- 200 years
- Study
- International
- Business and employers
- Research
- About us
https://webcdn.mmu.ac.uk/profiles/img/profile-images/JamesCheng-crop-145x145-5763aff2a2892.jpg
I was born in Anhui Province, China. I had studied and worked in China, Netherlands and Ireland for many years before joining MMU in 2006. My research interests include urban studies, urban analytics and healthy city. My favourite sports are badminton, jogging, and Taichi.
University is a place not only for creating new knowledge but also for delivering and criticising knowldge with well developed academic skills. Student centerd teaching provides socially constructive ways of developing skills of critical thinking.
I attempt to bring international case studies and research into my teaching.
Fellow, HEA (2014)
Postgradue Certificate in Academic Practice (MMU, 2011)
PhD in Human Geography and Urban Planning (University of Utrecht, The Netherlands, 2003)
MSc in GIS for Urban Applications (International Institute for Geo-information Science and Earth Observation - ITC, now University of Twente, The Netherlands
BSc in Computational Mathematics and Applied Software (Shandong University, China)
2016-present, Reader in Urban Studies, Department of Natural Sciences (School of Science and the Environment), MMU
2006-2016: Lecturer/Senior Lecturer in GIS, Department of Geographical and Environmental Sciences/School of Science and the Environment, MMU
2000-2006: Associate Professor in Urban GIS, Wuhan University
Post-doctoral researcher, National Centre for Geo-computation, National University
of Ireland, Maynooth (2005-2006)
Post-doctoral researcher, Department of Geography and Planning, University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands (2003-2006)
School Country Representative -China
Deputy Director of MMU Crime and Wellbeing Big Data Center
English (working language)
Chinese (Native)
Dutch (basic)
Geospatial technologies including Big Data and AI have been developing very fast, which provides advanced quantiative methods for solving geographical and environmental problems. Mastering GIS skills would improve your employability.
Digital World
GIS and Work Place
Urban Environmental Assessment
Final-year Project
Data Analytics
MSc Projects
Five ongoing PhD projects under supervision:
Retail location strategies in China in the era of online shopping (self-funded). (Director of Studies - DoS)
Measuring the fear of crime to support healthy street environmental design (VC Scholarship), DoS.
Modelling and analysing 3D urban colourscapes to support environmental design (self-funded) DoS
Stories of Urban Injustice: voicing homeless through a soundmap of narratives (Leverhulme PhD Scholarship) 1st supervisor.
Multiple deprivation of disabled people and spatio-temporal accessibility to disabled facility (China Scholsrship Council) Joint supervisor.
I am hosting and have hosted about 15 academic visits from Chinese universities (e.g. Wuhan University, Shandong University, Nanjing Normal University, Central China Normal University, Anhui Normal University, Nanning Normal Univesity, Northwest University etc).
2020: PhD external examiner for Department of Urban Planning and Design, University of Hong Kong
Geographical Mobility: transport, migration, tourism, and street walking
Spatial accessiiblity: sport facilities, jobs, hospitals, inequality and sustainability.
Sustainable Healthy city: emotional welling in urban streets, physical exercise, COVID-19 impacts
Urbanisation in China: urban growth, residential segregation, and energy consumption.
Urban analytics: GIS, spatial statistics and simulation, UGC data analysis, Video analytics etc.
I have been collaborating with quite a few universities in China, including:
Sun Yat-sen University, Nanning Normal University, Wuhan University, Central China Normal University and Shandong University of Finance and Economics.
L. Li, J. Cheng, J. Bannister, X. Mai (2022). Geographically and temporally weighted co-location quotient: an analysis of spatiotemporal crime patterns in Greater Manchester. International Journal of Geographical Information Science. 36(5), pp.918-942.
C. Wu, J. Cheng, J. Zou, L. Duan, JE. Campbell (2021). Health-related quality of life of COVID-19 survivors: an initial exploration in Nanning City, China. Social Science and Medicine. 274, pp.113748-113748.
