GPS measurement error gives rise to spurious 180 degree turning angles and strong directional biases in animal movement data.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Movement data are frequently collected using Global Positioning System (GPS) receivers, but recorded GPS locations are subject to errors. While past studies have suggested methods to improve location accuracy, mechanistic movement models utilize distributions of turning angles and directional biases and these data present a new challenge in recognizing and reducing the effect of measurement error.

Methods

I collected locations from a stationary GPS collar, analyzed a probabilistic model and used Monte Carlo simulations to understand how measurement error affects measured turning angles and directional biases.

Results

Results from each of the three methods were in complete agreement: measurement error gives rise to a systematic bias where a stationary animal

SUBMITTER: Hurford A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2682572 | biostudies-literature | 2009 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature