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The IMAGE framework for human mobility science: A comprehensive bibliometric analysis of research trends and frontiers

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  • Zhang, Chonghao
  • Liu, Xuanyu
  • Ren, Jingzheng
  • Yu, Hao
  • Huang, Jinyi
  • Luo, Xiao

Abstract

This study presents the first comprehensive bibliometric analysis of human mobility research, examining 4793 articles (2008–2024) through CiteSpace. Our analysis identifies Utrecht University and U.S. institutions as field leaders while revealing four distinct research domains: Mobility Mechanism, Adaptive technology, Social Governance, and Sustainable Environment. Despite methodological limitations in capturing emerging research, our findings demonstrate a clear evolution from studying individual travel behaviors toward analyzing complex mobility patterns within diverse socioeconomic contexts. Based on these identified domains, we introduce the IMAGE Mobility Framework (Information-Driven, Mobility Mechanism, Adaptive Technology, Social Governance, Sustainable Environment) as a foundational paradigm for the field's fourth developmental phase. This framework systematically integrates advanced analytics, resilient systems design, intelligent governance mechanisms, and sustainability principles to address increasingly complex mobility challenges. Our research establishes a comprehensive roadmap for future scholarly inquiry that harnesses artificial intelligence capabilities, synthesizes heterogeneous data sources, and formulates innovative solutions to critical societal challenges including pandemic response, climate change mitigation, and social equity advancement.

Suggested Citation

  • Zhang, Chonghao & Liu, Xuanyu & Ren, Jingzheng & Yu, Hao & Huang, Jinyi & Luo, Xiao, 2025. "The IMAGE framework for human mobility science: A comprehensive bibliometric analysis of research trends and frontiers," Transport Policy, Elsevier, vol. 171(C), pages 706-720.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:trapol:v:171:y:2025:i:c:p:706-720
    DOI: 10.1016/j.tranpol.2025.06.028
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