Cell Phone Data and Travel Behavior Research: Symposium Summary Report
The Exploratory Advanced Research Program
Panel Summary and Next Steps
This session involved general discussion regarding the key trends touched upon throughout the day.
Major Themes Discussed
The participants discussed the following overall themes:
- Utilizing data. Symposium participants noted that there remains tremendous value in using data despite the limitations. Several models and algorithms are transferable between GPS and cellular location data, which allows for some ease of use.
- Finding a balance. Some type of balance between traditionally collected data and emerging data is the best way to focus research efforts moving forward to answer national policy questions.
- Developing standards. It would be helpful to develop a common or standard language when discussing emerging issues and when differentiating among the various types of data streams (e.g., GPS or cellular, phone on or off).
- Working with coverage differences. Coverage in rural areas is available as long as there is service, but it may be less precise than in urban areas. Sampling issues and discrepancies occur not only in rural and urban areas, but also in terms of different types of carriers and areas of higher or lower income.
Key Takeaways
The participants noted several final takeaways from the symposium, as follows:
- Participants noted that different data are better. As researchers continue to gain a better understanding of mobility, traffic patterns, congestion, and behavior, a variety of data can increase understanding with accuracy and precision.
- For cell data to support highway policy information at the national level, standard product outputs can increase the value over ad hoc outputs designed for multiple projects.
- Although cellular data are available from various providers, acquiring data can be costly, and the licensing agreements can limit the use of the data. Fusing the cellular data with demographic information, census tract data, travel surveys, or other data will be a critical next step in determining travel behavior and developing applications for cellular data. Although there are certain privacy issues and other challenges that will need to be addressed over time, this data fusion will help to unlock further advantages of cellular data.