Realities of using self-administered smartphone surveys to solve sustainability challenges

Amy R. Lewis (), Simon Willcock (), Ana Casas, Beata Kupiec-Teahan, José Mendoza Sanchez, Fiona Anciano, Dani J. Barrington, Mmeli Dube, Paul Hutchings, Caroline Karani, Arturo Llaxacondor, Hellen López, Anna L. Mdee, Keosothea Nou, Alesia D. Ofori, Joy N. Riungu, Kory C. Russel, Md Ehsanul Haque Tamal, Alison H. Parker and Andrew R. Bell
Additional contact information
Amy R. Lewis: Bangor University
Simon Willcock: Bangor University
Ana Casas: Cranfield University
Beata Kupiec-Teahan: Bangor University
José Mendoza Sanchez: Pontifical Catholic University of Peru
Fiona Anciano: University of the Western Cape
Dani J. Barrington: University of Western Australia
Mmeli Dube: University of the Western Cape
Paul Hutchings: University of Leeds
Caroline Karani: Meru University of Science and Technology
Arturo Llaxacondor: Sanima
Hellen López: Pontifical Catholic University of Peru
Anna L. Mdee: University of Leeds
Keosothea Nou: Prek Leap National Institute of Agriculture
Alesia D. Ofori: Cranfield University
Joy N. Riungu: Meru University of Science and Technology
Kory C. Russel: University of Oregon
Md Ehsanul Haque Tamal: Murdoch University
Alison H. Parker: Cranfield University
Andrew R. Bell: Cornell University

Palgrave Communications, 2025, vol. 12, issue 1, 1-11

Abstract: Abstract To fill data gaps in human-environment systems, especially in difficult-to-access locations, novel tools are needed to collect (near) real-time data from diverse populations across the globe. Here we discuss the practicalities, constraints, and lessons learnt from six field studies using high spatial and temporal smartphone surveys in six different countries. We suggest that high spatiotemporal, self-administered smartphone surveys will produce novel insights into human behaviour, attitudes, and socio-economic characteristics that, when matched with high spatiotemporal resolution environmental data (e.g., from remote sensing), can be used to address sustainability challenges for global communities. Furthermore, we highlight the need for continuous refinement and improvement in future developments to enhance the efficacy of this methodology. By sharing the practical implications and constraints associated with smartphone surveys, this article contributes to the evolving landscape of data collection methods.

Date: 2025
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DOI: 10.1057/s41599-025-05305-w

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