J. Cheng, J. Bannister (2020). Special Issue "COVID-19 and Urban Inequalities: Spatial and Digital Dimensions". J. Cheng. MDPI.
J. Cheng (2003). Modelling Spatial and Temporal Urban Growth. Enschede: ITC.
J. Cheng (2000). Urban Systems Engineering. Wuhan University Press.
L. Li, J. Cheng, J. Bannister, X. Mai (2022). Geographically and temporally weighted co-location quotient: an analysis of spatiotemporal crime patterns in Greater Manchester. International Journal of Geographical Information Science. 36(5), pp.918-942.
C. Wu, J. Cheng, J. Zou, L. Duan, JE. Campbell (2021). Health-related quality of life of COVID-19 survivors: an initial exploration in Nanning City, China. Social Science and Medicine. 274, pp.113748-113748.
Q. Chen, J. Cheng, Z. Wu (2019). Evolution of the Cultural Trade Network in “the Belt and Road” Region: Implication for Global Cultural Sustainability. Sustainability. 11(10),
L. Zhang, J. Cheng, C. Jin (2019). Spatial Interaction Modeling of OD Flow Data: Comparing Geographically Weighted Negative Binomial Regression (GWNBR) and OLS (GWOLSR). ISPRS International Journal of Geo-Information. 8(5),
M. Lu, J. Cheng, C. Jin (2017). Assessment of Ecological Assets for Sustainable Regional Development: A Case Study of Deqing County, China. SUSTAINABILITY. 9(6),
JGA. Lageard, PA. Thomas, J. Cheng (2017). Animating tree colonization and growth. Dendrochronologia. 42, pp.13-20.
J. Cheng, L. Bertolini (2013). Measuring urban job accessibility with distance decay, competition and diversity. Journal of Transport Geography. 30, pp.100-109.
J. Cheng, AS. Fotheringham (2013). Multi-scale issues in cross-border comparative analysis. GEOFORUM. 46, pp.138-148.
J. Cheng, L. Bertolini, FL. Clercq, L. Kapoen (2013). Understanding urban networks: Comparing a node-, a density- and an accessibility-based view. Cities. 31, pp.165-176.
J. Cheng, L. Bertolini, FL. Clercq, L. Kapoen (2012). Understanding urban networks: Comparing a node-, a density- and an accessibility-based view. Cities.
J. Cheng (2011). Exploring urban morphology using multi-temporal urban growth data: a case study of Wuhan, China. Asian Geographer. 28(2), pp.85-103.
C. Peng, J. Cheng (2007). Using multi-agent system for residential expansion models - A case study of Hongshan District, Wuhan City. Chinese Geographical Science. 17(3), pp.210-215.
H. Lu, X. Liu, J. Cheng, N. Du (2007). Analyzing the accessibility of urban road network based on space syntax. China Water Transport. 7(7), pp.131-133.
J. Cheng, L. Bertolini, F. Le Clercq (2007). Measuring sustainable accessibility. Transportation Research Record. pp.16-25.
J. Cheng, J. Turkstra, M. Peng, N. Du, P. Ho (2006). Urban land administration and planning in China: Opportunities and constraints of spatial data models. Land Use Policy. 23(4), pp.604-616.
Z. Huang, J. Shen, J. Cheng, X. Liu (2006). Evaluating the Spatial Distribution of Wuhan Intercity Road Passenger Stations. Jiaotong Yunshu Xitong Gongcheng Yu Xinxi/ Journal of Transportation Systems Engineering and Information Technology. 2006(3), pp.122-128.
Z. Huang, J. Cheng, J. Shen, X. Liu (2005). A method for evaluating distribution of urban road passenger transport stations based on average trip distance. Wuhan Daxue Xuebao (Gongxue Ban)/Engineering Journal of Wuhan University. 2005(6), pp.110-115.
J. Cheng, I. Masser (2004). Understanding spatial and temporal processes of urban growth: cellular automata modelling. Environment and Planning B: Planning and Design. 31(2), pp.167-194.
