Sonification of Geoglyphs: A Framework for Translating Geometric and Symmetry Properties of Nazca Lines into Rhythmic Sound Parameters

This research note introduces a conceptual and computational framework for the sonification of prehistoric geoglyphs, with a focus on the Nazca Lines (Peru). The core contribution is a pipeline that converts geometric and symmetry properties of geoglyph contour data—extracted via GIS—into structured rhythmic sound parameters. Drawing on Lynch's concept of the imageability of urban paths as a model for perceptual movement through form, I propose that a geoglyph can be understood as a spatial score: its geometry encodes pacing, intensity, and bilateral structure that map systematically onto rhythm, instrumentation, and stereo positioning. A bilateral symmetry algorithm (PCA/SVD on point clouds, outputting R, E50, S, and per-point L/R side) provides the quantitative basis for this translation. This note describes the conceptual framework, the translation table from geometric condition to rhythmic pattern, the computational pipeline (QGIS → Python → MIDI/OSC → SuperCollider), and open questions for future experimental work.