News

Prof. Wu Bo gathers fresh evidence indicating ocean on Mars billion years ago

A research team led by Prof. WU Bo, Associate Head of LSGI and Associate Director of Research Centre for Deep Space Explorations, have gathered new evidence that Mars once hosted an ocean billions of years ago. This discovery was made through the analysis of data from China’s Zhurong rover and orbiting satellites. Prof. Wu was interviewed by the Reuters on 8 Nov 2024 and shared that these findings not only provide further evidence to support the theory of a Martian ocean but also introduce, for the first time, a discussion on its probable evolutionary scenario. Dr Sergey Krasilnikov, Research Assistant Professor of LSGI and co-author of the study, noted that during the early history of Mars, when it likely had a dense, warm atmosphere, the possibility of microbial life was significantly higher. Click here to read more above the interview.   Online coverage: Reuters - https://polyu.me/4hGxwaq Nature - https://polyu.me/3YW7vgd SCMP - https://polyu.me/4hBxDEm DayFR Euro - https://polyu.me/4hH3ZNV NDTV - https://polyu.me/3Cs7WWy Daily Mail - https://polyu.me/4ffDu0F The Strait Times - https://polyu.me/3YGpPID New Scientist - https://polyu.me/4er7uVP Gulf News - https://polyu.me/40JlNlo Guam Pacific Daily News - https://polyu.me/4fD2gaB Saipan Tribune - https://polyu.me/3UGJVkU Khaleej Times - https://polyu.me/4hGuFhK Nation - https://polyu.me/3AzD99U RTE - https://polyu.me/3YZPTyX Yahoo HK - https://polyu.me/4eqU10m NetEase - https://polyu.me/4fh2qF0 qq - https://polyu.me/3YHZpq2

LSGI Staff Appointed as the Chief Scientist of Meteorological Observation Center of the China Meteorological Administration

We are pleased to share with you that Prof. George Zhizhao Liu, a professor and Associate Head (partnership) at the Department of Land Surveying & Geo-Informatics (LSGI), Hong Kong Polytechnic University, has been appointed as the Chief Scientist of the Meteorological Observation Center, China Meteorological Administration (CMA). The CMA is China’s national agency responsible for weather forecasting service and climate research in China and globally. The Meteorological Observation Center, one of the major organizations under CMA, is responsible for constructing China’s real-time meteorological observation platform and providing accurate, timely meteorological observations to support China’s national/global operational weather forecasting services as well as to share with the World Meteorological Organization. In addition, the Meteorological Observation Center also takes a leading role in the development of new meteorological observation techniques and equipment, such as China’s Meteorological GNSS Network. Prof. Liu is an internationally respected scholar with both industrial and academic experiences in academic research as well as applications of geomatics technologies. Over the years, Professor Liu’s Micro-Laboratory of Atmospheric Research and Geomatics Engineering (Micro-LARGE) has made significant contributions to the community through unique developments and innovations in various areas, including Global Positioning System (GPS)/Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) precise positioning algorithms and data quality analysis, ionosphere scintillation monitoring and 3D Total Electron Content (TEC) modeling, impact of space weather on satellite navigation and flight operation, monitoring of atmospheric water vapor and 3D modeling, retrieval and calibration of satellite remote sensing water vapor data, and assimilation of atmospheric water vapor in Numerical Weather Prediction (NWP) models. The NWP rainstorm forecasting scores are significantly improved after the assimilation of water vapor data. As a recognized authority in atmospheric water vapor observation using GPS/GNSS and remote sensing satellite techniques, Prof. Liu serves as the only China’s representative on the GNSS Water Vapor Working Group of the Global Climate Observing System (GCOS) Upper-Air Network. His Micro-LARGE Lab is the first one in the world to calibrate all-weather (including cloudy condition) near-infrared (NIR) band satellite remote sensing water vapor data and also the first one to assimilate all-weather NIR band satellite remote sensing water vapor data into NWP. His Micro-LARGE Lab is the first one internationally to study and evaluate the impact of space weather on flight operation from an economic cost perspective and to propose response strategies, which was highly commended by senior scientist at the NASA JPL and was selected as a research highlight in the Nature Reviews Earth & Environment Journal (IF: 42.1). Multiple algorithms developed by the Micro-LARGE for GNSS data processing have been widely used by research groups in many universities, research institutions and industries worldwide. Prof. Liu’s appointment with the Meteorological Observation Center, CMA, is expected to strengthen collaboration between scientists at PolyU, Hong Kong, and the broader meteorological community in Mainland China.