J. Cheng, H. Ottens, I. Masser, J. Turkstra (2003). Understanding Urban Growth: a Conceptual Model. International Journal of Urban Sciences. 7(1), pp.83-101.
J. Cheng, I. Masser (2003). Modelling urban growth patterns: a multiscale perspective. Environment and Planning A. 35(4), pp.679-704.
J. Cheng, I. Masser (2003). Urban growth pattern modeling: a case study of Wuhan city, PR China. Landscape and Urban Planning. 62(4), pp.199-217.
J. Shen, X. Liu, J. Cheng, R. Yang, N. Du (1999). The survey and analysis of traffic behavior of large-scale public-buildings in Wuhan City. Journal of Wuhan Urban Construction Institute. 1999(2), pp.29-32.
J. Cheng, Y. Lan, J. Tursktra (1999). Application of Synergetics to Sustainable Land Use Planning. Wuhan Daxue Xuebao (Xinxi Kexue Ban)/Geomatics and Information Science of Wuhan University. 24(1), pp.60-67.
J. Cheng, Y. Lan (1999). Developing an Optimal Layout Methodology of Town Development Based on GIS. Journal of Wuhan Urban Construction Institute. 1999(1), pp.17-22.
J. Cheng, J. Huang (1998). A Method of Dynamic Cluster Analysis Based on Time Series Data. Wuhan Daxue Xuebao (Xinxi Kexue Ban)/Geomatics and Information Science of Wuhan University. 1998(3),
J. Cheng, R. Yang (1998). On urban systems modelling. Tianjin Urban Planning. 12(2), pp.13-16.
J. Cheng, J. Turkstra (1997). On Urban Spatial Statistical Units. Journal of Wuhan Urban Construction Institute. 1997(4), pp.13-18.
J. Cheng (1997). GIS Support Multicriteria Evaluation. Systems Engineering. 1997(5), pp.50-56.
J. Cheng, R. Yang, Z. Chen (1994). An Improved Method to Calculate Weighting-values in MCE. Systems Engineering-Theory & Practice. 1994(11),
J. Cheng, R. Yang, Z. Chen (1993). Modelling and software development of urban investment environment. Geomatics and Information Science of Wuhan University. 1993(4), pp.63-71.
J. Cheng (1992). Integral assessment of water quality of rivers in Wuhan city. Journal of Geomatics. 1992(4), pp.48-52.
T. Pulford, J. Cheng, C. Jin (2020). The Geography of Mobility, Wellbeing and Development in China. W. Wu, Y. Wang. In: The Geography of Mobility, Wellbeing and Development in China Understanding Transformations Through Big Data. Routledge,
T. Pulford, J. Cheng, C. Jin (2020). Spatially weighted interaction model of traffic flows on motorway networks. In: The Geography of Mobility, Wellbeing and Development in China. Routledge, pp.51-85.
J. Wang, J. Cheng, N. Qin, Q. Chen (2019). The Spatial Network of Beibu Gulf Urban Agglomeration and Its Challenges for Coordinated Integral Development. In: Challenges Towards Ecological Sustainability in China. Springer International Publishing, pp.307-324.
J. Cheng, J. Zhou (2015). Urban Growth in a Rapidly Urbanized Mega City: Wuhan. In: Urban Development Challenges, Risks and Resilience in Asian Mega Cities. Springer Japan, pp.301-322.
Q. Wu, J. Cheng, D. Liu, L. Han, Y. Yang (2015). Kunming: A Regional International Mega City in Southwest China. In: Urban Development Challenges, Risks and Resilience in Asian Mega Cities. Springer Japan, pp.323-347.
