A context-sensitive correlated random walk: a new simulation model for movement |
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| Authors: | Sean C Ahearn Achara Simcharoen Glenn Xavier James LD Smith |
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| Institution: | 1. Center for Advanced Research of Spatial Information (CARSI), Department of Geography, City University of New York, Hunter College, New York, NY, USA;2. Research Division, Department of National Parks, Wildlife, Plant Conservation, Bangkok, Thailand;3. Department of Geography and Environmental Studies, University of Colorado, Colorado Springs, CO, USA;4. Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, St. Paul, MN, USA |
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| Abstract: | Computational Movement Analysis focuses on the characterization of the trajectory of individuals across space and time. Various analytic techniques, including but not limited to random walks, Brownian motion models, and step selection functions have been used for modeling movement. These fall under the rubric of signal models which are divided into deterministic and stochastic models. The difficulty of applying these models to the movement of dynamic objects (e.g. animals, humans, vehicles) is that the spatiotemporal signal produced by their trajectories a complex composite that is influenced by the Geography through which they move (i.e. the network or the physiography of the terrain), their behavioral state (i.e. hungry, going to work, shopping, tourism, etc.), and their interactions with other individuals. This signal reflects multiple scales of behavior from the local choices to the global objectives that drive movement. In this research, we propose a stochastic simulation model that incorporates contextual factors (i.e. environmental conditions) that affect local choices along its movement trajectory. We show how actual global positioning systems observations can be used to parameterize movement and validate movement models and argue that incorporating context is essential in modeling movement. |
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| Keywords: | Movement model stochastic models agent-based simulation environmental context behavior movement pattern scale tiger |
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