Development of a Wearable GPS for Health Research
Author Information
Author(s): Daniel Rainham, Daniel Krewski, Ian McDowell, Mike Sawada, Brian Liekens
Primary Institution: University of Ottawa
Hypothesis
Can a wearable GPS device accurately measure the spatial and temporal features of human activities to improve health research?
Conclusion
The wearable GPS device can accurately track human activities and provide a more complete picture of the places that influence individual well-being.
Supporting Evidence
- The GPS device can log location information accurately within 7 meters.
- It can operate continuously for up to 70 hours before needing a recharge.
- The device provides objective data that reduces biases associated with self-reported location.
Takeaway
This study created a small GPS device that people can wear to track where they go and how long they stay there, helping researchers understand how places affect health.
Methodology
The study involved designing and testing a wearable GPS device that logs location data continuously for up to 70 hours.
Potential Biases
Potential biases may arise from the reliance on GPS data alone without qualitative context.
Limitations
The accuracy of GPS can be affected by environmental factors such as buildings and weather conditions.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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