Item: Using Global Crowd-Sourced Data to Understand Travel Behavior in Avalanche Terrain
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Title: Using Global Crowd-Sourced Data to Understand Travel Behavior in Avalanche Terrain
Proceedings: International Snow Science Workshop 2014 Proceedings, Banff, Canada
Authors:
- Jordy Hendrikx [ Snow and Avalanche Laboratory, Department of Earth Sciences, Montana State University, Bozeman, Montana, USA. ]
- Jerry Johnson [ Political Science, Montana State University, Bozeman, Montana, USA ] [ Snow and Avalanche Laboratory, Department of Earth Sciences, Montana State University, Bozeman, Montana, USA. ]
Date: 2014-09-29
Abstract: This paper will present the results from our first winter season (2013-14) of data collection using a global crowd-sourced approach to collect travel behavior data for people moving in avalanche terrain. To date, most studies of the human dimensions of decision making in avalanche terrain has focused on two areas - post-accident analysis using accident reports/interviews and, the development of tools as decision forcing aids. We present an alternate method for understanding decision-making in avalanche terrain. Our project combines real-time GPS tracking via a smartphone application, with internet based surveys of backcountry skiers as a method to describe and quantify travel practices in concert with group decision-making dynamics, and demographic data of participants during daily excursions into winter backcountry. Preliminary data analysis shows that individual experience levels and regional avalanche danger ratings all influence the ways in which people travel in avalanche terrain. Our results will provide the first analysis of coupled real-time GPS tracking of people moving in avalanche terrain combined with psychographic and demographic correlates. This research will lead to an improved understanding of realtime decision making in avalanche terrain.
Object ID: ISSW14_paper_O9.04.pdf
Language of Article: English
Presenter(s):
Keywords: Decision making, Terrain analysis, Human factors, Demographics, GPS
Page Number(s): 249-253
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