News

Visit by delegation from China University of Mining Technology (CUMT)

A delegation from China University of Mining Technology (CUMT) visited LSGI on 11th December 2023. Prof. Wu CHEN, Head of LSGI at PolyU, warmly welcomed them and shared the latest updates on LSGI programmes and research highlights. The academic team from LSGI, including Sr Prof. Charles WONG, Prof. George LIU, Dr. Tiangang YIN, and Dr. Sissi CHEN, held a productive discussion with CUMT on collaborating in talent development and student exchanges. The visit strengthens ties between LSGI and CUMT, fostering potential for future cooperation and creating opportunities to enhance academic and research endeavors in geospatial information.

LSGI co-organizes the International Symposium on Atmospheric Sounding and Data Assimilation 2023

The International Symposium on Atmospheric Sounding and Data Assimilation (ISASDA) took place in Xuzhou, Mainland China, from 6th to 9th December 2023. This successful event was jointly organized by the Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), China University of Mining and Technology (CUMT), and Shanghai Astronomical Observatory (SHAO) of Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS). This conference was co-chaired by Prof. George LIU, Associate Head (Partnership) & Professor from LSGI at PolyU, and Prof. Kefei ZHANG, Professor from the School of Environment Science and Surveying and Mapping at CUMT. With its cross-disciplinary theme, the conference attracted over 200 scientists, researchers, and professionals from around the world. It was the first conference of its kind to specifically focus on the synthesis of GPS/Beidou-based and remote sensing-based atmospheric sounding techniques with data assimilation. The advancement of GPS/Beidou and remote sensing technologies has opened up new opportunities for atmospheric observations, which play a crucial role in providing input data for modern weather forecasting systems through data assimilation into advanced Numerical Weather Prediction (NWP) models. Data assimilation, the process of incorporating observational data, is vital for improving the reliability and performance of weather forecasting. Prof. Liu and his Micro-Laboratory of Atmospheric Research and Geomatics Engineering (Micro-LARGE) are internationally recognized pioneers in integrating GPS/Beidou and remote sensing technologies for NWP applications. Their advanced algorithms have significantly enhanced the accuracy of remote sensing satellite-observed atmospheric water vapor data, which is a critical type of input for NWP and weather forecasting. The Micro-LARGE Lab, led by Prof. Liu, is the second agency in the world to assimilate Near-Infrared (NIR) satellite water vapor data into NWP, following the U.K. Met Office, which has been operationally assimilating satellite NIR water vapor data since May 2022.

International Academic Forum for Non-Exposed Space and MoU Signing Ceremony

The International Academic Forum for Non-Exposed Space, jointly organized by the Department of Land Surveying and Geo-Informatics (LSGI), Research Institute for Land and Space (RILS), and Quantutong Location Network Co., Ltd. (referred to as "Quantutong"), was successfully held on 9th December at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University. The event was a resounding success, attracting more than 100 experts, scholars, and industry representatives from Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, and Hong Kong, to exchange the latest achievements and explore future directions in the field of non-exposed space. The forum served as an interdisciplinary and innovative academic platform, bringing together professionals to explore the application and development of indoor and outdoor PNT (Positioning, Navigation, and Timing) technologies for the benefit of urban environments and society. The event also showcased a collaboration between PolyU and Quantutong, demonstrating a commitment to leveraging advanced technologies and expertise to address the challenges and opportunities in building smart cities. In the opening session, Associate Professor SUN Hongxing from Wuhan University presented on the principles, applications, and development of mobile laser scanning systems. Mr. REN Weijia, Chief Technology Officer of Changsha Tianyi Research Institute, shared the practical applications of Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) remote sensing in commercial contexts. Furthermore, the event featured a total of ten experts who delivered insightful speeches. Notably, Mr. ZHANG Di, the founder of the forum, shared his expertise on the capabilities and potential applications of multimode Ultra-Wideband (UWB) technology. Professor XU Tianhe from Shandong University also presented on resilient fusion technology of multi-source PNT in complex urban environments. All experts provided diverse perspectives and valuable knowledge, enriching the discussions and enhancing the overall quality of the forum. One of the highlights of the event was signing ceremony between PolyU and Quantutong for the "Commercial Satellite Launch Cooperation" memorandum of understanding. This partnership seeks to advance the integrated development of commercial satellite communication, navigation, and remote sensing. Specifically, the collaboration aims to apply mainland China's advanced management experiences, including panoramic navigation, rail transportation, and UWB technology, to various scenarios in Hong Kong. This includes implementing these technologies in the city's subway systems, airport, gas and water services, with the ultimate goal of contributing to the establishment of a smart city. During the forum, the highly anticipated "Non-Exposed Space UWB Technology Blue Book" was officially released. This publication provides a thorough analysis of UWB technology and its industrial development. It offers comprehensive insights into the latest technology trends, application scenarios, innovative application cases, and future prospects for industrial growth. It is important to note that the term "non-exposed space" was initially defined by Academician Yang Yuanxi during the first "Beidou Salon" conference. With the guidance of Academician Sun Jiadong and the support of other academicians, the "Beidou Salon" was officially renamed as the "Non-Exposed Space Academic Forum." This renaming reflects the forum's focus on exploring the potential and advancements in non-exposed space technologies.   Online coverage (on 12 Dec 2023): Xinhua Net  People’s Daily Wen Wei Po

