MOVE@UCSB advances movement research through spatial data science.

We leverage domain knowledge through interdisciplinary collaborations. We develop cutting-edge data-driven analytics, theory-driven computational models, and visualization techniques to analyze raw movement observations for meaningful knowledge discovery and predictions of movement. Below are some of the ongoing projects conducted by our team at MOVE@UCSB.

Understanding Human Environment Interaction through Movement

Our research focuses on developing quantitative geographic methodologies to explore the complex interactions between individuals and their environment across various spatial and temporal scales. We harness the power of large-scale, high-resolution mobile phone location data to advance our understanding and modeling of how environmental disruptions (e.g. wildfires and other natural hazards) impact daily movement patterns. Other projects investigate access to natural spaces and its subsequent effects on health and well-being. Through these innovative approaches, we aim to uncover valuable insights into human-environment relationships, ultimately contributing to more informed decision-making in urban planning, public health, and environmental management.

Mapping and Visualization of Motion

Our research advance understanding of how humans perceive movement visually. We develop methods for meaningful representations of patterns of movement. Movement is realized in both a three (or four) dimensional space (i.e. location and time) and a multidimensional attribute space (i.e. context variables). The syntheses of these two spaces need effective tools for dynamic visualization of the paths of moving individuals through these dimensions. We advance cartographic theories and innovative visualizations to enhance fundamental knowledge on how motion should be represented in space and time and across scales. For example, see the DynamVis software developed by students in the MOVE Lab to map animal tracking data in relationship to the environmental factors.

Movement Ecology and Ecosystem Dynamics

Our research contributes geographic methodologies to advance knowledge about the behavior of animals in movement ecology applications. As an example, through an international interdisciplinary collaboration with the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation of Thailand, MOVE Lab develops analytical approaches and simulation models to understand how tigers and leopards interact with their environment in their ecosystem in the Thailand Western Forest Complex. For example, see this study published in 2024 in Movement Ecology.