Mode and Activity Identification Using GPS and Accelerometer Data

This paper introduces the use of combined GPS and accelerometer data in the determination of travel mode within the context of physical activity analysis. The main objective of this paper was to develop a method that can most accurately predict four modes of human powered travel (i.e., physical activity) using the complementary information obtained by GPS and accelerometry. For this purpose, the paper presents a methodological study in which 10 adults wore both GPS and activity monitors while performing four known modes of non-motorized travel (walking, running, cycling, in-line skating) plus auto. The paper also explains the data processing and summarization of data from the two devices and the statistical modeling effort to develop a model that integrates information from each device and produces the most accurate prediction of travel mode. Results demonstrate that information from both devices more accurately predicts travel mode than do either of the instruments individually. This methodological study was conducted to test and refine methods that will be used in an on-going study that seeks to understand the trail use and physical activity patterns of trail users.

• Corporate Authors:

  Transportation Research Board

  500 Fifth Street, NW
  Washington, DC  United States  20001
• Authors:
  • Wolf, Jean L
  • Oliveira, Marcelo Gurgel Simas
  • Troped, Philip
  • Mathews, Charles E
  • Cromley, Ellen K
  • Melly, Steven J
• Conference:
  • Transportation Research Board 85th Annual Meeting
  • Location: Washington DC, United States
  • Date: 2006-1-22 to 2006-1-26
• Date: 2006

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: CD-ROM
• Features: Figures; References; Tables;
• Pagination: 12p
• Monograph Title: TRB 85th Annual Meeting Compendium of Papers CD-ROM

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Accelerometers; Bicycling; Data processing operations; Datasets; Global Positioning System; Information systems; Information technology; Methodology; Mode choice; Traffic models; Walking
• Subject Areas: Data and Information Technology; Highways; Operations and Traffic Management; Pedestrians and Bicyclists; Planning and Forecasting; I72: Traffic and Transport Planning;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01024542
• Record Type: Publication
• Report/Paper Numbers: 06-2443
• Files: TRIS, TRB
• Created Date: May 25 2006 7:31AM