Analysing spatiotemporal sequences in Bluetooth tracking data

The use of Bluetooth technology as a technique to collect data about the movement of individuals is increasingly gaining attention. This paper explores the potential of sequence alignment methods to analyse data obtained from Bluetooth tracking. To this end, an empirical case study is elaborated which applies sequence alignment methods to examine the behavioural patterns of visitors tracked by Bluetooth at a major trade fair in Belgium. The results and findings underline the validity of Bluetooth tracking to collect data from visitors at mass events, as well as the ability of sequence alignment methods to extract insightful information from sequences within such data.

► The paper explores the use of sequence alignment methods (SAM) to analyse Bluetooth tracking data. ► Case study on tracking data of visitors at a trade fair in Ghent (Belgium). ► Results confirm the adequacy of SAM for analysing sequences in Bluetooth tracking data.