Behavioral mapping and tracking

Behavioral mapping is a research tool used to observe and record behaviors in a particular setting at a particular time. Behavioral mapping can be either place-based or individual-based, depending on whether the focus of observation is to identify locational or temporal patterns of behaviors. This chapter provides an overview of the purposes and uses of behavioral mapping, a brief history of its use, and recommended procedures for conducting behavioral mapping. Its use is illustrated with examples of studies conducted in various physical settings and a case study. The challenges and limitations of this research technique are discussed. Advances in technologies have, and will no doubt continue to, lessen time and labor commitment but these advances also raise new concerns, particularly ethical issues. When combined with other methods of data collection, behavioral mapping can be a useful tool for environment-behavior research.