News

LSGI Scholar Highlights Preserving Hong Kong's WWII Heritage in Nanfang Daily

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.

LSGI Student won ESRI Young Scholars Award 2025

Congratulations to the PolyU LSGI student - Mr. TONG Lai Yiu Jimmy has won the Esri Young Scholars Award 2025 (Individual Application). The Eris Young Scholars Award 2025 is a competition aimed at recognising exemplary work in geospatial sciences and the creative use of applications for a smarter Hong Kong.  The awarded project titled “Assessing Rooftop Solar Energy Potentials in Hong Kong” aims to enhance rooftop solar energy assessment in Hong Kong by developing a GIS-based framework and algorithms to improve the accuracy of estimation models. It investigates the spatial-temporal patterns of solar energy potential across different districts and land-use categories, as well as the influence of cloud cover on solar radiation received by rooftops. Additionally, the research explores the relationship between rooftop solar energy potential and urban building morphology, including factors such as building density, height, and roof area. It also evaluates the benefits of rooftop solar energy in terms of energy savings, carbon reduction, and economic value. The findings indicate that over 90% of rooftop solar projects yield profitable returns, with more than 60% achieving an economic payback period of six years. This research provides valuable insights for promoting green building and sustainable development in Hong Kong. Congratulations on this remarkable achievement, contributing to a sustainable future through innovative research! For more information about the project, please visit Assessing Rooftop Solar Energy Potentials in Hong Kong.

PolyU co-organised the 3rd International Deep Space Exploration Conference (Tiandu Forum)

From 4 to 5 September 2025, the 3rd International Deep Space Exploration Conference (Tiandu Forum) was successfully held in Hefei, Anhui Province. Attracting over 400 participants from various regions to discuss frontier topics in deep space exploration, advanced technology, and scientific research. Prof. WU Bo, Associate Head of the Department of Land Surveying and Geo-Informatics (LSGI) and Research Centre for Deep Space Explorations of PolyU, served as a conference co-organizer, underscoring the University's leading position in space research. He hosted an academic and scientific session that stimulated fruitful discussions and knowledge sharing among experts in the field. A notable highlight was the official induction of PolyU into the International Deep Space Exploration Association (IDSEA). Professor Wu accepted the membership certificate on behalf of the University, marking a significant milestone in strengthening PolyU's international footprint in space research. Looking forward, PolyU will participate in the 76th International Astronautical Congress in Sydney, Australia, hosting a booth to showcase its latest space research and innovations. On 30 September, PolyU will also organise the ‘PolyU Space Connect’ event in Sydney, bringing together global space experts and innovators to exchange ideas and explore collaborations. Registration is now open to interested partners.  

PolyU LSGI STEAM Talks for Secondary Schools Students 2026

The Department of Land Surveying and Geo-Informatics (LSGI) is organizing a STEAM Talk Series with the aim of introducing daily life applications and potential developments in Geo-Informatics. The series will cover a wide range of topics, including Land Surveying, Remote Sensing, Global Positioning System (GPS), Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS), Geographic Information Science (GIS), and Underground Utilities Imaging and Diagnosis. We are delighted to invite all secondary schools to participate in our STEAM Talk Series in 2026. STEAM Talk Series Topics: Smart City and 3D Mapping in HK (智慧城巿及三維地圖的應用) Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) and Smart City Applications (全球導航衛星系統與智慧城市應用) Unfolding HK Lost WWII and Cultural Heritage with Geo-spatial Science (尋找隱世二戰及文化遺跡：地理空間科學篇) Problem Solving by Digital Maps and Geographic Information System (GIS) (以數字地圖和地理訊息系統解難) Seeing and Unseen Underground Utilities in 3D (三維地下管線測量) Observing and Measuring the Earth from Space (從太空觀測地球) IoT and Remote Sensing for Tree Monitoring (如何利用IoT及遙感技術監測城市樹木) Date:   From October 2025 to July 2026 (exact date to be suggested by school) Target audience:   S.1 – S.6 Students (both Art and Science students are welcome) Medium:   Cantonese or English Venue:   Secondary School or PolyU (a lab tour to be arranged at PolyU) Speaker:   Academic Staff from the Department of LSGI Please click here to know more the description for the STEAM talk topics. Interested parties please fill in the online application form to indicate your preference of talk. For any questions, please feel free to contact Ms. Anna Choi at 3400 8158 or anna.choi@polyu.edu.hk. Please find more about LSGI at our Facebook or Youtube channel.  LSGI Undergraduate Programme in 2026/27 BSc (Hons) Scheme in Spatial Data Science and Smart Cities (JS3130)