Prof. Jianli Chen Published a Breakthrough Study in Nature

Prof. Jianli Chen, a professor in the Department of Land Surveying and Geo-Informatics, has co-authored a new study published in Nature, unveiling a surprising discovery: a substantial amount of meltwater is temporarily stored within the Greenland Ice Sheet during summer months. For the first time, an international group of researchers was able to quantify meltwater with positioning data. The finding challenges current models of how ice sheets contribute to global sea level rise. The Greenland Ice Sheet is currently the largest single contributor to global sea level rise, with the potential to raise the mean sea level by up to seven meters if completely melted. While scientists have long studied the melt processes of the ice sheet, one crucial question has remained unanswered: how does meltwater storage evolve within the ice sheet throughout the summer melt season? A new approach provides an unprecedented view into the movement and storage of meltwater. The team has utilized data from the Greenland GPS Network (GNET). The network consists of several tens of stations around Greenland that continuously provide positioning data. The team developed an innovative method that interprets the detected vertical displacements of the bedrock. These displacements are caused by, among others, the mass of melting water, pushing the bedrock down. "During. the melt season, we found that a significant fraction of meltwater mass is stored temporarily within the ice sheet," says Jiangjun Ran, the lead author and associate professor at the Southern University of Science and Technology, "This water buffering effect peaks in July and slowly recedes in the following weeks."   “GRACE satellite gravity measurements provide independent validation of the significant finding from GNET surface deformation observations,” adds Prof. Chen, a world leading expert in satellite gravimetry, “Integrating different modern space geodetic techniques plays an important role in tackling the challenges of climate change.” This discovery will help improve climate models, which often underestimate the complexity of water storage within ice sheets. Especially during warmer years, models that predict water runoff towards the ocean may easily underestimate that process. The study finds that these models could require scaling adjustments of up to 20% for the warmest years.  The study has taken years of preparation and required difficult expeditions to some of the most remote areas of the planet. This large joint effort highlights the importance of international collaboration in addressing one of the planet's most pressing environmental challenges. The study was published on Oct. 30, 2024 in Nature: Vertical bedrocks shifts reveal summer water storage in Greenland ice sheet.

Prof. CHEN Wu Featured on TVB News Discussing Drone Safety

Prof. Chen Wu, Head of the Department of Land Surveying and Geo-Informatics, Associate Director of the Research Institute for Artificial Intelligence of Things, and Chair Professor of Satellite Navigation, was interviewed on TVB’s “News Magazine.” The discussion focused on safety concerns related to developing a low-altitude economy in Hong Kong.   For more details, watch the interview here: Youtube   Online coverage: TVB - https://polyu.me/40lxL4S (20:12 - 21:13)

