What are Gnomes?

[KatHuntoon]

And how are they used?

I am pretty sure I have searched long enough and there does not seem to be too much on this other than gnomes are some time there.

I am trying to initially get a firm understanding on the LE tool. . yes I know it is an older tool, however I find it just a bit easier to learn one thing at a time

[Biriali]

As far as I know, there are different kinds of gnomes. I'll explain you about the two kinds I know of.
Airport gnomes: these gnomes (maybe there's more than one kind of airport gnome?) will UDI enable any lots with this gnome on it for air planes.
Ferry gnomes: I am not quite sure about this one. Perhaps it spawns the ferry automata? Or maybe it also has something to do with UDI functionality.

[Diggis]

Lol, no, some (or all of the original) of the landmarks have gnomes on them. The show up for a week a year or something.

[Biriali]

  lol Maybe you're right Diggis.
But I actually think there's an invisible prop called "gnome something something", that are placed on at least the maxis air port lots... (and also on most of the RMIP lots, if I remember correctly)

[Lowkee33]

Thats what I thought too, but also maybe there was some modding term I never heard of. 

The show up for a week a year or something.

And they all have different times of the year, so many gnomes are needed.  They are easter eggs.  Some where in the game oddities section they have been pointed out. 

Edit: the conversation starts on the first page Link