BEGIN seminar – Dr Grant McKenzie
Date: Tuesday, 4th of November 2025, at 14:00 (UK Time)
Location: Online (MS Teams).
Place, Privacy, and Mobility: Navigating the Intersection of Location Science and Human Dynamics
Abstract:
In recent years, computational representations of place have significantly evolved. While space undeniably remains the core dimension in the complex, multi-dimensional concept of place, emerging research has delved deeper into additional dimensions, leveraging new sources of data in the process. For many, place is a lens through which we can examine and better understand pressing societal issues. In this presentation, I will provide a glimpse into the research currently underway at McGill University’s Platial Analysis Lab. Our focus includes using a place-centric approach to probe into issues related to personal location privacy and the influence of contemporary urban mobility systems on place characterization.
Recording:
Bio:
Grant McKenzie is an Associate Professor of Spatial Data Science in the Department of Geography at McGill University, Canada. At McGill, Grant leads the Platial Analysis Lab, an interdisciplinary research group that works at the intersection of information science and behavioral geography. Much of Grant’s work examines how human activity patterns vary within and between local regions and global communities. This has driven his applied interests geoprivacy and new mobility services as well as the broader role that geographic information science plays at the intersection of information technologies and society. Outside of academia, Grant has worked as a data scientist and software developer for a range of NGOs and leading technology companies.
