News

PolyU research reveals snow droughts continue to threaten global food security and calls for climate-resilient agriculture practices to promote sustainable development

A research team, led by Prof. Shuo WANG, Associate Professor of LSGI, a core member of the Research Institute for Land and Space, and a member of the State Key Laboratory of Climate Resilience for Coastal Cities, from the Department of Land Surveying and Geo-Informatics (LSGI) at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), has used innovative explainable machine learning to uncover the persistent negative impact of snow droughts on winter wheat yields. As warmer winters become more prevalent, insufficient snowfall leaves wheat vulnerable to frost damage and water stress, posing a major threat to global food security. The findings have been published in Nature Food. Over the past 60 years, the frequency of snow droughts across the Northern Hemisphere’s winter wheat croplands has risen sharply. The proportion of affected croplands surged from 46–54% in 1960–1970 to 70–99% in 2010–2020, indicating that snow droughts have evolved from a localised risk into a widespread phenomenon. The research team developed the XGB-SHAP model framework, which combines Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) with Shapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) to quantify the direct impact of snow drought on yields while excluding interference from other climate factors. The study found that approximately 45% of croplands in the Northern Hemisphere experienced significant adverse effects, with Europe, Central Asia and the United States being the most severely affected. In East Asia, the yield benefits of longer growing seasons are diminishing, and the hydrothermal balance is becoming increasingly unstable. Prof. Shuo WANG noted, “As global warming continues, climate risks are no longer limited to ‘acute stressors’ such as heatwaves, but also include gradually accumulating and far-reaching ‘chronic stressors’ such as snow droughts. As winter wheat is a major commodity in global agricultural trade, the effect of its yield variability can ripple through global trade networks, driving up food prices and potentially leading to regional food security crises.” The research team recommends strengthening climate resilience by enhancing crop varieties, improving agricultural management, and incorporating snow cover monitoring into early warning systems. These steps will help maintain stable food production and steer global agriculture towards a more sustainable future.   Press release: English - https://polyu.me/4nOZhRH; Chinese - https://polyu.me/4u1BBv3   Online coverage: The National Tribune - https://polyu.me/4dNTZ4t Mirage - https://polyu.me/42YLSx2 Ta Kung Pao - https://polyu.me/4e8weVZ Wen Wei Po - https://polyu.me/3RKk4dd  

LSGI Scholar contributing to Nation’s Deep‑Space Exploration

Prof. Bo WU, Fiona Cheung Professor in Spatial Science, Associate Head (Research) of LSGI, and Associate Director of PolyU’s Research Centre of Deep Space Explorations (RCDSE), was interviewed to share his insights on Hong Kong’s role in the nation’s aerospace development.  He noted that as the nation’s 15th Five-Year Plan calls for accelerating the building of a strong aerospace sector and explicitly supports Hong Kong’s development into an international I&T hub, Hong Kong researchers are eager to contribute their expertise. “PolyU teams have long actively participated in the country’s deep‑space exploration missions,” he said. “Seeing our research adopted at the national level has brought a strong sense of achievement and become a powerful motivation for us to continue contributing to the nation’s space programme.”  During the preparation for China’s Mars probe Tianwen‑1 landing, Prof. WU’s team was tasked with analysing a landing area roughly 11 times the size of Hong Kong’s territory. Using conventional imaging methods, the work would have taken more than six months. By applying artificial intelligence, the team reduced the processing time to less than three months, enabling the Zhurong rover to touch down safely on 15 May 2021.   Online coverage: Ta Kung Pao - https://polyu.me/4oawzv3 Bauhinia - https://polyu.me/4wHXd1Y Tech Now - https://polyu.me/3PK58uY Hong Kong-Invest - https://polyu.me/3Rs3qiB 香港網絡 - https://polyu.me/4wOggI0 華人號 - https://polyu.me/4u2K4xP

PolyU project wins Bronze at Edison Awards for Hong Kong’s first GNSS signal quality monitoring platform

