Use of global positioning system technology to track subject's location during environmental exposure sampling

Phillips, ML; Hall, TA; Esmen, NA; Lynch, R; Johnson, DL

HERO ID

1060532

Reference Type

Journal Article

Year

2001

Language

English

PMID

11477518

HERO ID 1060532
In Press No
Year 2001
Title Use of global positioning system technology to track subject's location during environmental exposure sampling
Authors Phillips, ML; Hall, TA; Esmen, NA; Lynch, R; Johnson, DL
Journal Journal of Exposure Analysis and Environmental Epidemiology
Volume 11
Issue 3
Page Numbers 207-215
Abstract Global positioning system (GPS) data recorders were worn by subjects in the Oklahoma Urban Air Toxics Study (OUATS) for automatic logging of their location as they went about their normal daily activities. The location information obtained by the GPS units had an uncertainty of about 10-20 m, which was sufficiently precise to track subjects' movements on trips outside the immediate vicinity of their homes. Due to instrument problems, primarily related to reduced battery life, the units operated for only about 30% of the total monitoring time attempted in 25 trials. The GPS data were compared to time-activity diaries kept by the subjects. In almost all cases, the GPS data confirmed all travel events reported in the subjects' diaries. Additionally, in five out of five trials in which the logging period covered most or all of the subjects' daytime activities, at least one travel event that was not recorded in the diary was detected by GPS. Notwithstanding the limitations of present technology, GPS was found to be a promising means for tracking of research subjects in community-based exposure assessment studies.
Doi 10.1038/sj.jea.7500161
Pmid 11477518
Wosid WOS:000170077100005
Is Certified Translation No
Dupe Override No
Is Public Yes
Language Text English
Keyword environmental exposure; global positioning system; time diary
Is Qa No