Evaluation of GPS device properties for a possible use in future household travel surveys

Abstract

This paper describes a series of tests undertaken to determine the potential usefulness of a specific passive, portable GPS device for use in household travel surveys. The tests were undertaken to provide a more complete understanding of the properties of the GPS device and to assess its suitability for replacing more conventional self-report diaries in a household travel survey. The tests were conducted first to ascertain the actual battery life of the devices, and then to test out the sensitivity and accuracy of the devices under a number of different conditions. This included tests by train, bus, and ferry in the Sydney area, and also by car and bicycle. The devices were also tested in various positions on the respondent’s body and were also tested in urban canyon and tunnel situations. Two versions of the GPS-PPAL were tested, as a result of an updated version that became available during the testing work. The results show that the GPSPPAL, especially in the latest modification, is well able to record travel very accurately in almost any situation.