The Relationship between Social Networks and Spatial Mobility: A Mobile-Phone-Based Study in Estonia

Relationships between individuals and their social networks have a significant influence on spatial mobility and transportation needs. This article focuses on networks of calling partners using mobile phones and spatial mobility in Estonia. Mobile phone call graphs and call detail record (CDR) data have been used for this study. Our investigation indicates that the larger one's network of calling partners using mobile phones and the larger the geographic area within which the calling partners live, the more an individual moves around. The connection between the network of mobile calling partners and spatial mobility is most influenced by gender. Used in this way, mobile phone data can be seen to allow studies to be undertaken of the connection between mobile communication networks and spatial mobility.