Contact Information
1301 W. Green St.
Urbana, IL 61801
Biography
My research lies at the intersection of data, computation, and human values. I am interested in critically exploring how emerging technologies of geospatial computing and artificial intelligence, both in practice and theory, can be designed and used in ways that are ethical, socially responsible, and benefit humanity. More broadly, my interests span spatial data science, location privacy, and the societal implications of algorithmic systems.
Research Interests
- Geographic information science
- GeoAI
- Critical GeoAI
- Social implications of geospatial technologies
- Location privacy
Education
- 2023 Ph.D., Geography, The Ohio State University
- 2022 M.A., Geography, The Ohio State University
- 2019 B.S., Geographic Information Science, Wuhan University
Additional Campus Affiliations
- Faculty Affiliate, National Center for Supercomputing Applications
- Faculty Affiliate, Center for Social & Behavioral Science
Recent Publications
Lin, Y., Yeap, Q. F., & Zhang, H. (2026). Citizen Science and Geoprivacy: Empirical Analysis of Location Masking in Large-Scale Crowdsensing Networks. The Professional Geographer. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1080/00330124.2026.2656680
Mostafavisabet, M., Sadvari, J., Alam, M., Lin, Y., Xiao, N., & Miller, H. J. (2026). Using Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps for Urban Historical Research and Reconstructions: A Review and Case Study. Journal of Map & Geography Libraries. https://doi.org/10.1080/15420353.2026.2690910
Otto, P., & Lin, Y. (Accepted/In press). Computational mapping of historic built environments in American cities from Sanborn maps: A case from the Chicago Urban Heritage Project. Environment and Planning B: Urban Analytics and City Science, Article 23998083261466497. https://doi.org/10.1177/23998083261466497
Zhao, B., & Lin, Y. (2026). GeoAI collapse? Ethical implications of synthetic geospatial data use. International Journal of Geographical Information Science. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1080/13658816.2025.2609806
Lin, Y., & Grekousis, G. (2025). Can geodemographic clustering be fair? Incorporating social fairness in crisp and fuzzy approaches through a unified framework. International Journal of Geographical Information Science, 39(6), 1270-1295. https://doi.org/10.1080/13658816.2024.2444525