Comparison and validation of synthetic social contact networks for epidemic modeling

We describe the synthesis of detailed social contact networks of Delhi, India, and Los Angeles, USA, for urban-scale epidemiological simulations. The network synthesis is done by combining information from multiple data sources, since social contact information cannot be obtained through direct surveys. We compare the two networks on various structural and dynamical metrics. Through the comparison between the two cities, we show important similarities and differences between urban regions in different parts of the world.