A Quantitative Analysis of Cell Tower Trace Data for Understanding Human Mobility and Mobile Networks

Abstract : This paper provides insights into human mobility by analyzing cell tower traces. Cell tower trace data is an attractive method for studying mobility as the data can be collected in an energy-efficient and privacy-preserving way. Our new data set is useful for confirming or determining fundamental mobility parameters and for understanding mobile networks. In particular, we identify patterns in the data that would seem characteristic for particular behaviors, such as travel or work.