We are thrilled to announce that a collaborative project led by Prof. Wu CHEN, Head of the Department of Land Surveying and Geo-Informatics (LSGI) at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), has won a Bronze Award at the prestigious 2026 Edison Awards. This marks the establishment of Hong Kong’s first GNSS signal quality monitoring and interference detection platform, a significant milestone for the city’s smart development. The award-winning project, titled “Hong Kong GNSS signal quality monitoring and interference detection system”, was developed in collaboration with the Logistics and Supply Chain MultiTech R&D Centre (LSCM). It has earned the Bronze Prize in the “Public Safety, Security & Digital Integrity” category at the 2026 Edison Awards. This innovative system enables continuous monitoring of GNSS data quality, provides real-time alerts in case of malfunction, and detects and locates sources of signal interference. With global applicability, the system supports a wide range of critical applications, including civil aviation, unmanned aerial vehicles, and communication networks. It addresses Hong Kong’s need for reliable GNSS infrastructure, ensuring the safety and reliability of navigation and timing services across the region. The Edison Awards, established in 1987, recognise and honour outstanding innovations, products, and services that demonstrate originality, creativity, and advanced technology. Organised by the non-profit organisation Edison Universe, the awards are dedicated to promoting innovation worldwide. PolyU’s recognition at this level underscores the University’s consistent emphasis on research collaboration to develop key technologies for future advancement and translate them into practical solutions. Please join us in offering our warmest congratulations to Prof. Wu CHEN on this well-deserved international recognition. Learn more: Winners of Edison Awards 2026 Hong Kong GNSS signal quality monitoring and interference detection system (LSCM)

PolyU JUPAS Admissions Q&A 2026

The PolyU JUPAS Admissions Q&A 2026 was successfully concluded on 9 May 2026. On the day of the event, over 30 participants took part. These included recent HKDSE candidates and their parents, who showed great interest in the scheme programme offered by our department. Students and parents attended our LSGI programme seminar to gain a deeper understanding of our curriculum, admission strategies, and career prospects. The seminar highlighted how modern technologies can be applied to land surveying and the development of smart cities. Attendees also received valuable guidance on JUPAS choice adjustments and the latest Flexible Admission arrangements. Thank you for the support from students and parents. We look forward to seeing you all again on the PolyU campus!

New Textbook Release - "Surveying Computations: A Necessity for Surveyors and Engineers"

We are pleased to announce the publication of Surveying Computations: A Necessity for Surveyors and Engineers by Joseph AWANGE (Department of Land Surveying and Geo-Informatics, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University) and John WALKER (Perth, Australia), published by Springer (2026). This comprehensive textbook is designed for undergraduate students with no prior computational background and systematically builds essential surveying skills across three structured parts: Part 1 (Basic Concepts): Covers mathematical formulas, coordinate systems, angular computations, intersections, resections, traversing, earthwork areas, circular curves, and cadastral subdivisions. Part 2 (Intermediate Concepts): Addresses error propagation, superelevation, transition/composite/vertical curves, geological strike/dip analysis, coordinate transformations, and Transverse Mercator projection workflows. Part 3 (Advanced Topics): Explores least squares adjustment, modern EDM positioning, survey line alignment, and inter-zone Mercator transformations. Key features: 22 chapters with over 500 diagrams, 120+ equations, and 80 reference tables Worked examples and chapter exercises with solutions Focus on practical mastery and computational precision Accessible formats: hardcover, softcover, and eBook (PDF/EPUB with full accessibility features) The book serves both as a classroom textbook for introductory through intermediate courses and as a lifelong professional reference.  

PolyU and Zhuhai Space Center Launch Aerospace Popular Science Month on China Space Day

On 24 April 2026, PolyU and the Zhuhai Space Center jointly launched the Aerospace Popular Science Month during a China Space Day event at the Space Center. The event served as an important platform to promote aerospace science among Greater Bay Area youth and to showcase PolyU's contributions to national missions. Hundreds of participants from the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area attended the event. The programme features an exhibition of winning entries from the Lunar Robot Design Competition organised by PolyU. A VR system that creates a virtual environment of the landing sites of Chang’e and Mars missions developed by PolyU is also on display at the Zhuhai Space Center. Prof. Bo WU, Fiona Cheung Professor in Spatial Science, Associate Head (Research) of LSGI, and Associate Director of RCDSE, delivered a talk entitled “Space Exploration: Seeking Answers to Heavenly Questions,” sharing the latest developments in lunar and Mars exploration missions in China and abroad, and introducing the applications of surveying, remote sensing, geographic information, and artificial intelligence technologies in deep space exploration. The VR system, based on real mission data, accurately recreates the landing sites of Chang'e 3, Chang'e 4, Chang'e 5, and Tianwen 1. The talk left a deep impression on the young audience. A student from Zhuhai College of Science and Technology remarked, "Professor WU's explanation helped me understand the technology behind Mars landing so clearly for the first time. I feel that aerospace is not far away from us." Meanwhile, a student from Haicheng Primary School in Jinwan District said excitedly, "In the future, I want to design a lunar rover and send it to see what the far side of the Moon looks like."   Online coverage: Wenweipo (24 Apr 2026)

