The National Renewable Energy Laboratory's Open Platform for Agile Trip Heuristics (NREL OpenPATH, available at https://nrel.gov/openpath) revolutionizes how individuals and communities track their travel modes and assess their energy consumption and carbon emissions. Whether you're driving, taking the bus, cycling, or walking, NREL OpenPATH captures these activities and provides detailed insights into your environmental impact.
This innovative app not only helps users understand their travel habits but also encourages experimentation with more sustainable transportation options. By evaluating the outcomes of these choices, NREL OpenPATH supports the development of effective transportation policies and aids in planning for more sustainable and accessible urban environments.
NREL OpenPATH offers personalized feedback to users about the environmental impact of their travel decisions. Additionally, it aggregates community-level data, including mode shares, trip frequencies, and carbon footprints, which is accessible through a public dashboard. This data can be instrumental for community leaders and policymakers.
The app's functionality is supported by continuous data collection and analysis facilitated through a smartphone app, backed by a server and automated data processing. Its open-source framework ensures transparency in data handling and allows for customization to meet the specific needs of various programs or studies.
Upon initial installation, NREL OpenPATH does not automatically collect or transmit any data. To participate, users must actively join a study or program by clicking a link or scanning a QR code, and then provide consent for data collection and storage. For those not affiliated with a specific program but interested in personal carbon footprint analysis, there's an option to join the NREL-run open-access study. Data from these participants can serve as a control group for partner experiments.
At its heart, NREL OpenPATH functions as an automatically generated travel diary, utilizing background sensed location and accelerometer data. Users can enhance this diary with semantic labels as directed by program administrators or researchers.
Be aware that continuous use of GPS in the background can significantly reduce your device's battery life. To mitigate this, NREL OpenPATH deactivates GPS when you're stationary, minimizing battery drain. The app is designed to result in approximately a 5% battery reduction for up to 3 hours of daily travel.
What's New in Version 1.9.1
Last updated on Oct 15, 2024
- Users can now opt out of push notifications, accommodating programs that do not require them.
