How SenseMap works
Plain-language estimates of what a restaurant feels like, with the evidence shown every time.
Who SenseMap is for
SenseMap is for anyone who wants to know what a restaurant will feel like before they go — including autistic people, people with sensory processing differences, and families planning outings. It is designed to reduce surprises, not to label anyone.
Where the information comes from
Restaurant names, addresses, hours, photos, and Google ratings come from Google Places. Sensory estimates — noise, lighting, crowding, smell, seating, and best times — are generated by SenseMap from patterns in public review text, using AI review analysis when a provider key (Gemini, Grok, or any OpenAI-compatible model) is configured, and a transparent keyword analyzer otherwise. We always label which is which.
What the SenseMap Score means
The SenseMap Score (0–100) is our estimate of how calm and predictable a space tends to feel. Higher means lower sensory intensity. It is not a quality rating, and it is separate from the Google star rating.
Confidence levels
Each estimate shows how much evidence is behind it, and every Google-derived estimate rests on the sample of at most five reviews Google returns per place — never the full review history. "High confidence (this review sample)" means the sampled reviews agree. "Limited evidence" means hardly any of them mentioned it, so treat it as a hint rather than a fact.
Limitations
Reviews describe individual visits. Sensory conditions change with the day, time, season, and events like birthdays or sports nights. SenseMap does not diagnose, treat, or make any medical claims. When in doubt, call ahead.