PolyU researchers use novel satellite laser ranging technique to reveal accelerated global average sea-level rise with 90 mm surge over past 30 years

The rise in global mean sea level (GMSL) is a critical indicator of climate change. The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) researchers have utilised advanced space geodetic technologies to deliver the first precise 30-year (1993-2022) record of global ocean mass change (also known as barystatic sea level), revealing its dominant role in driving GMSL rise. Their research further indicates that GMSL has been increasing at an average rate of approximately 3.3 mm per year with a notable acceleration observed, highlighting the growing severity of climate change. The research findings have been published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. GMSL is primarily driven by two factors: the thermal expansion of seawater — as the oceans absorb around 90% of the excess heat in the Earth’s climate system — and the increase in global ocean mass, which is mainly caused by the influx of freshwater from melting land ice. Therefore, long-term monitoring of global ocean mass change is essential for understanding present-day GMSL rise. A research team led by Prof. Jianli CHEN, Chair Professor of Space Geodesy and Earth Sciences of the PolyU Department of Land Surveying and Geo-Informatics (LSGI) and a core member of the PolyU Research Institute for Land and Space, together with Dr Yufeng NIE, Research Assistant Professor of LSGI and the lead and corresponding author of the research, has, for the first time, provided direct observations of global ocean mass estimates between 1993 and 2022 by utilising time-variable gravity field data derived from satellite laser ranging (SLR). In the past, scientists have relied on long-term observations from satellite altimetry to project sea-level rise. Barystatic sea level records based on satellite gravimetry only became available with the launch of the Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment in 2002. SLR is a traditional space geodetic technique used to accurately measure the distance between satellites and ground stations via laser ranging. However, fundamental constraints of SLR, such as the limited number of satellites and ground stations, the high altitude of the satellites (which means SLR-derived gravitational changes capture only the longest wavelengths) and the low-degree gravitational measurements, have restricted its direct application in estimating ocean mass change. To effectively utilise SLR-derived gravitational fields for accurate estimates of ocean mass change, the research team implemented an innovative forward modelling technique that tackles spatial resolution limitations by incorporating detailed geographic information of ocean-land boundaries. This approach enables long-term monitoring of global ocean mass changes. The research revealed that an increased rate of GMSL resulted in a global average sea-level rise of approximately 90 mm between 1993 and 2022, with about 60% of this rise attributable to ocean mass increase. Since around 2005,  the rise in GMSL has been primarily driven by the rapid increase in global ocean mass. This overall increase is largely driven by the accelerated melting of land ice, particularly in Greenland. Throughout the entire study period, land ice melt from polar ice sheets and mountain glaciers accounted for over 80% of the total increase in global ocean mass. Prof. Jianli Chen said, “In recent decades, climate warming has led to accelerated land ice loss, which has played an increasingly dominant role in driving global sea-level rise. Our research enables the direct quantification of global ocean mass increase and provides a comprehensive assessment of its long-term impact on sea-level budget. This offers crucial data for validating coupled climate models used to project future sea-level rise scenarios.” Dr Yufeng Niesaid, “The research showed that the ocean mass changes derived from SLR analysis align well with the total sea level changes observed by satellite altimeters, after accounting for the effect of ocean thermal expansion. This demonstrates that the traditional SLR technique can now serve as a novel and powerful tool for long-term climate change studies.” More information can be found in the Media Release (PolyU researchers use novel satellite laser ranging technique to reveal accelerated global average sea-level rise with 90 mm surge over past 30 years) of PolyU.  

LSGI Partners to Advance Pipeline Robotics for Water Main Inspections in Hong Kong

