I'm a Lecturer in Computer Science at Birmingham Newman University and a researcher in geospatial AI, platial computing, and human–spatial experience. My work combines computational methods with lived experience of place, building reproducible, open-data frameworks that connect academia, industry, and community.
James Williams is an interdisciplinary researcher, lecturer, and consultant working at the intersection of Geographic Information Science, Platial theory, and technology innovation. His work bridges academic research and practical applications, focusing on spatial experience, open data, and reproducible geospatial platforms.
My research explores how computational methods can capture and analyse the subjective experience of place. By integrating AI, open mapping platforms, and uncertainty-aware spatial analysis, I develop frameworks that are both scientifically rigorous and practically useful for communities, governments, and industry.
My projects turn research ideas into working platforms, bridging theory and application. These tools have been developed with academic, government, and community partners to ensure real-world impact.
Open platform for collaborative geospatial metadata standardization. MetaMap enables researchers and practitioners to create, share, and validate metadata schemas for...
AI-powered tool for extracting spatial narratives from qualitative data. PlaceCrafter uses natural language processing and machine learning to identify place-based...
A comprehensive Geographic Information System designed specifically for analyzing walking patterns and pedestrian behavior in urban environments.
I write to explore the intersections between cartography, memory, AI, and the lived experience of place. My writing is divided into Essays (long-form explorations) and Notes (short reflections, ideas, and fragments).
Spatial computing represents a fundamental shift in how we interact with digital information. Rather than...
"Been thinking about Cal Newport’s concept of digital minimalism and how it applies to academic work. The constant switching between applications, notifications, and digital tools fragments our attention in ways that make deep work nearly impossible. "
"Place is not just location + meaning—it's the recursive relationship between them."
"H3 hexagons as a bridge between OSM's granularity and analytical scale."