Ting Lei

image of Dr. Ting Lei
  • Associate Professor

Contact Info

Department Phone:
785-864-5538
Malott Hall #1021

Personal Links

Biography —

Ting Lei is an Associate Professor of Geography at the University of Kansas. His research interest is in Geographic Information Science and spatial computation, including areas such as location-allocation modeling, network analysis, spatial databases, remote sensing and Artificial Intelligence.

Dr. Lei's research aims to develop efficient computational methods and models to solve new problems in transportation and logistics, public and private facility location, resource management and sustainable development, and GIS data management. He also has a keen interest in Remote Sensing as well as in advancing GIS technology in terms of computational geometry, GIS software engineering, relational databases, formal verification and theorem proving for optimization models.

Google Scholar Profile

Education —

Ph.D. in Geography, University of California, 2010, Santa Barbara, CA
M.S. in Computer Science, University of California, 2007, Santa Barbara, CA
M.S. in Remote Sensing and Photogrammetry, Wuhan Tech. University of Surveying and Mapping, 2000, Wuhan, Hubei, China
B.S. in Geographic Information Systems, Wuhan Tech University of Surveying and Mapping, 1997, Wuhan, Hubei, China

Research —

Dr. Lei research interest is in Geographic Information Science, with a focus on algorithmic development, geospatial computational methods, network analysis, location theory, and web GIS.

Dr. Lei's research aims to develop efficient computational methods and models to solve new problems in transportation, urban planning, mobility and accessibility, water resources and sustainable development. He also has a keen interest in Remote Sensing as well as in advancing GIS technology itself in data structure and databases, computational geometry, web services, software engineering, and open-source technology.

Research interests:

  • Geographic Information Science
  • GIS
  • spatial analysis
  • transportation
  • location analysis
  • remote sensing

Teaching —

  • GEOG 726 Remote Sensing II
  • GEOG 648 Location Modeling
  • GEOG 528 Spatial Databases
  • GEOG 558 Intermediate Geographical Information Systems
  • GEOG 358 Principles of Geographic Information Systems
  • Geography 345-001 Interpretation of Aerial Photographs, Spring 2013 (University of South Carolina)
  • GIS 4970/5970 Principles and Applications of GIS, Fall 2011 (University of Oklahoma)

Students

  • Yang, Wenjun PhD 2024
  • Shofi, Shofi Ull Azum Master 2017

Teaching interests:

  • Geographic Information Science
  • GIS
  • transportation
  • location analysis
  • remote sensing

