What Can We Learn From GPS Measurement of Travel

In this paper, we use data collected from recent evaluation surveys to explore what information can be obtained from current global positioning system (GPS) devices and the extent to which they are capable of replacing more conventional procedures for collecting personal travel data. At the outset, we need to observe that the use of GPS devices is not cheap. On the contrary, a self-powered GPS device today costs about AU$1250 to purchase. While such a device can be used many times over, so that the actual costs attributable to each day of measurement of travel become relatively small, there are other costs that are quite high on a day-by-day application of GPS technology. Also, whilst GPS technology offers far greater precision of measurement of travel, it is also not foolproof, and complete data cannot be obtained. In this paper, we start by setting out the normal requirements for data from a personal travel survey. We then examine the disadvantages of GPS devices in measuring such data, exploring specifically the limitations and problems of the technology. Subsequently, we explore what data can be obtained from GPS devices, and draw conclusions about the usefulness of GPS as a substitute for more conventional methods of measurement. (a) For the covering entry of this conference, please see ITRD abstract no. E214666.

[1]  Randall Guensler,et al.  Elimination of the Travel Diary: Experiment to Derive Trip Purpose from Global Positioning System Travel Data , 2001 .

[2]  Elaine Murakami,et al.  GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEMS FOR PERSONAL TRAVEL SURVEYS , 1996 .

[3]  Peter R. Stopher,et al.  Pilot Testing a GPS Panel for Evaluating TravelSmart , 2006 .

[4]  Robert A. Baffour.  Collecting Roadway Cross Slope Data Using Multi-Antenna-Single Receiver GPS Configuration , 2002 .

[5]  P. Stopher,et al.  Developing a method for simulating trip tours in urban areas , 2006 .

[6]  Cesar Quiroga,et al.  An Integrated GPS-GIS Methodology for Performing Travel Time Studies. , 1997 .

[7]  Philip Laird,et al.  30th Australasian Transport Research Forum , 2007 .

[8]  Nelly Kalfs,et al.  Global Positioning System as Data Collection Method for Travel Research , 2000 .

[9]  Cesar Quiroga,et al.  Performance measures and data requirements for congestion management systems , 2000 .

[10]  Jun Zhang,et al.  Variability in day-to-day travel: analysis of a 28-day GPS survey , 2006 .

[11]  Peter R. Stopher,et al.  USING PASSIVE GPS AS A MEANS TO IMPROVE SPATIAL TRAVEL DATA. , 2001 .

[12]  P. Stopher,et al.  Assessing the accuracy of the Sydney Household Travel Survey with GPS , 2007 .

[13]  Prakash Ranjitkar.  Car-Following Experiments Using RTK GPS and Stability Characteristics of Followers in Platoon , 2002 .

[14]  Piet Rietveld,et al.  Rounding of Arrival and Departure Times in Travel Surveys: An Interpretation in Terms of Scheduled Activities , 2001 .

[15]  Peter R. Stopher,et al.  GPS, Location, and Household Travel , 2004 .

[16]  Cesar Quiroga,et al.  Tool for Measuring Travel Time and Delay on Arterial Corridors , 2002 .

[17]  J. Wolf.  Applications of New Technologies in Travel Surveys , 2006 .

[18]  Peter R. Stopher,et al.  Developing and deploying a new wearable GPS device for transport applications , 2005 .

[19]  Weng Tat Chan,et al.  Using GPS Data to Calibrate Arterial Speed Profile in PARAMICS , 2002 .

[20]  Peter R. Stopher,et al.  GPS MEASUREMENT OF TRAVEL TIMES, DRIVING CYCLES AND CONGESTION , 2003 .

[21]  Randall Guensler,et al.  The Use of Electronic Travel Diaries and Vehicle Instrumentation Packages in the Year 2000 Atlanta Regional Household Travel Survey: Test Results, Package Configurations, and Deployment Plans , 2000 .

[22]  Jean Wolf,et al.  TRIP RATE ANALYSIS IN GPS-ENHANCED PERSONAL TRAVEL SURVEYS. IN: TRANSPORT SURVEY QUALITY AND INNOVATION , 2003 .

[23]  P Bullock,et al.  MEASURING BUS PERFORMANCE USING GPS TECHNOLOGY , 2003 .

[24]  P. Stopher,et al.  A Panel Approach to Evaluating TravelSmart Initiatives in the Short Term - South Australia Pilot Survey , 2005 .

[25]  P. Stopher,et al.  Exploring the Use of Passive GPS Devices to Measure Travel , 2002 .

[26]  Peter R. Stopher,et al.  Advances in GPS technology for measuring travel , 2006 .

[27]  Randall Guensler,et al.  Using GPS Data to Understand the Day-to-Day Dynamics of the Morning Commute Behavior , 2003 .