Mapping of functional areas in Spain based on mobile phone data during different phases of the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

ABSTRACTMobility functional areas are tools based on human mobility that can be useful for spatial and transport planning in delicate situations such as the COVID-19 pandemic. In this work, we aim to map functional areas in Spain from four days corresponding to different phases of the disease. For that goal, mobile phone data provided by Spanish Statistical National Institute (INE) has been used due to its value and potential to provide constantly updated information of mobility at almost-real time. The methodology consists of a network analysis over an origin-destination matrix to obtain modularity values for 3214 population cells provided by the INE. These values were then used to cluster the cells into functional areas. The results show how different confinement and mobility restriction policies influence the amount, size and shape of the functional areas, and therefore, they affect access to services or jobs.

Keywords

• Mobile phone data
• functional areas
• mobility
• COVID-19
• modularity values