News

PolyU JUPAS Consultation Day 2024

The PolyU JUPAS Consultation Day 2024 was concluded successfully on 18 May 2024 (Saturday). On the day of event, many recent DSE candidates and their parents showed great interest in our department. In addition to visiting our consultation counter to inquire about JUPAS subject selection strategies, students and parents also attended our programme information seminar and participated in mock admission interviews to gain a deeper understanding of our programme information and get practical interview experience with our professors! The presentations also featured LSGI student sharing their learning and life experiences at PolyU, which we believe was greatly beneficial for the attendees! Thank you for the support from students and parents. We look forward to seeing all again on PolyU campus!

LSGI scholar engaged with media to discuss remote sensing research on space exploration and the I&T development

Prof. WU Bo, Associate Head (Research) & Professor of LSGI and Associate Director of the Research Centre for Deep Space Explorations (RCDSE), was interviewed by “GD Today”, sharing the experience of his team in the research works as well as his view on the evolution of innovation and technology (I&T) in Hong Kong. Prof. Wu and his research team are actively engaged in the Chang’e-7 and Tianwen-2 missions through devoting their own expertise to the projects. With the use of remote sensing data over the surfaces of the Moon or Mars and topographic analysis technologies, they construct detailed topographic maps of those surfaces, aiming to estimate safe and scientifically significant landing sites. Prof. Wu shared his experience in the research work for the Tianwen-2 mission. In that project, the lack of satisfactory data posed significant obstacles to the research on mapping and remote sensing analysis. Therefore, the team constructed a test site within the laboratory to simulate real environments for analysis and facilitate advancements in surveying, mapping, and remote sensing. The goal of this endeavor was to enable effective measurement and analysis of irregular stellar objects, as well as the identification and tracking of potential landing sites for future analysis. Additionally, Prof. Wu added that artificial intelligence techniques were utilized in satellite image processing, advancing research efficiency and reliability. Regarding I&T development, he believed that its position became more dominant in Hong Kong. Considering that situation and closer cooperation between Hong Kong and Mainland China, he commented that it was crucial for researchers in Hong Kong to proactively embrace the forthcoming research opportunities, thereby driving the progress and development of Hong Kong, the Greater Bay Area, and the nation.    Online coverage (on 11 May 2024): Nanfang Daily Southcn.com HK Today East Money

LSGI Scholar is appointed as the Founding Chair of Hong Kong Branch of the 142-year-old Canadian Institute of Geomatics (CIG)

We are pleased to announce that Prof. George Zhizhao LIU, a Professor at the Department of Land Surveying and Geo-Informatics (LSGI), The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) was recently appointed as the Founding Chair of Hong Kong Branch of the 142-year-old Canadian Institute of Geomatics (CIG). Prof. Liu is an internationally respected scholar with both industrial and academic experiences in basic research as well as applications of geomatics technologies. Over the years, Prof. 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. 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 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. Founded in 1882, the Canadian Institute of Geomatics (CIG) was originally known as the Canadian Institute of Surveying (CIS) until it was renamed in 1999. CIG is a professional organization that was initially established to support the surveying profession in Canada. Over the years, as the field of surveying evolved and expanded to include other geospatial technologies, the organization also evolved to reflect these changes. The establishment of the Hong Kong Branch is to establish a strong professional connection between the Canadian geomatics community and the one in Hong Kong and Asia. Geomatics, also known as geospatial technology, includes the tools and techniques used in land surveying, remote sensing, cartography, geographic information systems (GIS), global-navigation satellite systems (GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, Beidou), photogrammetry, and related forms of earth mapping. The institute aims to lead the advancement of geomatics in Canada and worldwide and offers a platform for geospatial information professionals worldwide to share ideas, collaborate on research, and promote the use of geomatics in various sectors of the economy. CIG organizes conferences, seminars, and workshops, and publishes a peer-reviewed scientific journal called “Geomatica”. The institute also provides scholarships and awards to recognize individuals who have made significant contributions to the field of geomatics.  

LSGI Scholar's Expert Opinion Reveals China's Land Subsidence Study

Prof. DING Xiaoli, Chair Professor of Geomatics in the Department of LSGI at PolyU, has gained international recognition for his expertise on land subsidence issues. In recent interviews with Nature and BBC World Service's "Newshour", Prof. Ding discussed the research in a paper revealing alarming statistics: approximately 16% of the mapped areas in China's major cities are sinking rapidly. Within a century, one in ten residents in coastal cities could be living below sea level. He emphasised that subsidence is not exclusive to China, and excessive groundwater usage could be the primary cause, highlighting the importance of controlling groundwater usage as an effective solution. Online coverage Nature BBC World Service Recording

Research by LSGI Scholar Reveals the Increasing Risk of Concurrent Heatwaves and Extreme Sea Levels Along the Global Coastline

