Dr Kate McLean-MacKenzie is creating an atlas of the world’s “smellscapes”.
The researcher from the University of Kent wants smells to be shared like images and sounds.
Her work involves guided “smell walks”, where participants record scents, their strength, and emotional associations.
The data is transformed into visual maps and narratives that reflect how cities are experienced through smell.
Since 2011, McLean-MacKenzie has mapped 40 locations, including Paris, Glasgow, Kolkata, and Kyiv.
She says smell is subjective, cultural, and deeply tied to memory and place.
The maps capture fleeting moments, shaped by weather, movement, and daily life.
They may also become historical records as cities change, for example with electric vehicles.
McLean-MacKenzie hopes the atlas encourages people to engage more fully with their surroundings.
She believes understanding how others experience smell can foster empathy and curiosity.
