How AirSage Ensures Data Integrity Through Rigorous Validation
In the fast-evolving world of location intelligence, Location-Based Services (LBS) data quality is of paramount importance for producing trustworthy, reliable information. The ability to make informed decisions—whether in business, government, or research—relies on the authenticity and precision of the data used. Unfortunately, there has been a known problem in the past and even today with fraudulent information seeping into the data ecosystem, which can lead to misguided conclusions and costly missteps.
At AirSage, we take this challenge seriously. With our enhanced data quality selection process as well as rigorous testing and cleansing methodology, AirSage ensures that the data we provide is not fraudulent. Our mission is simple: to ensure every dataset we deliver is both accurate and trustworthy.
The AirSage Approach to Data Validation
When evaluating any sourced location data, AirSage follows a thorough process to test for reliability and authenticity. Recently, we applied this methodology in assessing the quality of data from a third-party provider, and the results underscored the critical importance of deep validation before use.
Our process involved cross-referencing multiple independent data sources to ensure truthfulness and consistency. Specifically, we compared:
Using consistent geographies and timeframes across these datasets, we conducted a battery of validation tests.
Real-World Traffic Incident Testing
In one analysis, we examined traffic activity on major highways and bridges known to be completely closed due to accidents or repairs. These were situations where traffic was physically impossible. While ground truth and our trusted data source showed no traffic activity during the closures (see Figure 1 below), the third-party provider’s data surprisingly displayed normal traffic flows.
This glaring discrepancy suggested the possibility of timestamp manipulation or data recycling, rather than real-time observations. 
Figure 1: I-15 Southbound Roadway Closure - Typical Conditions vs. Post-Crash Event Conditions Using AirSage LBS Data (did not include Third Party Data under evaluation)
For more information about our road closure validation studies, read LBS is Not Dead Part 2: A Study of Actual Traffic Events Using AirSage LBS Data
Event Attendance Analysis at Large Venues
To further scrutinize the data, we extended our research to large public venues like sports stadiums and concert halls. These locations offer clear, publicly documented attendance figures, making them ideal for validation.
We focused on days with major events at:
Using a uniform methodology, we compared the number of devices recorded by the third-party provider vs. our trusted provider.
Key Findings:
Figure 2: Busch Stadium Visitation - Comparison of Data from Ground Truth, Trusted AirSage Provider, and Third Party Provider
At Sami Ofer Stadium, similar inconsistencies arose. For instance, on November 2nd, 2022, a record-breaking event attracted over 30,000 attendees and by way of contrast, the following event held on November 5th drew a much smaller audience. Sightings on these days were reflected in our validated source but completely absent in the third-party data. Conversely, the third-party provider showed a surge in attendance on days with no scheduled events (see Figure 3 below).
Figure 3: Sami Ofer Stadium Visitation - Comparison of Data from Ground Truth, Trusted AirSage Provider, and Third Party Provider
Why This Matters
These are just a few examples among hundreds of comparative tests AirSage has performed. Each instance reinforces the same conclusion: without rigorous validation, location data can deviate dramatically from reality, leading to poor decisions, skewed models, and financial losses. That’s why AirSage removes data providers from its panel that don’t meet its data integrity requirements.
To learn more about how AirSage safeguards data integrity and ensures the highest standards of quality, read our Data Quality Overview.
The AirSage Commitment
At AirSage, we don’t just deliver data—we deliver truth. Our commitment to transparency and integrity drives us to validate every data stream before it reaches our clients. When you work with AirSage, you’re getting insights grounded in reality, backed by science, and tested against the real world.
If your organization values data you can trust, let’s talk. At AirSage, accuracy isn't optional—it’s guaranteed.
