Towards Spatial Realism: A Human Mobility Model Based on Small World In Motion and OpenStreetMap

• Edgar S. Oliveira USP
• Rodolfo Meneguette USP
• Gustavo Figueireido UFBA
• Maycon Peixoto UFBA
• Cássio Prazeres UFBA
• Paulo H. L. Rettore UFMG / UFLA
• Bruno Santos UFBA

DOI: https://doi.org/10.5753/sbrc.2026.19829

Abstract

Human mobility models play a central role in the evaluation of mobile and opportunistic networks, directly impacting connectivity patterns and protocol performance. While synthetic mobility models offer simplicity and scalability, they often neglect real-world spatial constraints, whereas map-based or trace-driven approaches increase realism at the cost of complexity and reduced reproducibility. This paper proposes SWIM-OSM, an extension of the Small World In Motion (SWIM) mobility model that integrates spatial constraints derived from OpenStreetMap data. The proposed model preserves the core principles of SWIM, combining proximity and location popularity, while restricting node movement to real urban graphs. Experimental results using the The ONE simulator show that SWIM-OSM produces more conservative and realistic mobility and network performance metrics compared to purely synthetic models, positioning it as a balanced alternative for opportunistic network simulations in urban environments.

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