Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

Thesis Format

Integrated Article

Degree

Doctor of Philosophy

Program

Geography and Environment

Supervisor

Long, Jed A.

Abstract

The study of human mobility provides a clear framework for examining and predicting a wide range of human activities. Irrespective of the approach, understanding mobility is not just about tracking movement but also about comprehending the context in which it occurs. This can be achieved by incorporating and integrating a variety of data sources into our mobility data analysis. This thesis uses three data sources—WORKANDHOME GPS tracking data, mobile network data, and NYC Yellow Taxi data—to thoroughly investigate how human mobility is related to environmental factors, geographical contexts, and community structures.

The research begins with an evaluation of the effects of environmental factors on stress and happiness levels during travel. By applying geographic ecological momentary assessment, it documents instantaneous emotional reactions to surroundings, underscoring the importance of green and blue spaces in boosting happiness and lowering stress. This study highlights the critical influence of the environment on the feelings individuals experience during daily travels, advocating for sensible urban planning and policies to improve emotional well-being. The thesis then introduces the Mobility Deviation Index, a new concept incorporating geographical context into the analysis of human mobility patterns. This approach contrasts observed mobility with expected levels based on amenity availability. The results advocate for including geographical context in mobility research directly when calculating indices of mobility, showing that patterns are significantly influenced by local characteristics. Next, it presents the Local Mobility Index (LMI), a novel metric for measuring local mobility behaviors. The LMI examines individual destination choices relative to amenity distribution. Finally, the thesis proposes the Network Community Structure Similarity Index, a new method for evaluating changes in community structures over time in mobility networks. This approach overcomes the limitations of previous methodologies, offering a clearer view of community dynamics. This thesis significantly advances human mobility research, offering a better view that underscores the critical role of context in determining mobility patterns. It not only deepens our understanding of human movement but also lays the groundwork for future research and policymaking aimed at fostering more liveable, sustainable, and equitable urban environments.

Summary for Lay Audience

In today’s fast-paced world, understanding how and why people move the way they do can tell us a lot about society. This research explores the study of human movement, not just by looking at where people go, but also by exploring the reasons behind their movements and the effects these journeys have on their emotions and well-being. Imagine walking through a park filled with green trees; doesn’t it make you feel happier and more at peace? Our study confirms that natural spaces like these indeed boost happiness and reduce stress during travel.

We developed new tools and indices to better analyze human movement. One of these tools looks at how much people’s movements differ from what we might expect based on the amenities available in their area. Another measures local travel behavior, considering the choices people make about where to go based on what is around them. We also introduced a way to understand how community connections change over time, reflecting on how people’s movements can bring them together or apart.

Through our work, we emphasize the importance of considering the environment and local features when thinking about urban planning and policies. Cities should be designed with people’s emotional well-being in mind, promoting access to nature and creating spaces that encourage positive community interactions.

This research sheds light on the complex relationship between human mobility, our surroundings, and our emotions. It suggests that by paying attention to the environment and how people interact with it, we can create more livable, sustainable, and happy communities. This is not just about moving from point A to point B; it’s about making those journeys enrich our lives and the spaces we share.

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