The Department of Land Surveying and Geo-Informatics (LSGI) at PolyU has signed a MoU with the Water Supplies Department (WSD) of HKSAR Government and Shenzhen Bwell Technology Co., Ltd. to establish the Pipeline Robots Joint Laboratory on 1 September 2025, located at Tsing Yi Q-Leak. This collaboration will focus on advancing pipeline robotics technologies, specifically the Intelligent Pipescope, designed for inspecting water mains. At the opening ceremony, Mr. Wong Yan Lok Roger - Director of the Water Supplies Department, pointed out that Hong Kong’s water supply network is located underground, where public facilities are densely packed. As a result, it inevitably faces a certain degree of risk of pipe bursts and leakage. The core objective of the Pipeline Robots Joint Laboratory is to independently develop advanced, multifunctional pipeline robot technology, including acoustic sensors, high-definition cameras, and positioning sensors. The Intelligent Pipescope employs advanced acoustic sensors, high-definition imaging, and AI-powered algorithms to conduct non-destructive internal inspections of pressurized water mains. AI will then be used to analyze the relevant data in order to address the unique challenges of Hong Kong’s water supply network, such as different pipe materials, high water pressure, and complex networks with many bends and branches, with the aim of reducing water leakage to below 10% by 2030. Ir Prof. Wallace Lai, Associate Head (Teaching) of LSGI, explained the mechanisms by which pipeline robots detect water leaks and shared insights into advanced utility inspection and innovative methodologies. Over the next two years, LSGI researchers will focus on developing pipeline robotics technologies tailored to Hong Kong’s high-density urban environment, building upon existing models from Bwell. This project not only enhances operational efficiency but also paves the way for future advancements in water quality monitoring, reinforcing the commitment to urban water security. The partnership exemplifies LSGI’s dedication to impactful research and innovation in sustainable infrastructure.   Following the announcement and subsequent media coverage, Ir Prof Wallace Lai was interviewed by RTHK Radio 3 on 15 September 2025 regarding the partnership. You may listen to the RTHK Backchat interview on ‘Smart Pipes’ by clicking here.   Online coverage: TVB - http://polyu.me/3JFpjXK Now TV - https://polyu.me/41vEE3b RTHK - https://polyu.me/4g6u2xK CRHK - https://polyu.me/3VtUdou Metro Radio - https://polyu.me/46gCw1Y SCMP - https://polyu.me/46ivWbe Hong Kong Economic Journal - http://polyu.me/4ngwt3j Hong Kong Economic Times - http://polyu.me/45YaMxJ Sing Tao Daily - http://polyu.me/3UWkj3s Headline Daily - http://polyu.me/427RdSo Ta Kung Pao - https://polyu.me/4lV4eG7 Wen Wei Po - https://polyu.me/427AxdR Lion Rock Daily - https://polyu.me/4mAJvsi HK01 - https://polyu.me/42bnGau Bastille Post - https://polyu.me/4pkiuLJ (English); http://polyu.me/3Vr5HJk (Chinese) Dot Dot News - https://polyu.me/4p3lvzI Orange News - https://polyu.me/3VuvGzC Passion Times - https://polyu.me/4fZt3PI Line Today - https://polyu.me/3I1XCI2 Headline for HK - https://polyu.me/4g3FMAX Sina HK - http://polyu.me/45UuzhC Hong Kong China News Agency - https://polyu.me/3JZcFmo  

LSGI Orientation Day 2025

On 29 August 2025, LSGI Orientation Day was held successfully at PolyU for all undergraduate and master's programme freshmen, marking an enthusiastic 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 encouraged freshmen to delve into the diverse programmes and student development opportunities available at LSGI.  To provide clarity on their academic paths, the orientation included detailed programme introductions by the respective programme leaders: Prof. Xiao-lin Zhu for the BSc (Hons) in Land Surveying and Geo-Informatics, Prof. Xin-tao Liu for the MSc in Geomatics, and Prof. Qing Pei for the MSc in Urban Informatics and Smart Cities. By fostering connections with faculty and peers, we believe this event equipped students with the insights and motivation needed to thrive in their studies and contribute positively to both the department and the broader community. We hope that all students found the orientation informative and helpful, setting the stage for a rewarding and enjoyable university life at PolyU.

2025 LSGI Alumni Homecoming Day- Together Again Mapping Our Legacy

We are delighted to share the wonderful moments from our recent LSGI Alumni Event, held on 23 August in the afternoon, which brought together over 60 enthusiastic participants—including many alumni who brought their families along to reconnect with their alma mater! The afternoon began with a warm greeting from our Associate Head of LSGI, Prof. Xu Yang, who welcomed all alumni and their families back to campus. This was followed by an inspiring sharing from our Head of Department, Prof. Wu Chen, who highlighted the remarkable achievements of LSGI in recent years. Prof. Chen shared updates on the department’s growth, programme advancements, and cutting-edge research developments, showcasing how LSGI continues to innovate and excel. Sr Desmond Fung, representing the LSGI Alumni Association (LSGIAA), then introduced the association’s mission and upcoming activities, encouraging alumni and their families to stay connected and engaged with the LSGI community. A special highlight of the afternoon was the presentation of the 2024 PolyU Outstanding Alumni Award (Young Awardee) to Miss Pinky Lee, whose achievements continue to inspire us all. The excitement continued with a lucky draw, followed by a lively networking session where alumni and their families enjoyed refreshments, instant photo taking, interactive game booths, and guided lab tours—offering everyone, young and old, a chance to experience the latest updates and innovations at LSGI. Thank you to all our alumni and their families for joining us and making this event a memorable success! We look forward to seeing you at our future gatherings as we continue to strengthen the LSGI alumni network.

