Use of Mobile Device Location Data for Visitor Monitoring in Backcountry Areas: A Note of Caution

Authors

  • William L. Rice University of Montana
  • Peter Whitney Department of Society and Conservation, University of Montana, Missoula, MT USA
  • Miranda J. Foster Department of Society and Conservation, University of Montana, Missoula, MT USA
  • Elena R. Thomas Northern Region, U.S. Forest Service, Missoula, MT

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18666/JPRA-2025-13152

Keywords:

mobile device, location data, backcountry, wilderness, bias, GPS, monitoring

Abstract

In recent decades, a new wave of technologies has been introduced to serve as part of the recreational use monitoring portfolio, including mobile device location data. However, concerns have been raised regarding the reliability of these data in monitoring backcountry areas that often lack consistent mobile broadband connectivity. This research note empirically explores these concerns by comparing a mobile device location dataset to a dataset derived from a stratified random sample of handheld Global Positioning System (GPS) data. In this single context, the Rattlesnake National Recreation Area, the mobile device location data  underrepresents backcountry users, compared to the handheld GPS sample. Additionally, the mobile device location data  lack consistency in pings relative to the duration of visitors’ trips. We conclude with a discussion of the implications for management, including concerns regarding Institutional Review Board approval of these data and transparency related to repeatability of research using these data.

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Published

2025-10-10

Issue

Vol. 44 No. 1 (2026): Special Issue: Research Notes from the 2025 National Environment and Recreation Research Symposium

Section

Special Issue: NERR 2025

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