# Sound and data parameters
When creating a data sonification, there are many choices to be made regarding **what aspects of the data** are converted to sound, and **what characteristics of sound** are used in this representation.
In [parameter mapping](/data-sonification/methods.md), dimensions of data are matched to dimensions of sound. Check out Matt Russo's [description of data-related choices](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DUdLRy8i9qI\&t=71s), and Jordan Wirfs-Brock's [exploration of sonic dimensions](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ARjgKuFyXE8\&t=1143s).
### Data Choices
*Dimensions of data that can be converted to sound*
* **Mapping function / data selection** :table: Which variables of the data set are getting converted to sound?
* **Polarity** :plus-minus: What is the direction of relationship between your data values and audio parameters?\
(For example, are larger numbers matched with higher pitch/volume? Or it is vice versa?)
* **Range** :person-hiking: The span of audio values to which the data is transferred, such as a range of musical notes or volume.
* **Scaling** :arrow-up-right-and-arrow-down-left-from-center: Mathematical relationship between data and audio parameters, such as linear or logarithmic.
### Audio Choices
*Dimensions of sound to represent the data*
* **Pitch** :piano-keyboard: Note frequency (Hz). In other words, "highness" vs. "lowness."
* **Timbre / texture** :saxophone: The quality of a sound or tone; the distinct "color" of a sound.
* **Loudness / volume** :volume-high: Perceived level of sound that is heard by the listener, related to the magnitude of a sound.
* **Tempo** :person-running-fast: Speed of the audio (BPM).
* **Rhythm** :drum: Pattern and cadence with which sound is played.
* **Duration** :road: The length of time the sound lasts.
* **Panning / stereo image** :speaker: The position of audio from left to right speaker or headphone.
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