News

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.

LSGI & RCAIG Joint Seminar: Exploring the Future of Cadastral Surveys

The Department of Land Surveying and Geo-informatics and the Research Centre for Artificial Intelligence in Geomatics (RCAIG) jointly hosted a seminar on 30 August 2024, bringing together leading experts to discuss the future of cadastral surveys and land management in Hong Kong. The event featured Professor Ben CHAN Siu-bun, Adjunct Professor from the Research Institute of Land and Space, along with guest speakers from the Lands Department, HKSAR Government. The seminar covered various aspects, from the historical background of cadastral surveys in Hong Kong to the potential applications of Artificial Intelligence in addressing current industry challenges. Speakers provided insights into implementing the Land Survey Ordinance (Cap.473) and explored integrated developments in the lands and works industries. During the discussion, Prof. Qihao WENG, Chair Professor of Geomatics and Artificial Intelligence from LSGI and Director of RCAIG, proposed that the government should allocate specific funds to support the development of Artificial Intelligence technology for cadastral surveys, similar to the Smart Traffic Fund. Additionally, he recommended establishing a joint lab to engage in in-depth discussions and build partnerships with the academic community. This event demonstrated the importance of interdisciplinary approaches in tackling complex challenges in land management and surveying, while also highlighting the potential of AI to revolutionize these fields.   Click here to read more!

Research by LSGI Scholar Identifies Effective Heat Indices for Detecting Dangerous Outdoor Conditions

We are delighted to announce that the research team from the Research Centre for Artificial Intelligence in Geomatics (RCAIG), led by Prof. Qihao WENG, Chair Professor of Geomatics and Artificial Intelligence in the Department of Land Surveying and Geo-Informatics (LSGI) at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), has published a groundbreaking study. This research addresses the need for developing global heat wave frameworks to effectively identify dangerous outdoor conditions across diverse climatic and geographic regions. These developments will assist climate scientists, health professionals, policymakers, and communities in creating mitigation strategies and raising awareness about heat risks. The article, titled “Comparing Existing Heat Wave Indices in Identifying Dangerous Heat Wave Outdoor Conditions,” was published on 7 August 2024, in the journal Nexus of Cell Press. Dr. Pir Mohammad, a postdoctoral research fellow in the JC STEM Lab of Earth Observations at PolyU, is the first author, while Prof. Weng serves as the corresponding author. This paper evaluates the effectiveness of commonly used heat wave indices in identifying dangerous outdoor conditions, using recent heat wave events observed in Asia, Europe, and North America as case studies. The results underscore the necessity for a global heat risk framework and nomenclature for heat risk early warning systems. Additionally, they highlight the need for local authorities to adopt more sophisticated heat stress mitigation and adaptation measures in the face of rapid global warming. This study encourages a broader discussion on the feasibility of using existing heat stress indices to accurately assess and respond to dangerous heat stress scenarios across various climatic, geographic, and meteorological contexts. The discussion surrounding the development of a heat risk framework closely aligns with the World Health Organization’s call for action on extreme heat. For more information, please visit the publication: DOI: 10.1016/j.ynexs.2024.100027 Congratulations to Prof. Weng and his team on this remarkable achievement! Online Coverage: EurekAlert! by the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) Science Daily The Economic Times Science Magazine Eurasia Review    

LSGI Students Receive Awards from The Hong Kong Institute of Surveyors (HKIS) for Outstanding Academic Achievements 2024

The Hong Kong Institute of Surveyors Scholarship and 2023 Dissertation Awards Presentation Ceremony was successfully held at the Surveyors Learning Centre on 30 July 2024. The event was organized by The Hong Kong Institute of Surveyors (HKIS), aiming to promote research amongst future surveyors and reward the efforts of the best students.   On the event day, the representatives from HKIS, including Sr Francis LAM Ka Fai (HKIS President), Sr Steven TANG Chi Kin (Chairman of Board of Education), and Sr Dr. Mei-yung Leung (Chairman of Research Committee), presented the prizes to the award winners. Notably, 6 awardees were from the Department of Land Surveying and Geo-Informatics (LSGI) at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), showcasing the outstanding academic achievements of the students. We are glad to announce the following winners:   2023 Dissertation Awards Bachelor Category Merit Award:     MOK Ka Him Top Award:  SIT Fei Ching    HKIS Scholarship 2024 BSc (Hons) in Land Surveying and Geo-Informatics First Prize:  WONG Ka Wai XU Yi Nam     Second Prize: CHAN Chi Yin CHAN Sze Chuen   We believe our students and graduates will continue to excel in their studies and contribute significantly to the surveying industries. Congratulations to all the LSGI awardees on this well-deserved recognition!   Previous news related:  LSGI Students Receive HKIS Outstanding Dissertation Awards 2023      

LSGI PhD Student Won Best Paper Award at the CPGPS 2024 Conference

In the recent 2024 Annual Forum of the International Association of Chinese Professionals in Global Positioning Systems (CPGPS) held in Beijing, China, from 25-27 July 2024, PhD student Mr. Jiafei Xu won the “Best Paper Award” for his paper titled “Directly Retrieving Integrated Water Vapor from Sentinel-3 OLCI NIR Radiance Data Under Cloudy Sky Conditions Based on Ground-Based GNSS Measurements”. Mr. Xu, a PhD student under the supervision of Prof. Zhizhao George Liu at the Micro-Laboratory of Atmospheric Research and Geomatics Engineering (Micro-LARGE) in the Department of Land Surveying and Geo-Informatics (LSGI), Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), has been making significant progress in the field of remote sensing and atmospheric science. His current research interests focus on the development and validation of advanced algorithms to enhance precipitable water vapor retrievals from multi-satellite visible, near-infrared, infrared, and microwave observations. The work presented in this winning paper has significant implications in improving the accuracy of water vapor data, which is crucially important in weather forecasting and climate modeling. The 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. The Micro-LARGE is also the first one in the world to assimilate it into Numerical Weather Prediction model. Currently Mr. Xu is in his 4th year of PhD programme at PolyU. During his PhD programme, he has published 17 peer-reviewed journal papers (including 14 Q1 and 2 Q2 papers) and has a few papers in review. Congratulations to Jiafei!

