In the context of intangible heritage, virtual reconstructions of world heritage sites are becoming increasingly useful to allow for multi-sensory immersive access, research and conservation. Examples of uses of auralisations include simulations of ancient and historic sites, to support archaeological, architectural, anthropological and historical research. Uses also include various interdisciplinary performance- and media art projects. The number of both natural and cultural heritage acoustic measurement work is increasing. Sites ranging from cathedrals, ancient theatres and ruins to caves and other natural soundscapes are being acoustically measured. To date, however, vast amounts of digital visual data such as maps, 3D models, and photographs of heritage sites, still outnumber available and accessible auralisations.

It is essential to create audible access to heritage acoustic research, because the act of listening is different to the act of reading about a subject. A vast majority of acoustic and heritage acoustic research still gets published predominantly as text in journals, conference papers and books. Even where acoustic measurements clearly have been conducted (since it is written about in great detail), only a small percentage is audible.

Connected to this topic are more general aspects of open access of scientific data. By sharing such research in interactive audible formats, the audience and reach of these projects vastly increase. Accessibility is expanded, as people who wish to simply travel the world virtually through the web can experience it, and no specialist knowledge is required to enjoy the auralisations.

The tools to enable such experiences are now readily available. With the high-level JavaScript (JS) WAA comes a built-in convolver node, that enables stereo convolution reverb in the browser. With current and recently developed JavaScript libraries such as JSAmbisonics, Google Omnitone and HOAST it is now a realistic option to embed first and higher order ambisonic (HOA) virtual acoustics in audible and user-friendly ways, into the browser, in order to experience acoustic data in audible format. JS Open Acoustic Impulse Response Library (OpenAirLib) allows WAAPI-compatible programmatic access to the OpenAIR RIRs collection. Various examples can be found of projects playing first order ambisonic (FOA) audio together with full spherical video in YouTube via the use of FFMPEG. Acoustic Atlas aims to be a useful and fun listening experience, in which research can be shared and sonic experiences enjoyed. Acoustic Atlas hopes to make accessible as many of these projects as possible via its web application.