Beach use characterized by mobile phone trip data

2024-2026
Beach Erosion Authority for Clean Oceans and Nourishment
Cal State University
Environmental Protection Agency
Matunuck Research Group
Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority

This project is researching methods for identifying beach use patterns and beach user characteristics in southern California that integrate on-the-ground visitation estimates and mobile device location data. Studies are evaluating how to integrate mobile phone location data alongside other beach use data being collected on-the-ground in the form of beach counts and beach user intercept surveys. The purpose of this project is to identify and analyze beach use patterns at different beach locations and describe regional and local coastal public access needs. Results are being used examine regional beach use patterns and identify beach user needs and preferences.