Rethinking Human Behavior Research from the Perspective of Space-time GIS

Objective This paper discusses the potential and challenges when developing space-time GIS in supportof human behavioral research.It high lights major accomplishments of using space-time GIS,especial-ly from the time-geographic perspective,to study spatial and temporal characteristics of human behav-ior.However,there are several existing challenges impeding further development of the theory andmethods of space-time GIS to support integrated space-time analysis,holistic study of human activitiesat stationary locations and in motion,as well as going beyond analysis of geometric characteristics ofspace-time trajectory data to gain insights on key factors that influence human behavioral patterns.Wehope this paper helps shed light on future directions for developing space-time GIS in support of hu-man behavioral research in the age of big data.