Cluster 8: ITC

Mobility studies have received great interest during the past few years, partly because of the great availability of data, which enable researchers to capture and model human mobility in very precise temporal and spatial resolution. Such data, which are usually known as ‘big data’ is a direct derivative of the ‘digitization’ of human communications and interactions. The radical developments in Information and Communication Technologies resulted to a digital framework where a great proportion of human activities generates digital traces. For instance, every form of transportation can nowadays be modelled using digital traces from its users: from car based transportation (GPS navigators) and busses and underground rail systems (digital ticketing) to bicycles (Boris’ bikes). Even data sources originally not intended for mobility purposes can be used. Pedestrian movements can for example be traced and modelled using personal communication devices and social media platforms. The same time we are seeking possibilities to use these data sources and ICT to improve our (urban) environment, for instance within the concept of smarter cities.

This special session seeks to attract papers which will provide insights both from a conceptual and an empirical perspective, on how cities can utilise the breadth of various and heterogeneous sources of big data to provide a smarter urban environment. Papers on other topics related to the Cluster Theme “ICT” are also welcome, and there will be room for these topics in other conference sessions.

Deadline for submissions is: 5th January 2015

Abstracts should be submitted electronically using the form that is available here.

A copy of the abstract should also be sent to: Emmanouil Tranos (e.tranos@bham.ac.uk), Rein Ahas

(rein.ahas@ut.ee), Elizabeth Mack (eamack1@asu.edu) and Luc Wismans (lwismans@dat.nl)

Registration, meals and accommodation for 2 nights will be offered to NECTAR-members, for only one author per paper. All practical details will be communicated through the Conference Website. In order to participate in the Conference, a consecutive two-year NECTAR membership (2014–2015 or 2015–2016) is necessary. Non-members can find details of how to join the association on the “Membership” page of NECTAR’s website: www.nectar-eu.org

Looking forward to meeting you in the spring of 2015 in Ann Arbor, Michigan!

Dr. Emmanouil Tranos, University of Birmingham

Dr. Elizabeth Mack, Arizona State University

Dr. Rein Ahas, University of Tartu

Dr. Luc Wismans, University of Twente