News

Successful LSGI & SCRI Distinguished Lecture on Digital Twins and Urban Informatics on 11 September 2024

The Department of Land Surveying and Geo-Informatics (LSGI) and the Otto Poon Charitable Foundation Smart Cities Research Institute (SCRI) successfully hosted a Distinguished Lecture on 11 September 2024, titled "Digital Twins and Urban Informatics," featuring Professor Michael Goodchild, Professor Emeritus at the University of California, Santa Barbara, USA.   In this lecture, Prof. Goodchild discussed the relevance of urban informatics as a promising field for the application of digital twins. While various definitions of digital twins share some common features, there is a lack of consensus on what precisely constitutes a digital twin. He highlighted the term can be misleading if the inherent uncertainties associated with any representation of a real system are not adequately addressed. Prof. Goodchild also examined the challenges of quantifying uncertainty and explored the implications of digital twins in urban informatics, including questions of purpose, governance, and ethics.

Prof. SHI Wenzhong Illuminates Urban Informatics and Smart City Progress at 2024 China Geospatial Information Industry Conference

Kunming, August 28-29, 2024 - The 2024 China Geospatial Information Industry Conference was held in Kunming, Yunnan, from August 28 to 29, with the theme "Focusing on New Quality Productive Forces, Stimulating New Vitality of the Industry." The conference was guided by the People's Government of Yunnan Province and hosted by the China Geospatial Information Industry Association and the People's Government of Kunming Municipality.   2024中國地理信息產業大會於8月28日至29日在昆明舉行，本次大會主題為「聚焦新質生產力，激發產業新活力」，旨在推動地理信息產業的創新發展。香港理工大學智慧城市研究院院長史文中教授在會上發表了題為《城市信息學：地理信息科學發展的一個新方向》的特邀報告，深入探討了城市信息學在地理信息科學發展中的重要性和應用前景。     Professor SHI Wenzhong, the Director of the Smart Cities Research Institute at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, was invited to deliver a keynote speech titled "Urban Informatics: A New Direction for the Development of Geospatial Information Science." His presentation delved into the significance and applications of urban informatics, an emerging trans-discipline formed by the fusion of geospatial information science, urban science, and computer science. He explored the profound influence of urban informatics on the advancement of smart city technologies and the enhancement of urban efficiency and sustainability.   史文中教授在報告中指出，城市信息學作為地理信息科學融合了城市科學、計算機科學所形成的新領域，將對城市研究與發展產生深遠的影響。他強調了城市信息學推動智慧城市技術革命、提升城市運行效率與可持續發展的重要作用。     On August 29, during the 11th Cross-Strait and Hong Kong & Macao GIS Development Seminar - AI Era GIS Innovation and Application Seminar, Professor Shi also presented a report on "The Development of Smart Cities in Hong Kong." He shared insights and achievements in the construction of smart cities in Hong Kong, discussing the integration of urban informatics with cutting-edge technologies to enhance urban efficiency and quality of life.   此外，史文中教授還參與了8月29日舉行的第十一屆海峽兩岸暨香港、澳門GIS發展研討會-AI時代的GIS創新與應用研討會，並在會上發表了題為《香港智慧城市發展》的報告，分享了香港在智慧城市建設方面的經驗和成果。     The conference featured the release of the "China Geospatial Information Industry Development Report (2024)," which indicated that the industry's output value reached 811.1 billion yuan in 2023, a year-on-year increase of 4.2%. The report reflects the industry's overall positive development trend, with a steady growth in output value, an expanding scale, and deepening applications.   本次大會重磅發布《中國地理信息產業發展報告（2024）》，報告顯示，2023年我國地理信息產業產值達到8111億元，同比增長4.2%，產業總體發展呈現回升向好的趨勢。大會吸引了來自政府、學術界和產業界的近4000名代表參加，共同探討地理信息產業的未來發展方向。   The event attracted nearly 4,000 delegates from government, academia, and industry, providing a platform for in-depth discussions on the future direction of the geospatial information industry. It also included a high-end forum, an entrepreneurs' forum, and an innovation showcase, among other activities.   在大會的多個專題論壇中，與會專家和企業家圍繞自然資源、GIS、實景三維、智慧城市、智慧國土等主題進行了深入交流和討論，展示了地理信息及相關領域的最新研究成果和技術創新。通過交流合作，大會為地理信息產業的高質量發展提供了新的思路和動力。  