J. Cheng, Q. Zhan, X. Zhang (2008). Geospatial environment for Chinese urban planning, a comparative perspective. In: Geo-spatial information and decision support for urban planning. Wuhan University Press,
H. Zhang, M. Liptrott, N. Bessis, J. Cheng (2019). Real-Time Traffic Analysis using Deep Learning Techniques and UAV based Video. In: Proceedings 2019 16th IEEE International Conference on Advanced Video and Signal Based Surveillance (AVSS). Taipei, Taiwan, 18/9/2019.
J. Cheng, N. Gould, L. Han, C. Jin (2016). Big Data for urban studies: opportunities and challenges: a comparative perspective. In: 2016 INT IEEE CONFERENCES ON UBIQUITOUS INTELLIGENCE & COMPUTING, ADVANCED & TRUSTED COMPUTING, SCALABLE COMPUTING AND COMMUNICATIONS, CLOUD AND BIG DATA COMPUTING, INTERNET OF PEOPLE, AND SMART WORLD CONGRESS (UIC/ATC/SCALCOM/CBDCOM/IOP/SMARTWORLD). Toulouse, FRANCE, 18/7/2016. pp.1229-1234.
J. Cheng, N. Gould, L. Han, C. Jin (2017). Big Data for urban studies: opportunities and challenges: a comparative perspective,. In: IEEE XPLORE. Toulouse, France, 18/7/2016. pp.1229-1234.
J. Tu, J. Cheng, L. Han (2015). Big Data computation for workshop-based planning. In: 2015 IEEE International Conference. Liverpool, 26/10/2015. pp.1510-1514.
. Xiaonan Zhang, . Jianquan Cheng, . Song Wu (2010). Evaluating community accessibility for sustainable urban regeneration: a conceptual framework. In: 5th International Conference on Responsive Manufacturing - Green Manufacturing (ICRM 2010). pp.444-456.
J. Cheng, Z. Huang, RD. Elenna (2007). Barriers to relocating intercity bus stations in super-mega Chinese cities,. In: TRB 86th Annual Meeting Compendium of Papers CD-ROM. Washington, D.C. USA, 21/1/2007.
J. Cheng, L. Bertolini, F. le Clercq (2005). Design-oriented PSS for regional sustainable transport and land use. In: http://128.40.111.250/cupum/searchpapers/papers/paper215.pdf. London, 29/6/2005.
JQ. Cheng, F. le Clercq, L. Kapoen, L. Bertolini (2004). A sketched sustainable transportation system model. In: PROCEEDINGS OF THE WORLD ENGINEERS' CONVENTION 2004, VOL C, TRANSPORTATION AND SUSTAINABLE MEGA-CITIES. Shanghai, PEOPLES R CHINA, 2/11/2004. pp.453-458.
Lockdown urbanism and quality of life of hospitalised COVID-19 survivors: new challenges for healthy city, on 19 March 2021, by Institute of Space and Earth Information Science, Chinese University of Hongkong.
International Conference 2021 on Spatial Planning and Sustainable Development, 25-27 November 2021 (Chairman for Manchester venue)
International Virtual Conference 2020 on Spatial Planning and Sustainable Development, Online, Feb.6-7.2021 (Chairman)
Invited speaker on 'National Sport Infrastructure in China and Impacts on Healthy City', National Conference on Safety and Healthy City' 4-6 December 2020 (online).
Key-note speaker on 'Lockdown Urbanism and Health-related Quality of Life of COVID-19 survivors', TBIS'2020 (8-10 July 2020, online).
Key-note speaker on 'O-D Flow Modelling in demographic-economic space: heterogeneity and outlier
detection', 15th International Conference on Spatial Behaviour and Planning (23-24 December 2019, Shenzhen).
Program committee member - The Second International Workshop on Big Data and Smart Sustainable Society, in conjunction with IUCC-2015/2016, 26-28 October 2015, Liverpool, UK; 18-21 July, 2016, Toulouse-France.
Technical program committee member - International Conference on Geo-Informatics in Green Ecology & Environment [GGEE2013], Wuhan University, 8-10 November 2013.
International convening committee member -ICWG V/I International Workshop on
GIS for Transportation, Wuhan University, China, 4-6 December, 2009.