Selected Publications —

Journal Articles

Lei, T. L., & Lei, Z. (2025). Computerized proof of fundamental properties of the p-median problem using integer linear programming and a theorem prover. ISPRS International Journal of Geo-Information, 14(4), 162.
Lei, T. L., Wang, R., & Lei, Z. (2025). Massively parallel lagrangian relaxation algorithm for solving large-scale spatial optimization problems using GPGPU. ISPRS International Journal of Geo-Information, 14(11), 419.
Lei, Z., & Lei, T. L. (2025). Solving spatial optimization problems via lagrangian relaxation and automatic gradient computation. ISPRS International Journal of Geo-Information, 14(1), 15.
Lei, Z., & Lei, T. L. (2024). Large-scale integration of remotely sensed and GIS road networks: A full image-vector conflation approach based on optimization and deep learning. Computers, Environment and Urban Systems, 113, 102174.
Lei, Z., Yuan, Z., & Lei, T. L. (2024). On the theoretical link between optimized geospatial conflation models for linear features. ISPRS International Journal of Geo-Information, 13(9), 310.
Lei, T. L., & Lei, Z. (2023). Linear feature conflation: An optimization-based matching model with connectivity constraints. Transactions in GIS, 27(4), 1205–1227.
Lei, Z., & Lei, T. L. (2023). Towards topological geospatial conflation: An optimized node-arc conflation model for road networks. ISPRS International Journal of Geo-Information, 13(1), 15.
Lei, T. L., & Lei, Z. (2022). Harmonizing full and partial matching in geospatial conflation: A unified optimization model. ISPRS International Journal of Geo-Information, 11(7), 375.
Gao, P., Terando, A. J., Kupfer, J. A., Varner, J. M., Stambaugh, M. C., Lei, T. L., & Hiers, J. K. (2021). Robust projections of future fire probability for the conterminous united states. Science of the Total Environment, 789, 147872.
Lei, T. L. (2021). Integrating GIS and location modeling: A relational approach. Transactions in GIS, 25(4), 1693–1715.
Lei, T. L. (2021). Large scale geospatial data conflation: A feature matching framework based on optimization and divide-and-conquer. Computers, Environment and Urban Systems, 87, 101618.
Lei, T. L., & Wang, R. (2021). Conflating linear features using turning function distance: A new orientation-sensitive similarity measure. Transactions in GIS, 25(3), 1249–1276.
Lei, T. L. (2020). Geospatial data conflation: A formal approach based on optimization and relational databases. International Journal of Geographical Information Science, 34(11), 2296–2334.
Lei, T. L. (2019). Evaluating the vulnerability of time-sensitive transportation networks: A hub center interdiction problem. Sustainability, 11(17), 4614.
Lei, T., & Lei, Z. (2019). Optimal spatial data matching for conflation: A network flow-based approach. Transactions in GIS, 23(5), 1152–1176.
Plane, D. A., Tong, D., & Lei, T. (2019). Inter-person separation: A new objective standard for evaluating the spatial fairness of political redistricting plans. Geographical Analysis, 51(3), 251–279.
Lei, T. L. (2016). Designing reliable center systems: A vector assignment center location problem. Geographical Analysis, 48(4), 411–426.
Lei, T. L., Church, R. L., & Lei, Z. (2016). A unified approach for location-allocation analysis: Integrating GIS, distributed computing and spatial optimization. International Journal of Geographical Information Science, 30(3), 515–534.
Lei, Z., Wang, M., Lei, T., & Li, D. (2016). Tracking moving weak objects in celestial image sequences. IEEE Transactions on Aerospace and Electronic Systems, 52(3), 1257–1266.
Song, M., Li, W., Zhou, B., & Lei, T. (2016). Spatiotemporal data representation and its effect on the performance of spatial analysis in a cyberinfrastructure environment–a case study with raster zonal analysis. Computers & Geosciences, 87, 11–21.
Lei, T. L., & Church, R. L. (2015). On the finite optimality set of the vector assignment p-median problem. Geographical Analysis, 47(2), 134–145.
Lei, T. L., & Church, R. L. (2015). On the unified dispersion problem: Efficient formulations and exact algorithms. European Journal of Operational Research, 241(3), 622–630.
Lei, T. L., & Church, R. L. (2014). Vector assignment ordered median problem: A unified median problem. International Regional Science Review, 37(2), 194–224.
Lei, T. L., Tong, D., & Church, R. L. (2014). Designing robust coverage systems: A maximal covering model with geographically varying failure probabilities. Annals of the Association of American Geographers, 104(5), 922–938.
Lei, Z., Fang, T., Huo, H., & Li, D. (2014). Bi-temporal texton forest for land cover transition detection on remotely sensed imagery. IEEE Transactions on Geoscience and Remote Sensing, 52(2), 1227–1237.
Lei, Z., Wang, M., Li, D., & Lei, T. L. (2014). Stream model-based orthorectification in a GPU cluster environment. IEEE Geoscience and Remote Sensing Letters, 11(12), 2115–2119.
Gao, P., Kupfer, J. A., Guo, D., & Lei, T. L. (2013). Identifying functionally connected habitat compartments with a novel regionalization technique. Landscape Ecology, 28, 1949–1959.
Lei, T. L. (2013). Identifying critical facilities in hub-and-spoke networks: A hub interdiction median problem. Geographical Analysis, 45(2), 105–122.
Lei, T. L., & Church, R. L. (2013). A unified model for dispersing facilities. Geographical Analysis, 45(4), 401–418.
Lei, T. L., & Tong, D. (2013). Hedging against service disruptions: An expected median location problem with site-dependent failure probabilities. Journal of Geographical Systems, 15, 491–512.
Lei, T. L., Chen, Y., & Goulias, K. G. (2012). Opportunity-based dynamic transit accessibility in southern california: Measurement, findings, and comparison with automobile accessibility. Transportation Research Record, 2276(1), 26–37.
Chen, Y., Ravulaparthy, S., Deutsch, K., Dalal, P., Yoon, S. Y., Lei, T., Goulias, K. G., Pendyala, R. M., Bhat, C. R., & Hu, H.-H. (2011). Development of indicators of opportunity-based accessibility. Transportation Research Record, 2255(1), 58–68.
Lei, T. L., & Church, R. L. (2011). Constructs for multilevel closest assignment in location modeling. International Regional Science Review, 34(3), 339–367.
Lei, T. L., & Church, R. L. (2011). Locating short-term empty-container storage facilities to support port operations: A user optimal approach. Transportation Research Part E: Logistics and Transportation Review, 47(5), 738–754.
Lei, T. L., & Church, R. L. (2010). Mapping transit-based access: Integrating GIS, routes and schedules. International Journal of Geographical Information Science, 24(2), 283–304.

Reports and Book Chapters

Lei, T. L. (2019). AM-71-geospatial data conflation: Vol. forthcoming.
Lei, T. L. (2010). Location modeling utilizing closest and generalized closest transport/interaction assignment constructs [PhD Dissertation].
Church, R. L., Noronha, V., Lei, T., Corrigan, W., Burbidge, S., & Marston, J. (2005). Spatial and temporal utility modeling to increase transit ridership.

