The researchers of the Locational Big Data Laboratory at the Research Centre for Astronomy and Earth Sciences (CSFK) has conducted research into the spread of the coronavirus based on real mobile cell data. The novelty of their approach is that, instead of simulations, the geographical properties of the spread of the illness were studied using high-resolution real data. The researchers examined the number of contacts among people located at the same location at the same time, based on mobile cell data. The project allowed for the analysis of the data of 5.7 million users, which was also displayed on animated visualizations with a resolution of 100-200 meters.
As a result of this project, real-time feedback can be given on the spatial aspects and temporal dynamics of the movement of the population. Therefore, presence at traffic junctions, institutions and trade centers can be followed, which lends robust support to the operation of local risk-forecasting models. This research depicts the spread of the disease by undiagnosed infected people based on the international literature and also simulates the effects of various restrictive measures.
