geofancy

Geofancy refers to the practice of using geospatial data and technologies to create or enhance imaginative and often fantastical elements within a fictional world. This can involve mapping fictional landscapes with real-world geographic principles, incorporating elements of fantasy or science fiction into the topography, or using location-based services to influence narrative development. The term blends "geography" with "fantasy," suggesting a deliberate fusion of the physical world and imaginative storytelling.

The concept can manifest in various forms of media. In literature, authors might meticulously detail the geography of a fictional planet, drawing inspiration from Earth's geological features or climate patterns to lend realism to their creations. This can include designing continents, mountain ranges, river systems, and even atmospheric conditions that are internally consistent and believable, even if the world itself is not real.

In video games, geofancy is often employed to build immersive virtual environments. Developers use geographic principles to construct detailed maps, populate them with diverse biomes, and create natural-looking terrain. This allows players to explore, navigate, and interact with a world that feels both alien and grounded in familiar spatial concepts. Location-based augmented reality games also utilize real-world geography as a foundation for their gameplay, overlaying fictional elements onto the player's physical surroundings.

Geofancy can also extend to the creation of fictional cosmologies or alternative histories where geographical locations play a pivotal role. This might involve imagining how different species or cultures might evolve based on distinct environmental pressures, or how historical events might have unfolded differently given altered geographical circumstances. Ultimately, geofancy seeks to enrich fictional narratives by grounding them, at least in part, in the logic and appeal of spatial relationships and geographic phenomena.