Realities of using self-administered smartphone surveys to solve sustainability challenges

Amy R Lewis; Simon Willcock; Ana Casas; Beata Kupiec-Teahan; José Mendoza Sanchez; Fiona Anciano; Dani J Barrington; Mmeli Dube; Paul Hutchings; Caroline Karani; Arturo Llaxacondor; Hellen López; Anna L Mdee; Keosothea Nou; Alesia D Ofori; Joy N Riungu; Kory C Russel; Md Ehsanul Haque Tamal; Alison H Parker; Andrew R Bell

doi:10.1057/s41599-025-05305-w

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Realities of using self-administered smartphone surveys to solve sustainability challenges

Journal article

Open access

Peer reviewed

Realities of using self-administered smartphone surveys to solve sustainability challenges

Amy R Lewis, Simon Willcock, Ana Casas, Beata Kupiec-Teahan, José Mendoza Sanchez, Fiona Anciano, Dani J Barrington, Mmeli Dube, Paul Hutchings, Caroline Karani, …

Humanities & social sciences communications, Vol.12(1), 1134

2025

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1057/s41599-025-05305-w

PMID: 40692721

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Abstract

Geography

Sociology

Environmental studies

To fill data gaps in human-environment systems, especially in difficult-to-access locations, novel tools are needed to collect (near) real-time data from diverse populations across the globe. Here we discuss the practicalities, constraints, and lessons learnt from six field studies using high spatial and temporal smartphone surveys in six different countries. We suggest that high spatiotemporal, self-administered smartphone surveys will produce novel insights into human behaviour, attitudes, and socio-economic characteristics that, when matched with high spatiotemporal resolution environmental data (e.g., from remote sensing), can be used to address sustainability challenges for global communities. Furthermore, we highlight the need for continuous refinement and improvement in future developments to enhance the efficacy of this methodology. By sharing the practical implications and constraints associated with smartphone surveys, this article contributes to the evolving landscape of data collection methods.

Details

Title: Realities of using self-administered smartphone surveys to solve sustainability challenges
Authors/Creators: Amy R Lewis - Bangor University
Simon Willcock - Bangor University
Ana Casas - Cranfield University
Beata Kupiec-Teahan - Bangor University
José Mendoza Sanchez - Institute of Peruvian Studies
Fiona Anciano - University of the Western Cape
Dani J Barrington - The University of Western Australia
Mmeli Dube - University of the Western Cape
Paul Hutchings - University of Leeds
Caroline Karani - Meru University of Science and Technology
Arturo Llaxacondor - Sanima, Lima, Peru
Hellen López - Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú
Anna L Mdee - University of Leeds
Keosothea Nou - Learning Through an Expanded Arts Program
Alesia D Ofori - Cranfield University
Joy N Riungu - Meru University of Science and Technology
Kory C Russel - University of Oregon
Md Ehsanul Haque Tamal - Murdoch University, Perth, WA Australia
Alison H Parker - Cranfield University
Andrew R Bell - Cornell University
Publication Details: Humanities & social sciences communications, Vol.12(1), 1134
Publisher: Springer Nature
Identifiers: 991005796267007891
Murdoch Affiliation: Murdoch University
Language: English
Resource Type: Journal article

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