Technology and Traffic – Navigation data for more tangible convenience and security

navigation data. Photo: Union of Authors / Goslar Institute

It’s almost impossible not to leave any trace of data behind in everyday life: our “digital footprints” can be found every time we surf the Internet, shop online and use apps. This also applies to the so-called navigation data, which modern cars use with their electronic assistants for records. This data relates to the vehicle’s movements and technical condition, but also to the driver himself, his driving style and destinations. These electronic recordings are increasingly enriched by so-called context information, such as on the weather or from navigation devices. All of these experts are certain that the information will be increasingly linked in the future and used in external service offerings.

But how is this “brave new world” received by the consumer, the creator of the necessary database? How does he feel about using his navigation data? Is he willing to share this personal information, i.e. make it accessible to third parties? A Goslar Institute (GI) study on “big data in mobility” conducted by four well-known scientists has now been identified and compared with an earlier study from 2019. According to Suzanne Knorr of Osnabrueck University of Applied Sciences, co-author of the new GI study, the “bleak outlook” that prevailed at that time on this topic has brightened significantly.

She diagnoses the change in perspective, away from the original skepticism towards a focus on the opportunities and possibilities associated with the use of big data for mobility. Consumers have now understood the convenience that comes from providing their data to third parties – for example in the form of more convenience and security in their personal mobility. In addition, most of the creators of mobility data now recognize its importance to socially relevant issues such as environmental protection and climate. The proportion of optimists, who primarily see personal benefit, slightly exceeds the proportion of skeptics who focus on risk, the authors of the GI study, which was financially supported by HUK-Coburg, found out. However, at 60 percent, the type of scale that sees the benefits and risks as equal still dominates.

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This somewhat general positive balance in risk-benefit analysis with respect to mobility data becomes particularly evident in concrete assessments around the two main themes: relief and safety. The vast majority of those surveyed for the glycemic index study expect digital mobility services to make life easier. Positive expectations also outweigh traffic safety. Overall, the authors of the GI study concluded that improvements are primarily seen where benefits can be experienced in a very tangible sense or have already been experienced.

According to a recent survey by the Bitkom Digital Association, the vast majority of Germans are now willing to provide anonymous data about their navigation behaviour. According to this, 89 percent of the survey respondents would share such information, for example on how to get to work, use of their own car and the current traffic situation or trips by bus and train, at least under certain circumstances. Only eight percent would not be willing to do so. Bitkom CEO Achim Berg deduces from this that people are open to giving their data away. The Bitkom president summarizes the results of his association’s recent study that digital mobility is well received by the population. These align with the underlying data of the Goslar Institute study insofar as they confirm a trend reversal away from the “dark vision” of big data on mobility. (aum)

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