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.
Abstract