Mobile Positioning Data: Population and its mobility in the Olomouc region

The acquisition of accurate information regarding population distribution and mobility is imperative for various aspects associated with urban and regional planning and management. Conventional data sources, typically derived from national registers, offer a predominantly static perspective centered around individuals‘ residences or workplaces. Such an approach is notably imprecise and can be inherently misleading.This Story Map explores the use of mobile positioning data (MPD), derived explicitly from mobile phone usage, as a means to improve the accuracy of population distribution estimates and, more importantly, to explain patterns of population movement between different cities and regions.The data used were provided by Vodafone and therefore represent the number of SIM card holders of this mobile operator. The data were aggregated to the level of municipalities (for municipalities within the Olomouc Region and its immediate surroundings) and to the level of municipalities with extended jurisdiction for the rest of the Czechia. The data were extrapolated to the whole population according to the respective market share and represent the aggregation for the period 10.10.-6.11.2022.