SCRI successfully hosts the Forum on the Low-Altitude Economy and Smart City Synergies

The Forum on the Low-Altitude Economy and Smart City Synergies, hosted by Otto Poon Charitable Foundation Smart Cities Research Institute (SCRI) of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and co-organised by the PolyU Academy for Interdisciplinary Research (PAIR), was successfully held on 9 August 2024 on PolyU campus, attracting 93 participants to join onsite and captivating an online viewing audience of over 24,000 to watch the live broadcast on Zoom and Keyanyun platforms.   The Forum commenced with an opening remark by Prof. CHEN Qingyan, Director of PAIR, pointing out the potential of low-altitude economy in reshaping the development of transportation, logistics and urban planning, and its importance in promoting the development of interconnected, efficient and sustainable cities.   Next, experts from Hong Kong and Mainland China gave presentations on aspects related to low-altitude economy. The speakers included: Prof. CHEN Jun, Academician of Chinese Academy of Engineering and Chief Scientist of National Geomatics Center of China; Mr CHAN Yue-chun, Head of Spatial Data Office, Development Bureau, HKSAR govenrment; Prof. LIAO Xiaohan, Professor of the Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, and Director General of the Key Laboratory of Low Altitude Geographic Information and Air Routes, Civil Aviation Administration of China; Mr QIU Jiandong, Dean of Transport Information and Model Department, Shenzhen Urban Transport Planning Center; and Prof. John SHI Wenzhong, Director of SCRI. The presentations covered various topics related to low-altitude economy, including navigation technology, common spatial data infrastructure, urban air mobility and infrastructure construction, regional transportation integration, 3D technology, etc.   A panel discussion, jointly moderated by Prof. Shi, Prof. Liao and Mr Qiu, followed. The experts discussed some legal issues in implementing low-altitude economy, cited some successful cases in other cities, and called for the establishment of corresponding regulations to drive the healthy development of low-altitude economy in Hong Kong.   The Forum provided a platform for experts and participants to share perspectives and experiences, yielding valuable insights into the future development of low-altitude economy in Hong Kong.   由香港理工大學（理大）潘樂陶慈善基金智慧城市研究院（SCRI）主辦、理大高等研究院（PAIR）協辦的「低空經濟：智慧城市協同發展論壇」，於2024年8月9日假理大校園圓滿結束，吸引93名參加者到場參與，以及超過24,000人次於Zoom及科研雲平台觀看直播。   論壇首先由理大高等研究院院長陳清焰教授致歡迎辭，他指出低空經濟於重塑交通、物流和城市規劃發展的潛力，以及其於推動城市的互聯、高效及可持續發展的重要性。   隨後，來自香港和內地的專家們發表專題演說。講者包括：中國工程院院士、中國國家測繪中心首席科學家陳軍教授，香港特別行政區政府發展局空間數據辦事處總監陳宇俊先生，中國科學院地理科學與資源研究所教授、中國民航局民航低空地理資訊與航路重點實驗室主任廖小罕教授，深圳市城市交通規劃中心有限公司交通資訊與模型院院長邱建棟先生，及理大潘樂陶慈善基金智慧城市研究院院長史文中教授。演說涵蓋多個與低空經濟相關的主題，包括導航技術、共同空間數據基礎設施、城市空中交通和基礎設施建設、區域交通一體化、三維技術等。   緊接的討論環節由史教授、廖教授、邱先生共同主持。專家們討論了實施低空經濟中所面臨的法律問題，引用了其他城市的成功案例，及呼籲制定相應的法規，推動香港低空經濟的健康發展。   此次論壇為專家們和與會者提供了分享觀點和經驗的平台，為香港低空經濟的未來發展提供了寶貴的見解。

SCRI and Zhejiang Academy of Surveying and Mapping sign cooperation framework agreement to jointly advance the fields of smart city research and surveying and mapping geographic information

