Pattern-of-life analysis

Pattern-of-life analysis is a method of surveillance specifically used for documenting or understanding a subject's (or many subjects') habits. This information can then be potentially used to predict future actions by the subject(s) being observed. This form of observation can, and is, generally done without the consent of the subject, with motives including but not limited to security, profit, scientific research, regular censuses, and traffic analysis. Unlike these specific areas of surveillance, pattern-of-life analysis is not limited to one medium and can encompass anything in an individual's (or system of individual's) life from their internet browsing habits, to a record of instances of choices made in order to determine a statistical 'favorite'.