Networks of Interest: comparing Google Places and Foursquare in capturing user choices in urban areas

• Gustavo H. Santos UTFPR
• Fernanda R. Gubert UTFPR
• Myriam Delgado UTFPR
• Thiago H. Silva UTFPR

DOI: https://doi.org/10.5753/courb.2024.3248

Abstract

Location-Based Social Networks (LBSNs) are valuable for understanding urban behavior and provide useful data on user preferences. Modeling this data into graphs, such as Interest Network (iNET), enables significant insights. These networks can be helpful for urban area recommendations, mobility forecasts, and public policy formulation. This study uses check-in data and establishment reviews to compare the iNETs resulting from two distinct LBSNs, Foursquare and Google Places. Although the studied LBSNs differ in nature, with data varying in regularity and purpose, both modeled iNETs revealed similar urban behavior patterns, and were likewise impacted by socioeconomic and geographic factors.

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