PolyU and Geely Farizon establish joint lab to promote methanol-electric mobility for a carbon-neutral Hong Kong

On 20 April 2026, PolyU and Geely Farizon New Energy Commercial Vehicle Group (Geely Farizon) held a signing ceremony in PolyU campus to officially establish the “PolyU–Farizon Transport and Energy Joint Laboratory”, focusing on industrial development policies in relation to methanol-electric technologies, promoting their development across technical, economic, and social dimensions, and building a new methanol ecosystem to help Hong Kong achieve its carbon neutrality goals. The signing ceremony was witnessed by Ir Prof. Christopher CHAO, Senior Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU; Prof. Xiangdong LI, Dean of the Faculty of Construction and Environment of PolyU; Mr Mike FAN, Chief Executive Officer of Geely Farizon; and Ms Huifang DAI, Principal of Geely Academy, Geely Holding Group. The MoU was signed by Prof. Wu CHEN, Head of LSGI at PolyU, and Dr Zhaohuan SONG, Vice President and Chief Brand Officer of Geely Farizon. A project agreement marking the official launch of research on methanol‑electric vehicles in Hong Kong was subsequently signed by Prof. Chengxiang ZHUGE, Assistant Professor of LSGI at PolyU, and Mr Jack YANG, Head of Hong Kong Project Team at Geely Farizon, in the presence of senior leaders and scholars from both sides.  Leveraging LSGI’s expertise in green transport, energy policy, and smart city development, the Joint Lab will focus on three areas: research on policies for promoting and popularising methanol-electric technologies in the public transport sector; development of a smart energy supply operation platform tailored to Hong Kong’s green transport policies and urban traffic scenarios; and feasible solutions and advisory reports for the local introduction of methanol-electric vehicles.   Press release: English - https://polyu.me/3QoPCEW; Chinese - https://polyu.me/4n3ePBf   Online coverage: Mirage - https://polyu.me/4vJaTsX Bastille Post - https://polyu.me/4tsuvjO China Daily - https://polyu.me/3QnTo1n China.com - https://polyu.me/4cFzbvw 城市交通網 - https://polyu.me/4vRmnLo  

LSGI Staff Appointed as Technical Expert of the Inaugural Academic Committee of Large Aircraft Flight Laboratory of Shanghai Aircraft Flight Test Engineering Ltd

