In-Depth Comparison of Global Positioning System and Diary Records

Abstract

Many studies have compared Global Positioning System (GPS) and diary records to estimate the amount of misreporting of travel that occurs in self-report diaries. This paper examines the comparison of GPS and diary records in detail to further the understanding of what leads to misreporting in diary surveys. The research is based on a recent comparative survey undertaken in the area of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. The survey is analyzed in depth, and diary records are compared in detail with GPS records to check whether the two groups of data match. Departure and arrival times, trip lengths, and trip times are compared. Reasons for mismatches are suggested. The paper proposes some values as standards for similar analyses in the future.