The use of space–time constraints for the selection of discretionary activity locations

•We derive space–time constraints from a Chilean household and travel survey.•Spatial detours dependent on the home-work distance are estimated to describe the potential path area using a GIS.•According to the mode-dependent daily travel time the set of feasible locations is further reduced.•The approach covers about 50% of the locations decisions reported in the survey.

The development of methods of studying individuals’ selection of discretionary activity locations remains a challenge for empirical analysts and transport modelers. Time geography and, in particular, the concept of space–time constraints provides a useful framework for these selection processes. In this work we empirically determine space–time constraints from the Chilean household and travel survey. Based on a specific activity pattern example, where trips are made from home to work to a discretionary activity and back home, we estimate detour factors. Detour factors describe the spatial deviations that are made from the home-work axis to conduct the discretionary activity. Using GIS we estimate potential path areas (PPAs), where discretionary activities may be located. Within the PPAs, applying a time constraint that is the maximum daily travel time refines the selection of discretionary activity locations. The thresholds of the daily travel time vary according to the PPA-size and mode combinations. We were able to reproduce between 38% and 72% of the discretionary location choices observed in the survey (according to the rigor of the constraints applied).