Future Directions in Human Mobility Science

TL;DR

This paper reviews human mobility science and identifies three key future research areas: spatial cognition, transportation innovations, and algorithmic influences on mobility behavior, aiming to address societal challenges.

Contribution

It highlights three promising research directions in human mobility science, emphasizing interdisciplinary understanding and technological impacts for societal benefit.

Findings

Enhanced understanding of spatial cognition's role in mobility

Importance of new transportation modes for societal progress

Algorithms significantly influence mobility behavior

Abstract

We provide a brief review of human mobility science and present three key areas where we expect to see substantial advancements. We start from the mind and discuss the need to better understand how spatial cognition shapes mobility patterns. We then move to societies and argue the importance of better understanding new forms of transportation. We conclude by discussing how algorithms shape mobility behaviour and provide useful tools for modellers. Finally, we discuss how progress in these research directions may help us address some of the challenges our society faces today.