PolyU Info Day 2024

PolyU Info Day, held on 12th October 2024, achieved remarkable success with a record-breaking visitor number of over 41,000. The Department of Land Surveying and Geo-Informatics (LSGI) received active participation from academic and supporting staff, students, and alumni, providing secondary school students, parents, and individuals with the latest information about the admission and academic programmes of LSGI. Throughout the event, LSGI engaged visitors with a variety of informative activities, including booth consultations, admission talks for both Bachelor's (BSc) and Master's (MSc) programmes, alumni sharing sessions, thematic discussions by current students, and guided lab tours. Notably, over 230 participants attended the admission talks, while more than 120 individuals took part in the guided tours, reflecting a strong interest in our programmes.  During the two sessions of BSc admission talks, Ir Prof. Wallace LAI, Associate Head and Professor, and Dr Sissi CHEN, Deputy Programme Leader and Lecturer, provided in-depth insights into the curriculum and opportunities available within the LSGI programmes. Dr Xintao LIU and Dr Yang XU, programme leaders of MSc programmes, gave introduction on admission and characteristics of two master's degree programmes. Additionally, two young LSGI graduates shared their professional journeys, emphasizing the exciting career opportunities in the public and private sectors. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our alumni, Mr. Kwok Kam-Ngai, Sales and Support Engineer at RIEGL Asia Pacific Ltd, and Ms. Amelia Ng, Land Surveyor at the Lands Department, for their valuable contributions during the sharing BSc sessions. Their experiences provided prospective students with a real-world perspective on the diverse paths available within the field of land surveying and geo-informatics. Furthermore, LSGI student Sammy Chan delivered an engaging presentation during the Faculty of Construction and Environment (FCE) thematic talk, enriching the dialogue with insights from a current student’s viewpoint.

LSGI scholar interviewed by RTHK on China’s space missions

Prof. WU Bo, Fiona Cheung Professor in Spatial Science, Associate Head (Research) of the Department of Land Surveying & Geo-Informatics (LSGI) and Associate Director of the Research Centre for Deep Space Explorations (RCDSE), has recently been interviewed by RTHK on Chang’e-6 mission’s challenges and Hong Kong’s contributions to the country’s space industry.    Prof. Wu and his research team used artificial intelligence methods to significantly reduce the time required for calculating landing sites for probes. The research team spent over six months on related work for Chang'e 3, whereas the Tianwen-1 Mars mission only took less than two months using new technology.   The recent success of the Chang'e 6 mission, which marked the first global sample collection from the moon's far side, highlights the significance of continuous technological advancement in space exploration. Prof. Wu's contributions exemplify the significant role that Hong Kong scientists play in national projects, showcasing the unique advantages of interdisciplinary collaboration and international connections.   Prof. Wu said that Hong Kong scholars, with diverse backgrounds and extensive international connections, have a unique advantage and can contribute significantly to the aerospace field.   Online coverage RTHK

Delegation from Singapore Land Authority Visits LSGI

On 23rd September 2024, a delegation of four representatives from the Singapore Land Authority (SLA), led by Ms. Thong Wai Lin, Deputy Chief Executive of SLA, visited LSGI. The delegation received a warm welcome from Prof. Wu Chen, Head of LSGI, along with Prof. Wallace Lai, Dr. Yang Xu, and Dr. Tiangang Yin, who joined the meeting representing LSGI.   Prof. Chen Wu provided an overview of LSGI and our programmes at all levels, including MSc, BSc, and joint BSc, and expressed interest in seeking accreditation from the Singapore Surveyor Board and related professional bodies. Both parties agreed to continue the dialogue through more frequent visits and the potential signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for future collaboration.   During the visit, the delegation toured several laboratories of LSGI, including Underground Utility Survey Laboratory and Laboratory for Smart City and Spatial Big Data Analytics to understand the different surveying technologies and equipment at LSGI. Prof. John Shi, Chair Professor of LSGI and Director of Otto Poon Charitable Foundation Smart Cities Research Institute, shared the latest research initiatives and development by PolyU on smart cities with the guests.   This visit is a significant step towards exploring collaboration in educational matters related to various land and utilities survey professions, addressing the shortage of expertise in Singapore. It provides a platform to foster the cooperation between LSGI and SLA.