Conference Proceedings

Wang, W., Lei, Z., & Lei, T. L. (2023). Road segmentation for remote sensing images based on global feature attention ResUnet. 2023 China Automation Congress (CAC), 4650–4655.
Lei, Z., Chen, X., & Lei, T. (2016). Sub-pixel location of motion blurred weak celestial objects in optical sensor image based on elliptical 2d gaussian surface fitting. 2016 International Conference on Industrial Informatics-Computing Technology, Intelligent Technology, Industrial Information Integration (ICIICII), 100–104.
Lei, T. L., Liang, X., Mascaro, G., Luo, W., White, D., Westerhoff, P., & Maciejewski, R. (2015). An interactive web-based geovisual analytics tool to explore water scarcity in niger river basin. EnvirVis@ EuroVis, 55–59.
Lei, T. (2000). The expression of road networks for vehicle navigation. INTERNATIONAL ARCHIVES OF PHOTOGRAMMETRY AND REMOTE SENSING, 33(B4/2; PART 4), 567–571.

 

Selected Presentations —

  • Lei, T. L. (2024, July 8). Large-scale Integration of Remotely Sensed and GIS road networks: a full image-vector conflation approach based on optimization and deep learning. The 27th ACIS International SummerConference on Software Engineering, Artificial Intelligence, Networking and Parallel/Distributed Computing (SNPD 2024), Beijing, China
  • Yang, W., & Lei, T.L. (2021, November 16). Grouping and

Optimization-based Matching Strategy of Geospatial Data Conflation. Presented at the Annual Conference of NCASPRS (the North Carolina Chapter of the American Society of Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing, virtual).

  • Yang, W., & Lei, T.L. (2021, October 15). Grouping Technique in

Geospatial Data Matching. Presented at the Annual Applied Geography Conference of AAG (Association of American Geographers, virtual).

  • Yang, W., & Lei, T.L. (2021, March 31). Application of Grouping in

Spatial Data Matching. Presented at the Annual Conference of ASPRS (the Imaging & Geospatial Information Society, virtual).

  • Koncur, J., & Lei, T. (2017, April 9). County-level Big Data Exploration

and Analysis: Property Value Change in Johnson County, KS 2012-2015. Presented at the Annual Meetings of Association of American Geographers, Boston, MA.

  • Lei, T. (2015, April 25). GIS Modeling for Evaluating Water Scarcity in

the Niger River Basin. Presented at the Annual Meetings of Association of American Geographers, Chicago, IL.

  • Ting Lei, On the Vulnerability of Minimax Networks: An Interdiction

Center Problem, presented at the Annual meetings of Association of American Geographers, Tampa, FL, April 2014.

  • R.L. Church and T.L. Lei, a generalized structure for a p-median:

merging the vector assignment and the ordered median problems, presented at Western Regional Science Association, Kauai, HI February 2012.

  • K.G. Goulias, C.R. Bhat, R.M. Pendyala, Y, Chen, R, Paleti, K.C.

Konduri, T. Lei, D. Tang, S.Y. Yoon, G. Huang, and H. Hu, Simulator of Activities, Greenhouse Emissions, Networks, and Travel (SimAGENT) in Southern California, Paper presented at the 91st Annual Transportation Research Board Meeting, Washington D.C., January 23-27, 2011

  • R.L. Church and T. Lei, Optimizing the disruption of a median service

system, Presented at the INFORMS Annual Meeting at Austin, Texas, Nov 2010.

  • T. Lei and R.L. Church, Reducing traffic in handling empty containers: a

case study of the Los Angeles basin, Presented at the 3rd National Urban Freight Conference at Long beach, Oct. 2009

  • T. Lei and R.L. Church, Vector Assignment r-interdiction model,

Presented at the AAG annual conference at Las Vegas, March 2009.

  • T. Lei and R.L. Church, Generalized Constraints for Closest Assignment

in Location Modeling, 2009 INFORMS annual conference at San Diego, Nov 2009

  • T. Lei and R.L. Church, A new class of dispersion-based facility

location models, Presented at the 56th Annual North American Meetings of the Regional Science Association at San Francisco, Nov 2009

  • R.L. Church and T. Lei, Minimizing the impact of port operations: a new

location model for away-from-port container storage yards, Presented at the 2008 NARSC Conference, Brooklyn, NY, Nov. 2008.

Grants & Other Funded Activity —

External:

Lei, T. (Principal), & Wang, R. (Co-Principal). Optimized spatial data conflation with topological conditions. National Science Foundation, $372,621, Submitted Jan 18, 2022 (Aug 1, 2022 - Aug 1, 2025).

Lei, T. (Principal), Ho, A. (Co-Principal), Kondyli, A. (Co-Principal), Fowles, J. (Co-Principal), & Sutley, E. (Co-Principal). Exploring the Factors Influencing Property Value Changes and Neighborhood Health in Johnson County, Kansas. Johnson County, Kansas $39,746, Submitted November 5, 2015 (June 1, 2016 - June 1, 2017).

KU Internal:

Lei, T. (Principal). Facilitating transportation network conflation using GIS and spatial optimization. $8,000 (2016 - 2017).