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Use of Mobile Device Location Data for Visitor Monitoring in Backcountry Areas: A Note of Caution Authors

William L. Rice et al.

Journal of Park and Recreation Administration2025https://doi.org/10.18666/jpra-2025-13152article
ABDC B
Weight
0.37

Abstract

In recent decades, a new wave of technologies has been introduced to serve as part of the recreational use monitoring portfolio, including mobile device location data. However, concerns have been raised regarding the reliability of these data in monitoring backcountry areas that often lack consistent mobile broadband connectivity. This research note empirically explores these concerns by comparing a mobile device location dataset to a dataset derived from a stratified random sample of handheld Global Positioning System (GPS) data. In this single context, the Rattlesnake National Recreation Area, the mobile device location data underrepresents backcountry users, compared to the handheld GPS sample. Additionally, the mobile device location data lack consistency in pings relative to the duration of visitors’ trips. We conclude with a discussion of the implications for management, including concerns regarding Institutional Review Board approval of these data and transparency related to repeatability of research using these data.

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https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.18666/jpra-2025-13152

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@article{william2025,
  title        = {{Use of Mobile Device Location Data for Visitor Monitoring in Backcountry Areas: A Note of Caution Authors}},
  author       = {William L. Rice et al.},
  journal      = {Journal of Park and Recreation Administration},
  year         = {2025},
  doi          = {https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.18666/jpra-2025-13152},
}

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Evidence weight

0.37

Balanced mode · F 0.40 / M 0.15 / V 0.05 / R 0.40

F · citation impact0.16 × 0.4 = 0.06
M · momentum0.53 × 0.15 = 0.08
V · venue signal0.50 × 0.05 = 0.03
R · text relevance †0.50 × 0.4 = 0.20

† Text relevance is estimated at 0.50 on the detail page — for your query’s actual relevance score, open this paper from a search result.