Mobile phone tracking data unlocks the geography of mobility in cities - Transformative Cities' first policy recommendations published
The Regional Excellence research team (REx) at the University of Oulu Kerttu Saalasti Institute participates in the Transformative Cities project, funded by the Academy of Finland and NextGenerationEU. The first policy recommendations of the project have been published. Mobile phone tracking data will help to better understand the dynamics of mobility in cities and to develop more sustainable forms of mobility.
Insights for policymaking:
- Transport models currently provide accurate information about population flows within infrastructure, estimated mode use, and changes over time. Mobile phone tracking data offers a more detailed view, particularly of the intra-city mobility patterns of citizens and the travel modes they use.
- Understanding physically active mobility patterns, such as walking, cycling, and public transport use, and the factors influencing modal choice in various conditions helps in designing more physically active and sustainable transportation systems. This knowledge supports infrastructure improvement, promotes healthier and environmentally friendly lifestyles, and mitigates environmental impacts.
- Mobile tracking data can be used to monitor changes induced by transportation infrastructure investments, including how citizens change their preferred routes and, potentially, their destinations and residences over time.
"Mobile phone tracking data provides valuable information on the geographical patterns of urban mobility and can improve urban planning for sustainable mobility modes. The analytical models we produce allow for more accurate monitoring of mobility including transport modes as well, but not yet in the most dense urban structures. Mobile phone data already gives an accurate picture of citizens' mobility, but the analyses we produce provide new insights into walking, cycling and public transport," says research director Ossi Kotavaara.
The policy recommendation builds on the Transformative Cities project, which focuses on developing new methods for measuring mobility in cities and promoting sustainable urban mobility solutions.
The research conducted at the University of Oulu by Project Researcher Marton Magyar and Research Director Ossi Kotavaara from the Regional Excellence research team of Kerttu Saalasti Institute together with Postdoctoral Researcher Terhi Ala-Hulkko and University Lecturer Harri Antikainen from the Geography Research Unit in collaboration with Project Manager Tiina Lankila from Oulu Deaconess Institute, Department of Sports and Exercise Medicine. The research framework has been built in the Transformative Cities project together with the project consortium and the research has been conducted in cooperation with Telia Finland Oyj and Telia Crowd Insights.
Read our full policy brief
Contact:
Ossi Kotavaara, Research Director, University of Oulu Kerttu Saalasti Institute, Regional Excellence research team (REx)
ossi.kotavaara@oulu.fi
tel: +358 29 4487852