Suggested Citation:
Tal, Gil, Matthew Favetti, Michael A. Nicholas (2016) Exploring the Use of a Web Based Map Tool for Travel Behavior Data Collection: Lessons from Plug-in Vehicle Owner Surveys. Institute of Transportation Studies, University of California, Davis, Journal Article UCD-ITS-RP-16-06

Increasing requirements for data in travel demand modeling coupled with the development of new technologies for gathering spatial data create an opportunity to improve methods of data collection in web-based surveys. Two studies were conducted of plug-in vehicle owners using a custom designed survey tool using the Google Maps application programming interface. The survey gathered spatial data regarding locations frequented by respondents and the routes they used between them. This paper presents an analysis of the usage trends of the tool observed in both studies as well as the general usability of this type of data collection. The authors also introduce several lessons learned throughout the design process and suggestions for improvements for future use. Although this approach is very effective in gathering large amounts of location data with a relatively low cost per response, care must be taken by researchers to minimize the effects of bias within the survey tool in order to achieve optimal results.

From the Transportation Research Board 95th Annual Meeting Proceedings.