On the validity of geosocial mobility traces

Zengbin Zhang, Lin Zhou, Xiaohan Zhao, Gang Wang, Yu Su, Miriam Metzger, Haitao Zheng, Ben Y. Zhao

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

Mobile networking researchers have long searched for large-scale, fine-grained traces of human movement, which have remained elusive for both privacy and logistical reasons. Recently, researchers have begun to focus on geosocial mobility traces, e.g. Foursquare checkin traces, because of their availability and scale. But are we conceding correctness in our zeal for data? In this paper, we take initial steps towards quantifying the value of geosocial datasets using a large ground truth dataset gathered from a user study. By comparing GPS traces against Foursquare checkins, we find that a large portion of visited locations is missing from checkins, and most checkin events are either forged or superfluous events. We characterize extraneous checkins, describe possible techniques for their detection, and show that both extraneous and missing checkins introduce significant errors into applications driven by these traces.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationProceedings of the 12th ACM Workshop on Hot Topics in Networks, HotNets 2013
DOIs
StatePublished - 2013
Externally publishedYes
Event12th ACM Workshop on Hot Topics in Networks, HotNets 2013 - College Park, MD, United States
Duration: Nov 21 2013Nov 22 2013

Publication series

NameProceedings of the 12th ACM Workshop on Hot Topics in Networks, HotNets 2013

Conference

Conference12th ACM Workshop on Hot Topics in Networks, HotNets 2013
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityCollege Park, MD
Period11/21/1311/22/13

Keywords

  • Location based social networks
  • Measurement
  • Mobility

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Computer Networks and Communications

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'On the validity of geosocial mobility traces'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this