ORTEGA: An object-oriented time-geographic analytical approach to trace space-time contact patterns in movement data

This paper uses movement as a marker to study interactions in humans and animals better understand their collective behaviors. Interaction is an important driving force social ecological systems. It can also play significant role the transmission of infectious diseases viruses witnessed during ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Although number approaches have been developed analyze interaction using data sets, these methods mainly capture concurrent dyadic (i.e. when two individuals direct contact or move synchronously spatial proximity each other). Less work has done on tracing between multiple individuals, especially occurs with delay via indirect visit same location asynchronously). introduces new Object-oRiented Time-Geographic Analytical approach (ORTEGA) extract delayed patterns space time. The method leverages time-geography framework incorporate effects uncertainty gaps analysis patterns. Using different case studies real GPS tracking data, evaluated (1) detecting dyadic, intra interspecific apex predators, tigers leopards Thailand; (2) potential contacts large group households San Jose, California. results indicate that awareness other delayed. In human context, show while household more interaction, members follow similar asynchronously exhibiting interaction. asynchronous are often underestimated by common digital technologies. With this we how generic be used identify interesting across animal divide.