The built environment (BE) is defined as the environment in which we live, work, and play. Changes to the BE are a major contributor of changes in health in a population. Most studies that examine this relationship rely on a person’s residence address. This does not take into consideration how people travel throughout the day. Studies in which a participant wears a GPS have provided better data on how someone travels, but they are difficult to conduct due to costs and the amount of time involved in participating. Google Timeline (GTL) provides a simple way to collect location data by using a person’s smartphone. GTL data is collected on both Android and Apple smartphones with Google Maps installed and location sharing enabled.
This study will use GTL data with previously collected activity and location data to validate GTL data and create new methods for processing data to ensure privacy. A supplement funded in 2020 collected GTL data from participants who completed a COVID-19 survey to understand how travel and activity may have changed due to stay-at-home orders.