International convening committee member - Frontiers in Transportation 2005/2007:
Social Interactions, Amsterdam, Netherlands, 2-5 July 2005 and 14-16 October
2007.
Organizing committee member - International Conference on Modelling and Decision Support for Urban Planning, Wuhan University, China, November 2006.
Reviewer of high-impact journal papers (about 20 journals):
International Journal of Geographic Information Science
Computer, Environment and Urban Systems
Landscape and Urban Planning
Sustianable Cities and Society
Cities
Journal of Transport Geography
etc.
EXTERNAL FUNDING (after 2006)
Rethinking Healthy City In the post-Covid-19: Exposure, Mobility and Inequality (with Prof Suhong Zhou at Sun Yat-sen University), Newton Researcher Link Workshop Grant (jointly funded by the British Council and China NNSF) (2021-2022).
Modelling spatio-temporal association between urban street mobility and air pollution (with Prof Suhong Zhou at Sun Yat-sen University), Newton Mobility exchange grant between UK Royal Society and China NNSF (03/2020 - 03/2022).
Perception and prediction of group crime risks based on tracking spatio-temporal data (with Dr Lian Duan at Nanning Normal University), funded by China's NSF (01/2020 - 12/2023).
Exploring Healthy City of Nanning, China, funded by Guangxi Bureau of Education.(2016-2020).
Inequities in the perceived environmental health risks and interventions in a fast developing countryn(with Prof Qiyan Wu at Xi'an Jiaotong University). funded by British Academy (2016-2017).
The detection of urban road congestion using sensor measurements (with Dr Nick Gould), DfT Transport Technology Research Innovation Grant (T-TRIG) (2016)
Mechanisms, measurements and impacts of regional spatial network - case study of Pan-Yangtze River Delta Region, funded by NSF of China (2016-2019).
Spatial Interactions on Urban Networks in the Central China, Case Studies: Hubei, Hunan and Henan Provinces (with Prof Chong Peng at Huazhou University of Science and Technology), funded by National Natural Science Foundation of China (2012-2014).
Internal Mobility and Integration in China and the European Union (international collaboration between three universities in the UK, two institutions in China and one institution in Germany), organised by EU-COREACH and jointly funed by ESRC and British Academy on the UK side. (2009-2011).
Using Support Vector Machines to Support Land Use Change Modelling ((with Prof Bo Huang at Chinese University of Hong Kong), funded by Hong Kong Research Grant Council (CERG1) 007-2009).
INTERNAL FUNDING (after 2013)
UK-China healthy city workshop at MMU, funded by GCRF QR (2018)
HLSS-RKE (MMU) research fellowship - Developing and evaluating multiple indicators of job accessibility. (2015-2016)
Parallel Computation for Accessibility-based Planning Support, funded by school of science and the environment. (2014-2015)
Developing CPD courses in environmental management, GIS and geography for Chinese market, funded by the Faculty of Science and Engineering (2013-2014)
Manchester Evening Newspaper (2015)
Jiangsu Scientific Daily (2017)
“Scientific and Technological Progress Award” (third-class prize) by the Wuhan
Municipality, China.
“Scientific and Technological Progress Award” (third class prize) by the National Bureau of Surveying and Mapping, China.
Members of ESRC Peer Review College
Proposals of British Council, Newton Funding, British Academy
Evaluator of Horizon 2020 Proposals
Reviewer of EU Marie Curie Fellowship Applications
Visiting Professor of Human Geography and GIS at the Key Laboratory for Environment Change and Resources Utilization in Beibu Gulf (Ministry of Education), Nanning Normal University (2016-2020)
Visiting Professor of Human Geography at the School of Geographical Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, China.(2013-2020)
Associate Editor: International Review for Spatial Planning and Sustainable Development (2021-)
International Association for China Planning (IACP)
Royal Geographical Societies
Regional Studies Assoication
Institute of Place Management
International Network on Healty City