOS and Android app that houses the story presents audio recordings, letters, notes and photographs to readers as they move both literally and figuratively through the story.
Part of a wider project called Ambient Literature, the developers say that it can be completed in around four hours, though an “armchair mode” that enables readers to explore the content wherever they are is also included in the app.
The app’s information page also urges users to set off with their phone fully charged, with their journey taking in Leicester Square, the South Bank and Bermondsey.
The story was written by author James Attlee, and the project is the result of a collaboration between the University of the West of England, Bath Spa University and the University of Birmingham.