Prof. Charles WONG receives Smart Traffic Fund for research on enhancing traffic efficiency

Prof. Charles Man-sing WONG, Professor of the Department of Land Surveying and Geo-Informatics, Associate Dean of the Faculty of Construction and Environment and Associate Director of the Research Institute for Sustainable Urban Development (RISUD) has been awarded HK$5.3 million for his project titled “A study on public transport re-routing, with a healthy ‘Wait-to-Ride’ trip mode for optimizing public transportation routes and improving traffic congestion”. The project aims to analyse the routes and stops of road public transportation. A spatio-temporal environmental database will be developed for providing suggestions on reorganising public transport routes in over-served areas with duplicated routes, with the aim of easing road traffic congestion and enhancing the efficiency of the road network.   Click to read more

Prof. Jianli Chen Elected as AGU Fellow

Prof. Jianli Chen, a full professor in the Department of Land Surveying and Geo-Informatics at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, has been elected as an AGU Fellow. Prior to joining PolyU under the Strategic Hiring Scheme in 2022, Prof. Chen dedicated 28 years of his academic career to the Center for Space Research at the University of Texas at Austin. He is a globally recognized expert in space geodesy and its applications in Earth sciences. In 2005, he received the Presidential Early Career Awards for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE), the highest honor in the United States for early career scientists and engineers, making him the first recipient in the field of geodesy. Prof. Chen joins a prestigious group of 54 individuals in the 2024 Class of AGU Fellows. The American Geophysical Union (AGU), the world's largest Earth and space science association, annually bestows this honor on a select number of individuals who have made exceptional contributions to their fields. Since its inception in 1962, less than 0.1% of AGU members have been selected as Fellows each year. AGU Fellows are recognized for their scientific eminence, demonstrated through breakthroughs, discoveries, or innovations that advance Earth and space sciences. They also serve as external experts, advising government agencies and other organizations upon request. Prof. Chen was selected for his exemplary leadership and outstanding scientific achievements, which have significantly advanced our understanding of space geodesy and global climate change. Prof. Chen has been extensively involved in data processing, results validation, and geophysical interpretation of the Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) satellite gravity mission. He is a leading science team member of both the GRACE and GRACE Follow-On missions. His pioneering contributions to the study of global sea level rise, glacial melting, terrestrial water storage change, and groundwater depletion using GRACE/GRACE-FO satellite gravity measurements and other geodetic observations have been widely recognized. His research has been covered by numerous media outlets worldwide, including USA Today, BBC News, The Washington Post, Discovery News, National Geographic, ABC (Australia), New Scientist, China Daily, People’s Daily, and CCTV. "I am deeply honored and humbled to be elected as an AGU Fellow. This recognition is not only for myself but also for the people who have worked with and supported me over the years. It motivates me to continue striving for excellence in my research," said Prof. Jianli Chen. Honorees will be recognized at AGU24, which will convene more than 25,000 attendees from over 100 countries in Washington, D.C., and online from December 9-13, 2024. Reflecting the theme 'What's Next for Science,' the Honors Reception will celebrate groundbreaking achievements that illustrate the continual advancement of science, inspiring the AGU community with their stories and successes.

Successful LSGI Orientation Day Welcomes Freshmen to PolyU

On 30 August 2024, the Department of Land Surveying and Geo-Informatics (LSGI) at PolyU successfully hosted its Orientation Day for all incoming undergraduate and master’s programme freshmen. The event was held in a face-to-face format, marking a vibrant start to the new academic year. Prof. Wu Chen, Chair Professor of Satellite Navigation and Head of LSGI, warmly welcomed the new students and provided an insightful introduction to the department. He also took the opportunity to introduce the academic, teaching, and support staff, ensuring that the students felt acquainted with the team dedicated to their educational journey. The orientation was a valuable opportunity for our faculty and support staff to meet nearly 200 new faces, fostering a sense of community from the outset. To ensure a strong start to the semester, the orientation included detailed programme introductions by the respective programme leaders. Additionally, representatives from the Library and the Office of General University Requirements were invited to share essential information and resources available to students. This comprehensive approach aimed to equip students with the knowledge and tools needed for a successful academic experience. During the break-out sessions, undergraduate students had the chance to meet their academic advisors, establishing important connections that will support their academic planning and personal development throughout their time at PolyU. Master’s students also had the opportunity to meet their programme leaders and gain an understanding of the essential information and different academic paths for their upcoming studies. We hope that all students found the orientation informative and helpful, setting the stage for a rewarding and enjoyable university life at PolyU.