A research study led by Dr. Shuo WANG, an Associate Professor in the Department of LSGI at PolyU, and his team, has discovered that the concurrent occurrence of heatwaves and extreme short-term sea level rises at coastal locations significantly increased between 1998 and 2017 when compared to the preceding 20 years. The study also predicts that, under a modelled high emissions scenario, the probability of the occurrence of such events in 2025–2049 may multiply by fivefold. These research findings provide scientific evidence and guidance for improving climate adaptation strategies in response to extreme weather events, which will aid in the development of climate-resilient coastal cities. The study has been published in the journal Communications Earth & Environment. Read the article: https://www.nature.com/articles/s43247-024-01274-1 Congratulations to Dr Wang and his team on this remarkable achievement!   Online coverage: The United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) Scientific American Nature Asia CCTV Xinhua Net People’s Daily People.com Jiangnan Evening News Jinhua Daily The Paper NetEase Forbes The Straits Times France 24 Eyewitness News Deccan Herald The Telegraph Calcutta, India Malay Mail Daily Excelsior EurekAlert China News Service ifeng.com

LSGI Student, Deanna Xu, Receives the 'For Our Future Scholarship' 2023/24

Congratulations to Deanna Xu Yi Nam, an undergraduate student at LSGI, for receiving the 'For Our Future Scholarship' for the 2023/24 academic year. This prestigious scholarship, awarded by The Greater Bay Area Homeland Youth Community Foundation, aims to recognize and support local university students who demonstrate exceptional academic performance with diverse talents, and a strong dedication to community service. Out of over 250 applicants from 13 local institutions, Deanna was selected as one of the 16 awardees by the Scholarship Selection Committee. She will receive a scholarship of HKD 50,000 and an exchange opportunity to the Greater Bay Area (GBA). This exchange program will focus on innovation and technology, culture and art, economy and the livelihood of people in mainland cities of the GBA. During the award ceremony held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre on 17 April 2024, Deanna shared her inspiring journey of pursuing her dreams. Her passion for environmental protection led her to participate in various exchange programs and international energy competitions. Through these experiences, she gained advanced knowledge in geographic information technology and developed a deep understanding of the importance of energy. In the future, Deanna plans to continue her studies in environmental science and utilize geospatial intelligence to help protect the environment. For more information, please click here to access the media coverage. Once again, we congratulate Deanna on her remarkable achievement and wish her success in all her future endeavors!   Online coverage (on 12 Dec 2023): Bastille Post China News Service ifeng.com SZ Online East Money Sina    

LSGI Scholar is invited to speak at the 4th International Symposium on ATM for Civil Aviation

Prof. George Zhizhao LIU from the Department of Land Surveying and Geo-Informatics (LSGI) at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) was invited to give a talk at the 4th International Conference on Air Traffic Management (ATM) for Civil Aviation held on 11-12 April 2024 at Beijing, China. More than 400 domestic and international participants from the sectors of academia, airlines, aviation product manufacturers, governments, and international organizations (e.g. International Civil Aviation Organizations, ICAO) attended this biennial symposium. The purpose of this conference is to inject new impetus into the development of civil aviation air traffic management through technological innovation. It is expected that the symposium will provide a conducive environment for technical exchange, collaborative innovation, and enhancing the civil aviation ATM capabilities. The talk he gave was on “Space weather effects on flight operation and proposed strategies for air traffic management”, coauthored by Dr. Dabin Xue and Prof. Jian Yang at the Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China. Space weather, a phenomenon difficult to predict and often ignored by the aviation industry and passengers, has complex effects on the satellite-based navigation, radio communication, and cosmic radiation. Under severe space weather conditions, real-time satellite-based navigation and communication can be interrupted for a prolonged period of time and cosmic radiation can be elevated to an unusually high level. The occurrence of any of these incidents poses a critical safety and security hazard for the aircraft, aircrew, and passengers. To address these problems, Prof. Liu and his team members at the Micro-Laboratory of Atmospheric Research and Geomatics Engineering (Micro-LARGE) have proposed various strategies to mitigate the effects of these incidents. Meanwhile, they have quantitatively evaluated the economic benefits to the airlines when such strategies are adopted by airlines. The Micro-LARGE was the first one in the international community to study and evaluate the impacts of space weather on flight operation from an economic cost perspective and propose response strategies. This work was highly commended by senior space weather scientist at the NASA JPL and was selected as a research highlight in 2023 by the Nature Reviews Earth & Environment Journal (IF: 42.1 as of 2023). Space weather, due to its prediction reliability issues, has become an increasingly important factor to be considered in Air Traffic Management (ATM) by airlines and flight controllers. The work done Prof. Liu and his Micro-LARGE provides a new guideline for the worldwide aviation industries to address the space weather issues. During the 14th Five-Year Plan period, China’s air traffic management system has embarked on a new development path, where new technologies and innovations are needed to address emerging challenges.