PolyU LSGI, Beijing Normal University and Wuhan University Co-host GIS & Remote Sensing Summer School 2025 in Hong Kong, Zhuhai and Shenzhen

From 5 to 11 August 2025, the Department of Land Surveying and Geo-Informatics (LSGI) co-hosted a Summer School on Geographic Information Science and Remote Sensing together with the Faculty of Geographical Science at Beijing Normal University (BNU) and the School of Resource and Environmental Sciences at Wuhan University (WHU). Centered in Hong Kong, Zhuhai, and Shenzhen, the programme drew enthusiastic participation from students and faculty across the three institutions, aiming to foster academic exchange and hands-on collaboration in GIS and remote sensing. The Summer School featured rich, diverse activities. Preparatory work began in July with online proposal presentations and mid-term progress reports by mixed-school student teams, guided by faculty advisors from all three universities. On 5 August, BNU and WHU participants arrived in Hong Kong for an in-person meet-and-greet with LSGI. Professor Chen Wu delivered welcome remarks. Faculty members introduced each university’s strengths and developments in GIS and remote sensing, while students shared their learning experiences and campus life. On 6 August, the delegation attended the Global Smart City Summit & the 4th International Conference on Urban Informatics (GSCS & ICUI 2025), where renowned scholars from China and abroad delivered keynote talks, offering students cutting-edge perspectives and a platform for exchange. From 7 to 9 August, the programme moved to Zhuhai, where a series of thematic lectures and project workshops were held at Beijing Normal University, Zhuhai. Topics covered included smart cities, satellite-based spatial monitoring, vegetation phenology remote sensing, atmospheric environment remote sensing, and remote sensing for suspicious or anomalous objects. On 9 August, student teams presented their final project outcomes, spanning themes such as the Greater Bay Area’s infrastructure impacts on spatial and ecological patterns, aging in high-density cities, residential socio-economic segregation, urban morphology from night-time lights, and machine learning models for typhoon loss estimation. On 10–11 August, participants visited Shenzhen. They toured the Shenzhen Museum of Contemporary Art and Urban Planning to learn about the city’s planning practices and the history of reform and opening-up. On 11 August, the group held a roundtable with experts from the Shenzhen Planning and Natural Resources Data Management Center to discuss planning and technological innovation for smart city development. They also visited SenseTime, a global leader in AI platforms, to hear about the latest deep learning applications in smart cities and public safety, gaining first-hand exposure to industry frontiers.

Global Smart Cities Summit cum the 4th International Conference on Urban Informatics and unveils Smart City Index 2025

The Global Smart Cities Summit cum the 4th International Conference on Urban Informatics, co-organised by the Department of Land Surveying and Geo-Informatics (LSGI) and the Otto Poon Charitable Foundation Smart Cities Research Institute (SCRI) of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), together with the International Society for Urban Informatics (ISUI), successfully concluded at PolyU. The event brought together over 600 experts, government officials, industry leaders, and innovators from more than 20 countries, and attracted over 110,000 online viewers worldwide. A highlight of the conference was the joint announcement by SCRI and ISUI of the ISUI Smart City Index 2025, developed by a team led by Prof. John Wenzhong Shi, Director of SCRI, Chair Professor of LSGI, President of ISUI. The Index utilises a human-centric evaluation framework comprising six dimensions—citizen, environment, social landscape, economy, infrastructure, and governance—across 97 indicators. With a focus on how smart city initiatives enhance the daily lives of citizens, the Index empowers cities worldwide to assess their progress and enables authorities to formulate strategies for a smarter and more sustainable future. The ISUI Smart City Index adopts an inclusive approach applicable to cities at all stages of development, from advanced to developing and emerging economies, using only publicly available data. This broader perspective enables more relevant and effective policy formulation globally. It assessed 73 cities worldwide, with the top 10 ranked cities being Stockholm, Washington, D.C., Barcelona, London, Tokyo, Zurich, New York, Hong Kong, Copenhagen, and Oslo. Hong Kong ranked eighth globally and second in Asia, outperforming major regional competitors such as Singapore, as well as key cities in Europe and North America. Notably, Hong Kong excelled in the dimensions of environment, economy, and governance.​Full report of the Smart City Index 2025:  https://www.isocui.org/smart_city_index ​ Details of the Conference: https://www.isocui.org/icui2025/​