We are pleased to share with you that Prof. George Zhizhao LIU, a professor at the Department of Land Surveying & Geo-Informatics (LSGI), Hong Kong Polytechnic University, has been appointed as a Technical Expert of the Inaugural Academic Committee of Large Aircraft Flight Laboratory (LAFLab) of Shanghai Aircraft Flight Test Engineering Co. Ltd, Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China Ltd. (COMAC). This appointment aims to further strengthen the academic leadership of the Large Aircraft Flight Laboratory and enhance its capacity to tackle key technologies in flight testing. As an important professional institution in the field of civil aircraft flight testing in China, the Large Aircraft Flight Laboratory is dedicated to research and validation work in areas such as flight performance, handling and stability characteristics, avionics systems, and airworthiness compliance verification. Prof. LIU possesses profound academic expertise and extensive practical engineering experience in satellite navigation, space weather as well as extreme weather remote sensing and forecasting, and engineering solutions. He is one of the very few experts in the Greater China region who has both industrial experience in international leading GNSS satellite navigation manufacturers and research experience as a full professorship at a world‑top‑100 university. He is the only technical expert from Hong Kong region. The appointment will help the LAFLab achieve new breakthroughs in frontier technology exploration, complex problem-solving, and high-level talent development. Shanghai Aircraft Flight Test Engineering Co., Ltd. stated that establishing the academic committee and appointing highly qualified expert members is a key initiative for the company to deepen industry-university-research collaborative innovation and advance flight test capabilities. In the future, the Large Aircraft Flight Laboratory will continue to bring together industry expertise to help enhance the independent innovation capabilities and international competitiveness of China's large aircraft flight testing. About the Large Aircraft Flight Laboratory The Large Aircraft Flight Laboratory is established and operated by Shanghai Aircraft Flight Test Engineering Co., Ltd. It focuses on major fundamental and frontier technical issues in civil large aircraft flight testing, conducting applied basic research and key technology development. It serves as an important technical support platform within China's large aircraft development and manufacturing chain. About Shanghai Aircraft Flight Test Engineering Co., Ltd. Shanghai Aircraft Flight Test Engineering Co., Ltd. is a core flight test unit under Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China, Ltd. (COMAC). It undertakes key missions such as flight testing, airworthiness certification, and flight test capability development for domestically produced large aircraft, including the C919 and ARJ21.

PolyU Homecoming 2026: AI ‧ ART

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University successfully hosted its annual alumni event, PolyU Homecoming 2026: AI．Art, on 12 April 2026. The celebration was officiated by University leadership, including Council Chairman Dr. LAM Tai-fai and President Prof. Jin-Guang TENG, alongside the members of the University Council, senior management, and other PolyU  associates. With over 6,000 visitors, including our alumni, their families, friends, and students, the event featured a diverse range of activities, including InnoTech Campus Adventures, Alumni Creative Market, AI x Crafts Workshops, AI Grad Photo Studio, Sports Hub, and many other kiosks to showcase AI integrating culture and the arts. Amid the fusion of technology and creativity, The Department of Land Surveying and Geo-Informatics (LSGI) stood out with its project, “Unfolding the Lost WWII Heritage: Promotion of Geo-Spatial and Geophysical Technologies,” led by Ir Prof. Wallace Wai Lok LAI, Associate Head (Teaching) of LSGI. By utilizing airborne LiDAR and 3D modeling, the team demonstrated how geospatial technology can locate and preserve forgotten historical sites of World War II (WWII) in Hong Kong. The event served as a vital platform for alumni to reconnect with LSGI and witness the cutting-edge advancements within the LSGI field. Thank you to all our alumni and their families for joining us and making this event a memorable success. We look forward to seeing our community at future events.

LSGI Showcased in GeoConnect Asia 2026

The Department of Land Surveying and Geo-Informatics (LSGI) of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) successfully participated in Geo Connect Asia 2026, held from 31 March to 1 April at the Sands Expo & Convention Centre, Singapore. As one of Asia’s premier geospatial industry events, Geo Connect Asia 2026 brought together global professionals, cutting-edge surveying instruments, and thought‑leading technical presentations. Leveraging this platform, PolyU LSGI joined forces with four Singaporean institutions, including the National University of Singapore, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore Institute of Technology, and Temasek Polytechnic to form “The Learning Lab” joint booth. The LSGI team prominently featured its two flagship undergraduate and postgraduate programmes: Land Surveying and Geo‑informatics and Urban Informatics and Smart City. These programmes integrate surveying technology, spatial data, artificial intelligence, urban planning, and digital twins, offering both academic depth and practical relevance. The booth drew keen interest and inquiries from students and industry practitioners from Singapore, Malaysia, and other neighbouring countries. During the exhibition, Mr. Eric Chua, Senior Parliamentary Secretary for the Ministry of Social and Family Development and also for the Ministry of Law of Singapore, visited the PolyU LSGI booth. He was briefed on the department’s curriculum development, talent cultivation outcomes, and internationalisation efforts. Mr. Chua expressed strong appreciation for LSGI’s academic strengths in geospatial and smart city domains. This successful participation has further elevated LSGI’s international visibility in the Asia‑Pacific region, strengthened ties with Singapore’s academic community, and laid a solid foundation for future collaborations in talent development, research, and industry‑academia engagement.