Data from mobile phone operators: A tool for smarter cities?. Issue 3 (May 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Steenbruggen, John; Tranos, Emmanouil; Nijkamp, Peter
• Is Part Of: Telecommunications policy. Volume 39 Issue 3/4(2015)
• Page Start: 335
• Page End: 346
• Publication Date: 2015-05
• Subjects: Smart cities -- Mobile phone data -- Urban management; Telecommunication -- Periodicals; Télécommunications -- Périodiques; 384
• DOI: 10.1016/j.telpol.2014.04.001
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0308-5961

Abstract

Abstract: The use of mobile phone data provides new spatio-temporal tools for improving urban planning, and for reducing inefficiencies in present-day urban systems. Data from mobile phones, originally intended as a communication tool, are increasingly used as innovative tools in geography and social sciences research. Empirical studies on complex city systems from human-centred and urban dynamics perspectives provide new insights to develop promising applications for supporting smart city initiatives. This paper provides a comprehensive review and a typology of spatial studies on mobile phone data, and highlights the applicability of such digital data to develop innovative applications for enhanced urban management. Highlights: Mobile phone data are a promising source to develop a wide range of smart city applications. Space–time data form a way to better understand the urban environment and its dynamics. A great part of the earth׳s population can be now used as agents for data collection. CDRs are an excellent data sources to estimate the real-time presence and movement. Urban applications need a full spectrum of information sources for the effective management.