Distance-decay function alternatives based on mobile phone location data

Abstract

This article evaluates the distance-decay functions of regional centres in the Czech Republic based on mobile phone location data. Therefore, it expands on what is known about the influence of regional centres where mobile phone location data enables many new parameters to be evaluated. The temporality of people flows can be distinguished, the examined flows can be divided into daily and weekend flows, etc. The daily flows are distinctly limited by time and can be further split into regular flows (work, school) and irregular flows (day trips, work trips, etc.). In general, the temporality of flows has a basic influence on the shape and development of the distance-decay function as a limiting factor. The mobile phone location data's character also allows for the confrontation of centripetal and centrifugal flows. The results show a disproportionate distribution of these two directions for regular daily flows and weekend flows. On the contrary, the irregular daily flows centripetal and centrifugal directions are distributed proportionally, and these flow directions also do not have a more distinct influence on the distance-decay function's development. In addition to the original radius of the influence parameter, the definition and quantification of the parameter determining the spatial influence of a regional centre, i.e., the area of influence, is the article's methodological added value.