PolyU Summer Institute 2024: LSGI – Unfolding the Lost WWII Heritage through Geo-Spatial Technologies

The PolyU Summer Institute 2024, a dynamic five-day residential camp, was held during 22-26 July for Secondary 4 and 5 students. During the faculty attachment sessions on the second and forth days, around 120 enthusiastic participants engaged with an immersive art-tech exhibition showcased in a 4D CAVE. This unique experience allowed them to step back in time and vividly explore a World War II (WWII) war zone.   The LSGI session focused on geo-spatial technologies and archaeological excavation techniques, enabling students to deepen their understanding of Hong Kong’s WWII history and ancient times. Through hands-on activities, attendees gained invaluable insights into historical preservation and the use of advanced technologies to uncover hidden treasures.   This attachment workshop was part of the project titled “Unfolding the Lost WWII Heritage: Promotion of Geo-spatial and Geophysical Technologies”, led by Ir Prof. Wallace Lai, Associate Head at LSGI. The project, funded by IFT-GPD and matching funds from FCE and RILS, aims to engage the public in using an integrated art-tech approach to rediscover and preserve Hong Kong's war heritage. Learn more: https://geo-project1941.com   The feedback from the workshop was very positive, with students thoroughly enjoying the event and gaining valuable insights. We look forward to welcoming more young minds to know Land Surveying & Geo-Informatics in the future!  

LSGI PhD student Wins Best Student Paper Award at 20th International Conference on Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR 2024)

Mr. Wenchao He, a PhD student from the Department of Land Surveying and Geo-Informatics (LSGI) at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), recently received the Best Student Paper Award at the 20th International Conference on Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR 2024) held in Jilin, China from 23 to 27 June 2024. The event was organized by the College of Geo-exploration Science and Technology, Jilin University.   Under the supervision of Ir Prof. Wallace Lai, Associate Head (Teaching) and Professor of LSGI, Wenchao's research area focuses on Ground Penetrating Radar and Non-destructive Testing. The awarded presentation was titled "Depth-Weighted Velocity Correction: Approach to Hyperbolic Fitting in Multi-Layered GPR Surveys". This outstanding award recognizes Wenchao's strong research skills and his ability to effectively present his findings, showcasing the high-quality research capabilities of LSGI's Geomatics program.   The GPR 2024 conference is a premier biennial event for GPR research and applications, where scientists, engineers, industrial delegates, and end-users of the GPR industry share the latest developments in the field, ranging from fundamental advances in methods to case studies.   Congratulations to Wenchao He on this well-deserved recognition!  

LSGI Master Student Wins Outstanding Presentation Award in 14th Forum on Spatially Integrated Humanities and Social Science

We are pleased to share that our Master of Science (MSc) student in Geomatics, Miss Jiarui MOU (under the supervision of Dr. Yang XU, Associate Professor), from the Department of Land Surveying and Geo-Informatics (LSGI) at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), has won the Outstanding Presentation Award at the 14th Forum on Spatially Integrated Humanities and Social Science. This forum, organized by the Geographical Society of China (中國地理學會) in Nanchang, China from 28-30 June 2024, attracted over two hundred researchers from more than one hundred organizations to share their research work in seventeen sub-sessions of frontier topics related to spatially integrated humanities and social science.   Jiarui’s award-winning research, titled “基於AIS數據的海絲之路海運網絡交通不均衡性多尺度分析”, proposed a novel approach to portraying the spatial pattern of the "21st Century Maritime Silk Road" maritime complex network. The research utilized the Automatic Identification System (AIS) data to analyze the imbalance of the maritime complex network across multiple vessel types, multiple scales and multiple indicators. This outstanding presentation award recognizes Jiarui’s strong research skills and her ability to effectively present her findings. We are proud of Jiarui’s achievement, as it showcases the high quality and research capabilities of our Geomatics programme!   Congratulations to our MSc student, Jiarui MOU, on this well-deserved recognition!  

LSGI Student, Andy WONG, Receives the 'Lo Pan Scholarship' 2023/24

Congratulations to Andy WONG Ka Wai, our 2024 graduate student from the Department of Land Surveying and Geo-Informatics (LSGI), for receiving the 'Lo Pan Scholarship' awarded by the Hong Kong Construction Association (HKCA). This scholarship recognizes local university students studying construction-related disciplines who have demonstrated outstanding academic results, community service, leadership, and integrity, with the aim of encouraging their future commitment to the construction industry.   Out of a total of 10 scholarship recipients, Andy was selected by the Lo Pan Scholarship Selection Panel, which consists of representatives from the HKCA Executive Committee and Council. He will receive a scholarship of HKD 30,000. The award ceremony was held at the Lo Pan Patron's Day Dinner on 19 July 2024, where Andy was recognized for his exceptional academic achievements and valuable contributions to the community.   Established in 2023, the HKCA Lo Pan Scholarship is the signature youth empowerment program of the HKCA, as they believe that the youth are the key to a better future for Hong Kong. We are proud that Andy, representing LSGI at PolyU, has received this prestigious scholarship, and we wish him continued success in all his future endeavors.