Professor Lai Wai-lok, Associate Head (Teaching) of the Department of Land Surveying and Geo-Informatics (LSGI) was recently interviewed by Nanfang Daily to share his project, "Unfolding Hong Kong's Lost World War II Heritage".
A key focus of the project is creating immersive experiences for the public. Using advanced technologies like global navigation satellite systems and ground-based laser scanning, the team has developed 3D models that transport viewers back in time to these historical sites. “When you walk into this immersive image, it’s like being on a battlefield and experiencing history firsthand,” Lai explained.
He believes that when young people see these historical sites in a tangible way, it will spark their curiosity and encourage them to ask questions about the past. “This is a good start,” he remarked, emphasizing the collective responsibility to keep history from being forgotten.
Professor Lai concluded the interview by stressing the urgency of documenting these relics before they disappear entirely. “We are not doing science for science, but for inheritance,” he stated, reaffirming the project's commitment to preserving Hong Kong’s rich historical legacy.
Click here for more details of the interview.