Analyzing urban population's space-time evolution and characteristics based on cell-phone location data — A case study in Shenzhen, China

This paper analyzes characteristics of population distribution and movements of the city of Shenzhen in southern China by using mobile phone position data, and visualizes the distribution and movements of population in Shenzhen. Nowadays, positioning information of calling activity records of cell phones is more and more feasible with popularity of cell phones and development of the cell network. The tremendous advantages of positioning data in massive data samples, real-time and coverage guarantee it can be a significant supplement tool to monitor population dynamics. The experimental results display a vivid visual representation of population distribution and their movements through space and time. This paper's analytical method and results can potentially contribute to a better understanding of the surrounding city and further benefits to urban planning and management.