ABSTRACT

Patsch, K.; Merrill, N.; Horn, D.; Beyeler, M.; Eger, E.; Eger-Beyeler, A., and Sandoval, M., 0000. Estimating beach visitation using mobile device–derived locational data in Southern California, U.S.A.

An applied study estimating beach visitation in Southern California, United States, using mobile device–derived location data is presented. As an emerging tool for visitation analysis, this data source allows for monitoring with high geographic and temporal resolution. The study investigates the potential, challenges, and future research directions of integrating this approach alongside traditional visitation monitoring methods. By combining detailed visitation estimates with inferences about visitors’ geographic origins, the study provides new insights into beach user market areas that were previously unattainable using conventional methods across 50 beaches. On-the-ground visitor counts from 2017 to 2022 were compared with cell phone–derived visitation estimates across 32 beaches, revealing a Pearson correlation coefficient of 0.34, indicating a moderate linear relationship. The scale relationship (field counts, cell phone–derived data) was 0.29; the cell phone–derived data recorded approximately three visitors for every one person counted in the field, on average. These findings highlight the promise and limitations of cell phone data for beach visitation analysis. Future research should focus on integrating traditional and novel techniques to develop a comprehensive and reliable visitor monitoring system.