A formula that predicts the way we move
Studying anonymous mobile phone data, researchers discovered what is known as an inverse square relationship that explains the connection between the number of people in a particular urban location and the distance they traveled to get there, as well as how often they traveled.
According to the formula, the number of people who travel 2 kilometers 5 times a week will be the same as the number of people who travel 5 kilometers 2 times a week.
It may seem intuitive that people would visit nearby locations more often and distant ones less often, but research has shown that any human movement can be predicted with this mathematical model.
We tend to think that there are many aspects that influence the rcs data uk we move, such as urban transport, lifestyle and socio-economic aspects. This is true to a certain extent, but the movement formula shows that there are firm laws that apply everywhere.
Optimizing the day as the basis of the formula
Researchers have found that in all the unique choices people make – from sending their children to school, to shopping or traveling, they unconsciously obey this formula.
One explanation for this strong statistical pattern is that travel requires time and energy, and people have limited resources for it.
No matter where you live, you're always consciously or unconsciously trying to optimize your day and reduce the effort of getting from point A to point B and back.
How this formula will reduce the spread of Covid-19
This mathematical rule has profound implications for how the Covid-19 virus will spread.
In a smaller rural location, where many people regularly go to the same church or supermarket, the entire town will experience a surge in the number of cases in a shorter time.
A simple mathematical law that predicts city congestion
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