The Otto Poon Charitable Foundation Smart Cities Research Institute (SCRI) of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and Zhejiang Academy of Surveying and Mapping signed a cooperation framework agreement on 5 August 2024, with the goal to strengthen technological exchange and cooperation between the two parties in the fields of smart city research and mapping geographic information, and to jointly drive technology development and innovation in the fields. A signing ceremony was held on the same day on PolyU campus. The agreement was signed by Prof. John SHI Wenzhong, Director of SCRI, and Mr JIN Liqiang, Director of the Zhejiang Academy of Surveying and Mapping. They also gave speeches to express the two parties’ aspirations and confidence for achieving successful cooperation, and then gave presentations to provide further details about the cooperation and related projects. The cooperation will combine the research strengths of the two parties to bring forth advanced technologies and innovations for driving smart city development. 潘樂陶慈善基金智慧城市研究院與浙江省測繪科學技術研究院簽署合作框架協議 共推智慧城市研究和測繪地理資訊領域發展 香港理工大學潘樂陶慈善基金智慧城市研究院（SCRI）與浙江省測繪科學技術研究院於2024年8月５日簽署合作框架協議，加強雙方在智慧城市研究和測繪地理資訊領域的科技交流與合作，共同推動該領域的技術發展和創新。 簽署儀式同日於理大校園舉行。理大潘樂陶慈善基金智慧城市研究院院長史文中教授和浙江省測繪科學技術研究院院長金利強先生，代表雙方簽署協議。他們發表致辭，表達了雙方對實現合作成功的期望和信心，及後進行報告，詳細介紹了合作內容和相關項目。 此次合作將結合雙方機構的科研優勢，為推動智慧城市發展帶來先進技術與創新。

Delegation from Buildings Department Visits Smart Cities Research Institute

A delegation led by Ms YU Po Mei, Clarice, JP, Director of Buildings (BD), visited the Otto Poon Charitable Foundation Smart Cities Research Institute (SCRI) on 22 July 2024. The delegation was warmly welcomed by Prof. SHI Wenzhong, John, Director of SCRI.   During the visit, the BD delegation and SCRI representatives exchanged views on fostering innovation and advancement in sustainable and smart city development. The discussion covered a range of topics, from Mobile Mapping Technology to artificial intelligence (AI) in building management. The visit concluded with a tour of SCRI's state-of-the-art facilities, showcasing the institute's cutting-edge and innovative research conducted by its team.

Prof. John SHI Wenzhong gives speeches and receives “2024 Smart City Pioneering Leader” award at 17th China Smart City Conference

Prof. John SHI Wenzhong, Director of the Otto Poon Charitable Foundation Smart Cities Research Institute (SCRI) and Chair Professor of Geographical Information Science and Remote Sensing in the Department of Land Surveying and Geo-Informatics, attended the 17th China Smart City Conference held in Changsha city, Hunan province, 18–19 July 2024, to give speeches on smart city index and geospatial artificial intelligence. He was also awarded the “2024 Smart City Pioneering Leader” at the Conference in recognition of his outstanding leadership and strategic vision in the field. At the main forum of the Conference, Prof. Shi delivered a keynote speech titled “Urban Informatics and Smart City Index”, introducing the ISUI Smart City Index developed by his team, and sharing the ranking results and analyses of smart city development of China’ first-tier cities based on the index. He also gave a panel speech titled “Urban Perception Driven by Geospatial Artificial Intelligence” in the breakout session, introducing urban perception technology based on geospatial artificial intelligence (GeoAI), and explaining how the technology integrates geospatial artificial intelligence and geospatial science to enable remote sensing change detection and disaster mapping, and mobile mapping and digital twin construction. In addition, the SCRI took part in the exhibition held during the Conference, showcasing innovations and technologies developed by the Institute, including 3D modelling and quality inspection of real scenes, laser point cloud data processing, landslide identification artificial intelligence systems, and building and road defect detection systems. 潘樂陶慈善基金智慧城市研究院院長兼土地測量及地理資訊學系地理資訊系統及遙感講座教授史文中，出席2024年7月18至19日於湖南省長沙市舉行的「第十七屆中國智慧城市大會」，就智慧城市指數和地理空間人工智慧發表演講。他亦於會上獲頒「2024年城市先鋒榜領軍人物」獎項，以表彰其於該領域的卓越領導力和戰略遠見。 在大會主論壇上，史教授發表了題為「城市資訊學與智慧城市指數」的主題演講，介紹了其團隊研發的「ISUI智慧城市指數」，並分享了依此指標對中國一線城市的智慧城市發展所進行排名與分析。他也在分論壇上發表了題為「地理空間人工智慧驅動下的城市感知」的主旨發言，介紹了地理空間人工智慧（GeoAI）城市感知技術，分享該技術如何透過人工智慧與地理資訊科學的深度融合，實現遙感變化檢測與災害製圖、移動測圖與數位孿生。 此外，潘樂陶慈善基金智慧城市研究院亦參與了大會期間舉行的展覽活動，展示了研究院研發的創新和技術，其中包括實景三維建模及品質檢測、鐳射點雲資料處理、人工智能山泥傾瀉預測系統，以及建築和道路缺陷檢測系統。

