Openpaths is a new site that has cropped up to allow for the storage, exploration, and donation of iOS location data. The site takes advantage of the pre-patch iOS environment, and urges users to share the data stored on their phones or PCs for the cause of research. The site has been created by the Research and Development Lab at the New York Times Company with the intent of creating a resource for the research community worldwide.
This shared database of personal location data will share location data separate from user profiles. Each user will encrypt their data with a unique passphrase and their data will be shared only when they agree to a researcher’s request. Research projects will be posted to the site and users will be offered the opportunity to share their data, and in return the researchers are asked to provide something in return such as a report of the results.
This sounds like a great resource that takes advantage of the cataloged location data that has already been collected for an altruistic purpose. The amount of data that exists would provide great insight into social patterns and behaviors of the connected set. It will be interesting to see if this takes off, and what types of research and map products will result.
