RILS cohosts thematic seminar on hydrographic survey

The Research Institute for Land and Space (RILS) of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), together with the Hong Kong Institute of Surveyors (HKIS) and the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), under the support of the Civil Engineering and Development Department (CEDD), has previously launched “The New Era of Hydrographic Survey”, a dedicated event series aimed at providing engineering professionals across universities, government bodies and industry with comprehensive insights into the latest advancements in the hydrographic surveying technology of CEDD, particularly the new survey vessel “Port Works 5” (PW5) of the department.

The second event of the series, a Joint Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Seminar on the theme, was successfully held on 26 March 2025, and was attended by over 100 participants.

Prof. DING Xiaoli, Director of RILS, opened by seminar by extending a warm welcome to all participants and highlighting the growing importance of hydrographic surveying in marine infrastructure development and climate resilience as well as the critical role of interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation in advancing geospatial science.

The seminar featured presentations by representatives from several HKSAR government departments.  Speakers included: Sr CHEUK Yuet Wai, Tim, Assistant Hydrographer of the Marine Department; Sr CHENG Tsz-yan, Tess, Land Surveyor of the Lands Department; and Sr LEUNG Ching-hung, Cherry, Land Surveyor of CEDD.  Their sharing covered multiple areas related to PW5 and hydrographic survey services, including the design features that enable the vessel to operate in diverse marine environments and support a wide range of survey missions, the challenges faced during the construction of PW5, and the need for adaptability, innovation and continuous professional development in the field to meet evolving engineering and surveying industry demands.

A panel discussion, moderated by Dr KWAN Shun-hang, Julian, Assistant Director (Technical) of CEDD, followed, spurring conversation among participants on the challenges and opportunities in hydrographic survey.  All members had a fruitful exchange of views, acknowledging the importance of capacity-building in the field through cross-sectoral knowledge sharing and collaboration, thus contributing professional expertise to Hong Kong’s smart and sustainable city development.