Smartphone GPS tracking—Inexpensive and efficient data collection on recreational movement

This research note describes the methodological and practical applications of using smartphone GPS tracking (SGT) to explore the spatial distribution and density of recreational movement in multiple-use urban forests. We present findings from the pilot phase of an on-going case study in Keskuspuisto (Central park), Helsinki, Finland. The study employs an inventive and inexpensive approach for participatory data collection i.e. gathering GPS data from recreational users who have already recorded their routes for purposes other than research, using any kind of sports tracking application on their personal mobile phones. We used the SGT data to examine visitor spatial patterns on formal trails and informal paths, and present examples with runners and mountain bikers. Hotspot mapping of mountain bikers’ off-trail movement was conducted identifying several locations with clustering of off-trail use. Small-scale field mapping of three hotspot areas confirmed that the method accurately located areas of high use intensity where visible effects of path widening and high level of wear on the forest floor vegetation could be observed. We conclude that the SGT methodology offers great opportunities for gathering useful and up-to-date spatial information for adaptive planning and management as it highlights areas where conservation and visitor management measures may need to be adjusted. We suggest that this method warrants testing also for other user-centred research and planning purposes.Peer reviewe

More than A to B : Understanding and managing visitor spatial behaviour in urban forests using public participation GIS

Planning and management needs up-to-date, easily-obtainable and accurate information on the spatial and social aspects of visitor behaviour in order to balance human use and impacts, and protection of natural resources in public parks. We used a web-based public participation GIS (PPGIS) approach to gather citizen data on visitor behaviour in Helsinki's Central Park in order to aid collaborative spatial decision-making. The study combined smartphone GPS tracking, route drawing and a questionnaire to examine differences between user groups in their use of formal trails, off-trail behaviour and the motivations that affect it. In our sample (n = 233), different activity types were associated with distinctive spatial patterns and potential extent of impacts. The density mapping and statistical analyses indicated three types of behaviour: predominantly on or close to formal trails (runners and cyclists), spatially concentrated off-trail behaviour confined to a few informal paths (mountain bikers), and dispersed off trail use pattern (walkers and dog walkers). Across all user groups, off-trail behaviour was mainly motivated by positive attraction towards the environment such as scenic view, exploration, and viewing flora and fauna. Study findings lead to several management recommendations that were presented to city officials. These include reducing dispersion and the spatial extent of trampling impacts by encouraging use of a limited number of well-established informal paths away from sensitive vegetation and protected habitats. (C) 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.Peer reviewe

Benefits of Mobile Phone Technology for Personal Environmental Monitoring

Background: Tracking individuals in environmental epidemiological studies using novel mobile phone technologies can provide valuable information on geolocation and physical activity, which will improve our understanding of environmental exposures. Objective: The objective of this study was to assess the performance of one of the least expensive mobile phones on the market to track people's travel-activity pattern. Methods: Adults living and working in Barcelona (72/162 bicycle commuters) carried simultaneously a mobile phone and a Global Positioning System (GPS) tracker and filled in a travel-activity diary (TAD) for 1 week (N=162). The CalFit app for mobile phones was used to log participants’ geographical location and physical activity. The geographical location data were assigned to different microenvironments (home, work or school, in transit, others) with a newly developed spatiotemporal map-matching algorithm. The tracking performance of the mobile phones was compared with that of the GPS trackers using chi-square test and Kruskal-Wallis rank sum test. The minute agreement across all microenvironments between the TAD and the algorithm was compared using the Gwet agreement coefficient (AC1). Results: The mobile phone acquired locations for 905 (29.2%) more trips reported in travel diaries than the GPS tracker (P<.001) and had a median accuracy of 25 m. Subjects spent on average 57.9%, 19.9%, 9.0%, and 13.2% of time at home, work, in transit, and other places, respectively, according to the TAD and 57.5%, 18.8%, 11.6%, and 12.1%, respectively, according to the map-matching algorithm. The overall minute agreement between both methods was high (AC1 .811, 95% CI .810-.812). Conclusions: The use of mobile phones running the CalFit app provides better information on which microenvironments people spend their time in than previous approaches based only on GPS trackers. The improvements of mobile phone technology in microenvironment determination are because the mobile phones are faster at identifying first locations and capable of getting location in challenging environments thanks to the combination of assisted-GPS technology and network positioning systems. Moreover, collecting location information from mobile phones, which are already carried by individuals, allows monitoring more people with a cheaper and less burdensome method than deploying GPS trackers

A utilização de smartphones na monitorização do ruído

Dissertação para obtenção do Grau de Mestre em Engenharia do Ambiente, perfil de Gestão e Sistemas AmbientaisHabitualmente dá-se a designação de “ruído” a qualquer som desagradável ou indesejável, passível de prejudicar a saúde dos indivíduos e afetar o seu bem-estar. A sua presença no nosso quotidiano resulta principalmente de um conjunto de atividades humanas, sendo atualmente considerado um dos problemas ambientais com maior impacte na sociedade. A sua monitorização é essencial para que seja possível minimizar os seus impactes. Este trabalho apresenta um protótipo de um sistema de monitorização participativa de ruído, com recurso a um smartphone, cuja finalidade é permitir a contribuição de voluntários na recolha de dados sobre ruído. Para a realização do presente trabalho procedeu-se à pesquisa de uma aplicação móvel de medição de ruído e ao desenvolvimento de protótipos para as restantes componentes do sistema: aplicação Web e página em rede social. Para avaliar a capacidade da aplicação móvel foram conduzidos diversos ensaios em diferentes ambientes acústicos em meio urbano, nomeadamente com influência direta ou no interior de diversos modos de transporte. Com o intuito de avaliar a participação dos cidadãos, bem como a sua percepção quanto ao ruído ambiente, procedeu-se à realização de inquéritos junto da população. A aplicação móvel selecionada - NoiseTube – revelou-se adequada para integração no sistema de monitorização, permitindo obter dados comparáveis a um sonómetro profissional para diversos ambientes acústicos. Os inquéritos revelaram que a população entende o ruído como um problema ambiental sobre o qual é preciso atuar e está disponível para contribuir voluntariamente na realização de medições. A avaliação de diversos ambientes acústicos exteriores revelou que os níveis sonoros deverão estar acima do valor legislado. Através dos ensaios de caracterização de ambientes acústicos interiores e tendo em consideração o limiar de risco definido pela Organização Mundial de Saúde, a circulação nos transportes públicos autocarro, metro e barco representam um maior risco para a população