Director of SCRI won PolyU’s inaugural Patents Achievement Award

The PolyU Patents Achievement Award was newly launched this year in appreciation and honour of the remarkable achievements of departments and inventors that actively engaged in IP filing. The scheme includes two categories of award. The “Top Patents Filing Award” considers the IP filing activities over the past five years, while the “Most Active Patents Filing Award” focuses on the IP filing activities within the award year. Results of the inaugural award have been announced.   Congratulations to Prof. John SHI Wenzhong, Director of the Otto Poon Charitable Foundation Smart Cities Research Institute (SCRI), won the “Top Patents Filing Award”!

SCRI Research Seminar on Fusion for Reconstruction of Remote Sensing Data was held successfully on 25 June 2024

  The Smart Cities Research Institute (SCRI) successfully organized a research seminar on 25 June 2024 on the topic of "Fusion for Reconstruction of Remote Sensing Data" by Professor Qunming Wang from the College of Surveying and Geo-Informatics at Tongji University, China.     During the seminar, Professor Wang shared insights into his achievements in integrating spatio-temporal-spectral information for data reconstruction. Furthermore, he introduced the applications of these reconstruction methods to various topics, including quality improvement of surface soil moisture and land surface temperature products, as well as global mapping of key elements related to the carbon cycle.  

SCRI Research Seminar on Multiscalarity in Urban Systems was held successfully on 14 June 2024

On 14 June 2024, the Smart Cities Research Institute (SCRI) successfully hosted a research seminar on "Multiscalarity in Urban Systems." The seminar featured a presentation by Professor Elsa Arcaute, Professor of Complexity Science at the Centre for Advanced Spatial Analysis of University College London.   Professor Arcaute introduced commuting networks and how a framework of multiscalarity can help identify regional characteristics, such as specialization in economic activity, the range of skills among individuals, and the functional complementarity between cities.   The seminar provided a valuable platform for discussing the importance of considering multiple scales when analyzing and understanding the complex dynamics of urban systems. Professor Arcaute's insights generated engaging and fruitful discussions among the participants.  

OGCIO Delegation Visits PolyU's Smart Cities Research Institute on 12 June 2024

The Smart Cities Research Institute (SCRI) at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) welcomed a visit by a delegation from the Office of the Government Chief Information Officer (OGCIO), the Government of the HKSAR.   The delegation was led by Mr. Kingsley Wong, Deputy Government Chief Information Officer, who was accompanied by Ms. Cari Wu, Assistant Government Chief Information Officer (Industry Development), and Mr. Ken Siu, Chief Systems Manager (Data Analytics).   PolyU was represented by a team of esteemed professionals, including Prof. CHEN Qingyan, Director of PolyU Academy for Interdisciplinary Research (PAIR), who emphasized the importance of integrating research with practical applications to address urban challenges. Prof. SHI Wenzhong, John, Director of SCRI, highlighted the institute's cutting-edge research and its impact on creating sustainable and intelligent urban environments.   During the visit, the delegation and PolyU representatives exchanged views on fostering innovation and advancement in smart city development. The discussion covered a range of topics, from data analytics and cybersecurity to the integration of Internet of Things (IoT) and artificial intelligence (AI) in urban management. The visit concluded with a tour of SCRI's state-of-the-art facilities, showcasing the institute's capabilities and the innovative research conducted by its team.