Trip end identification based on spatial-temporal clustering algorithm using smartphone positioning data

As a widespread portable probe, smartphone equipped with Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) can continuously track individual's travel trajectory, it is potential for trip end information identification. Existing studies mostly use rule-based methods with specific dwelling time and distance thresholds for trip end detection, these methods are highly dependent on expert experience and lack universality across different traffic environments. Some density-based spatial clustering methods also have issues in the case of GNSS signal missing, traffic congestion, short-time stays and repeat visits to the same place etc. Therefore, this paper proposes a two-step method for trip end identification by using smartphone GNSS positioning data. First, a spatial-temporal density-based clustering algorithm (ST-DBCA) is proposed for trip end identification, the method considers both spatial and temporal travel trajectory point density at the same time, and performs much better than traditional clustering methods. Second, three optimization models are further proposed to optimize the identification results, including 1) a short time stay optimization model, 2) a redundant stay optimization model, and 3) a traffic congestion stay optimization model. Field tests in Chengdu China are conducted to verify the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed methods. Results show that the average trip end identification accuracy under different trip purposes reaches 92.8%, and the average errors of arrival and departure time are smaller than 150 s.

Automated summary

This paper proposes a method for trip end identification using smartphone GNSS positioning data. It uses a spatial-temporal density-based clustering algorithm for initial identification and optimization models to further optimize the results. Field tests show that the method is feasible and effective.