Urban delineation through a prism of intraday commute patterns

Abstract

IntroductionUrban mobility patterns are crucial for effective urban and transportation planning. This study investigates the dynamics of urban mobility in Brno, Czech Republic, utilizing the rich dataset provided by passive mobile phone data. Understanding these patterns is essential for optimizing infrastructure and planning strategies.MethodsWe developed a methodological framework that incorporates bidirectional commute flows and integrates both urban and suburban commute networks. This comprehensive approach allows for a detailed representation of Brno's mobility landscape. By employing clustering techniques, we aimed to identify distinct mobility patterns within the city.ResultsOur analysis revealed consistent structural features within Brno's mobility patterns. We identified three distinct clusters: a central business district, residential communities, and an intermediate hybrid cluster. These clusters highlight the diversity of mobility demands across different parts of the city.DiscussionThe study demonstrates the significant potential of passive mobile phone data in enhancing our understanding of urban mobility patterns. The insights gained from intraday mobility data are invaluable for transportation planning decisions, allowing for the optimization of infrastructure utilization. The identification of distinct mobility patterns underscores the practical utility of our methodological advancements in informing more effective and efficient transportation planning strategies.