From July to September 2026, Xiaoru participated in a 3-month research placement at the Historical GIS (HGIS) Lab at the University of Saskatchewan, Canada, through the Mitacs Globalink Research Award program.

Under the supervision of Prof. Benjamin Hoy, Xiaoru worked on historical GIS, geographic data processing, and cartographic production related to historical criminal cases involving Canada and the United States.

The placement also included an independently initiated educational board game project based on historical extradition and cross-border law enforcement.

Historical Data Processing and Classification

A primary component of the placement involved a historical dataset containing approximately 6,000 case records compiled by the research team over several years.

The records concern criminal cases and extradition activities involving Canada and the United States, particularly during the 19th century. The dataset provides geographic information for examining possible relationships between crime locations, transportation networks, and international borders.

Xiaoru’s responsibilities focused on reviewing and reorganizing the existing data rather than collecting the original historical records. The work included revising geographic coordinates, checking inconsistencies, and reorganizing case classifications.

Python was used to examine approximately 6,000 records and identify potential data problems. The review identified approximately 200 duplicate or erroneous records. The cases were subsequently organized into 46 broader categories.

Geographic coordinates were also reviewed and revised to support subsequent mapping and spatial analysis. These tasks formed part of the preparation of the existing dataset for further historical GIS research.

Historical Case Mapping

Xiaoru used QGIS to produce maps of individual historical criminal cases.

Each map focused on a specific case and represented geographic information associated with the events, including crime locations, escape routes, and extradition routes. The mapping process involved identifying relevant locations, organizing their spatial relationships, and presenting routes and events through cartographic illustrations.

During the placement, Xiaoru completed maps for 2 individual cases, while 2 additional maps remained in development.

The case maps also supported an ongoing investigation into geographic relationships between historical criminal activity, railway networks, and the Canada–United States border.

The research examines whether the locations and movements associated with these cases reveal spatial patterns connected to transportation infrastructure and international boundaries.

Preliminary observations have emerged from this work, although the broader research is still ongoing and its findings have not been presented here as final conclusions.

The completed maps form part of the ongoing research materials.

Academic Cartography

In addition to the individual case maps, Xiaoru prepared a separate map intended for an academic publication.

This work involved producing a cartographic illustration for research use. The associated publication had not been released as of October 2026.

Because the research remains unpublished, the map’s subject, geographic details, and related findings are not disclosed on this website.

This work is therefore recorded as part of the placement without reproducing the map or its supporting research materials.

Educational Board Game Development

Alongside the historical GIS work, Xiaoru independently initiated and developed an educational board game inspired by historical extradition and law enforcement in North America.

The game is set in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Players assume opposing roles as fugitives or police officers.

The police aim to locate and capture the fugitive. The fugitive must accumulate sufficient money to escape to another country.

The project is intended for high school and undergraduate students, using gameplay to introduce historical topics and situations associated with extradition and cross-border law enforcement.

Development began with an exploration of possible game mechanics. Approximately 5 gameplay prototypes were developed, with changes introduced during successive iterations.

Prof. Benjamin Hoy and other individuals provided feedback and suggestions during the development process. The project’s concept, rules, and production were independently undertaken by Xiaoru.

By September 2026, the basic gameplay rules had been established, the game map had been completed, and the characters and card designs had been determined.

The economic system and numerical balancing remained incomplete. Additional development is required before the game can be considered finished.

The project has not undergone formal classroom evaluation, and its educational objectives remain intended outcomes rather than demonstrated results.