LSGI Student, Jenny Chan, Receives the PolyU Outstanding Student Award of Department 2023

Heartfelt Congratulations to Miss Jenny CHAN Chi Yin, our LSGI student, on being selected as the awardee of the ‘Outstanding Student Award 2023’ at the departmental level for her remarkable accomplishments! Jenny was honoured with the award by Prof. TENG Jun Guang, the President of PolyU, at the Presentation Ceremony on 26 March 2024. We are proud of her well-deserved achievements. The Outstanding Student Awards of PolyU aim to recognise full-time final-year students for their excellence in both academic and non-academic pursuits. These awards are presented at the department, faculty and university levels every year. Let us give a resounding round of applause for Jenny! Congratulations! Click here to learn more about the Awardees’ Sharing.  

PolyU Establishes Strategic Partnership with Hexagon for Advancing Spatial Measurement Technologies

We are thrilled to announce that PolyU has established strategic framework partnership with Hexagon, a global leader in digital reality and industrial 4.0 solutions, to join forces in advancing cutting-edge technology and innovation. On 8-9 March, Prof. Wu CHEN, Head of Department of Land Surveying and Geo-Informatics (LSGI) at PolyU, led the university delegation to visit the Qingdao Hexagon Smart Park and sign a framework MoU with Hexagon Leica Geosystems, marking the official commencement of the collaboration. Mr. Hongquan Li, President (Greater China Region) of Hexagon, Mr. Deyong Wang, Chief Financial Officer (China Region) of Hexagon and Executive Director of Hexagon Leica Geosystems and other distinguished guests witnessed the signing ceremony. The partnership aims to foster R&D in surveying, geographic information mapping technology and equipment, positioning and navigation systems. LSGI will work closely with Hexagon to explore establishing a joint lab focusing on precise positioning, the use of AI and machine learning in surveying and other future tech research topics, plus collaborations on talent cultivation, technology transfer and commercialisation. Apart from the ceremony, multidisciplinary technology forums were held, with experts and scholars from LSGI, Hexagon and the Guangzhou Urban Planning and Design Survey Research Institute engaged in profound and enthusiastic discussions about future innovation trends. Prof. CHEN was impressed by the technology applications of Hexagon in various industries and sought to develop more extensive research and industry cooperation. Mr. Li highlighted Hexagon's unicorn technologies and their high relevance to the technological domains in which PolyU also devoted. By integrating the expertise of Hexagon in sensor, software and autonomous technologies and our research ability, we are looking to generate new disruptive productive forces which are powered by digitalisation, data and technology innovation. LSGI has been working closely with industry partners to develop state-of-art technologies that are beneficial to the society.

LSGI Scholar Receives the AAG Wilbanks Prize for Transformational Research in Geography and RSSG Lifetime Achievement Honor Award 2024

We are pleased to announce that Prof. Qihao WENG, Chair Professor of Geomatics and Artificial Intelligence at LSGI in PolyU, has received the 2024 AAG Wilbanks Prize for Transformational Research in Geography on 6 March 2024. This prestigious award is presented by the American Association of Geographers (AAG), an organisation that brings together over ten thousand members of the global geographic community. The Wilbanks Prize is awarded to geographers who have made important contributions in the fields of Geography or GIScience, or to Science and Society more broadly.   In addition, Prof. Weng has also been honored with the 2024 RSSG Lifetime Achievement Honor Award. This outstanding award is presented by the Remote Sensing Specialty Group (RSSG) of AAG, which focuses on promoting understanding of remote sensing science and encourages collaboration among geographers in applying remote sensing technology in various areas such as research, teaching, public service, and private enterprise. This award recognizes Prof. Weng’s exceptional contributions to the field of remote sensing, demonstrated through a distinguished career of ground-breaking research, dedicated education, and impactful service engagement.   Prof. Weng, a scholar at LSGI, has achieved significant milestones in the field of urban remote sensing, and has transformed urban environmental research with theoretical and technical advances, including novel algorithms and innovative methods for sub-pixel-scale analysis and time series imagery. Moreover, his research has significantly advanced our theoretical understanding and empirical knowledge of urban heat islands, urban sprawl, urbanization effects, and urban environmental sustainability. By establishing connections between satellite thermal infrared imagery, land surface temperature, and air temperature, Prof. Weng’s research connects remotely sensed data to urban spatial patterns, radiation budgets, and climate change. His 2004 methodology for estimating land-surface temperature using satellite-derived vegetation attributes, collaborated with Lu and Schubring, has had far-reaching impacts in various fields, including urban geography, landscape ecology, urban planning, urban meteorology, and climatology.   The AAG will celebrate the 2024 Awards and Honors at a celebration event during the 2024 AAG Annual Meeting in Honolulu, Hawaii, in April 2024. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Prof. Weng for his exceptional achievement and awards!