Interurban mobility: Eurythmic relations among metropolitan cities monitored by mobile phone data

Abstract

The main aim of this article is to identify and explain the spatio-temporal pattern of interurban mobility in Czechia. The research is based upon analysis of mobile phone location data. More precisely, the data set about more than 3 million mobile-phone stations from 2019 is analysed to investigate mobility patterns and spatiotemporal behaviour among Prague, Brno, and Ostrava, three major agglomerations of Czechia. To achieve the goal, the paper uses proven concepts from time geography and chronogeography, such as constraints and pacemakers. The results reveal that, firstly, Prague's dominant position in the settlement hierarchy is crucial to mobility rhythms even for long-distance journeys. Secondly, journey purpose and means of transport are also proven to be key pacemakers in intraurban mobility.