LSGI scholars engaged events with the China Manned Space delegation

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) recently hosted a momentous event, "A Dialogue between the China manned space delegation and PolyU students and faculty members" to extend a warm welcome to the esteemed China Manned Space delegation on 29 Nov 2023. The event, held at the Jockey Club Auditorium, provided an opportunity for approximately 700 PolyU students and faculty members to engage in discussions and exchange ideas with the delegation. (Event highlight Press Release) During the event, Prof. WU Bo, Fiona Cheung Professor in Spatial Science, Associate Head (Research) of LSGI, and Associate Director of Research Centre for Deep Space Explorations of PolyU and Dr. CHEN Long, a PhD graduate of LSGI were selected as representatives from PolyU to engage in discussions with the delegation on aerospace technologies, astronaut training, and life in space. Both of them contributed to China’s space missions by utilizing advanced topographic mapping technologies to identify suitable landing sites. Additionally, Prof. WU was awarded with the Outstanding Award (Individual) for his contribution to China’s First Mars Exploration Mission (Details). Prof. WU was also invited to join the live broadcasting event “「全港歡迎中國載人航天工程代表團大匯演」” at the same evening at Hong Kong Coliseum to share LSGI’s research contribution on national space missions. As one of our representatives, Dr. CHEN was interviewed by multiple media outlets after the event. Expressing his delight in welcoming the delegation to the university, he hoped to have the opportunity in the future to become a payload specialist and bring the team's research to the space station.   Online coverage (on 30 Nov 2023): Wen Wei Po Sing Tao Headline RTHK Now TV

LSGI PhD Student Wins the Best Research Postgraduate Student of the Year 2023

We are delighted to share that Ms Yamin QING, a PhD student in LSGI under the supervision of Dr Shuo WANG, Associate Professor of LSGI, has been honored with the Best Research Postgraduate Student of the Year 2023 award by the Graduate School. This award, which includes cash prizes and certificates, recognizes research postgraduate students who have demonstrated exceptional academic achievements and made significant contribution to the research community at PolyU. Ms Qing focuses her research on analyzing extreme weather events and water-related hazards using remote sensing and geospatial techniques. Her research provides valuable insights into the implementation of environmental policies, particularly in relation to emerging climate-induced disasters. In addition to this achievement, she was previously awarded the 2022 Young Scientist Award (Details). Congratulations to Ms Qing on this well-deserved recognition!

The Faculty of Geosciences and Environmental Engineering at Southwest Jiaotong University (SWJTU) visits LSGI

Congregation - LSGI Session 2023

The 29th FCE Congregation – LSGI Session was held in hybrid mode on 15 November 2023 at the Jockey Club Auditorium on the PolyU campus. More than 200 graduates from the LSGI were conferred degrees and awards from Higher Diploma, Bachelor’s to Master’s degree. Prof. Xiang-dong LI, Dean of Faculty, presided over the ceremony and encouraged graduates to follow the examples of FCE alumni and make lasting impacts in their chosen path. Graduates who could not attend the Congregation in person were presented virtually and live broadcasting was arranged to allow friends and families of the graduates to witness the ceremony online from all over the world. LSGI invited Mr Kelvin LO, SBS, JP, as a guest of honour to share with the graduating class their visions for the future of Hong Kong’s development in Land Surveying and Geo-Informatics discipline, as well as invaluable life lessons and mottos. Graduate Ms Cherry Lai Sze CHEUNG gave a valedictory speech on behalf of the class of 2023.   Congratulations to the graduating class of 2023!

LSGI PhD student’s research on impacts of space weather on aviation industry is published by the Nature Reviews Earth & Environment

We are pleased to share with you that the research work on the impacts of space weather on aviation industry, conducted by PhD student Mr. Dabin Xue at the Department of Land Surveying & Geo-Informatics (LSGI), the Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), was recently selected to be highlighted by the Nature Reviews Earth & Environment, a journal published by the Springer Nature with an Impact Factor of 42.1. The research paper “Examining the Economic Costs of the 2003 Halloween Storm Effects on the Northern Hemisphere Aviation Using Flight Data in 2019", co-authored by Mr. Dabin Xue, his supervisors Dr. George Zhizhao Liu at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University and Dr. Jian Yang at the Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, and Dr. Shiwei Yu (a former graduate from Dr. Liu's Lab), was recently published at the AGU journal "Space Weather" in March 2023. It claims to be the world's first one to quantify the potential economic impacts of space weather on aviation operation, which is an interdisciplinary study involved with Space Physics including Ionosphere and Cosmic Radiation, GNSS Satellite Navigation, and Air Traffic Management as well as Operation Research. Space weather events, closely related to the 11-year cycle solar activities, can disruptively affect the aviation operations on the Earth in various aspects such as high-frequency communication blackouts, GNSS-based navigation and surveillance failures, and increased levels of cosmic radiation. These disruptions pose great potential risks to flight safety and security and result in flight delays and even flight cancellations. The consequential economic loss can amount to tens of millions of euros. Based on the space weather impact data from the severe solar storm event 2003 Halloween Storm in the Solar Cycle 23 and the flight data in 2019, this research from an operational perspective assessed the impact of a space weather event similar to the 2003 Halloween Storm on the aviation flights in 2019 when the current 11-year Solar Cycle 25 just began. New air traffic management strategies have also been proposed to mitigate the effects of these disruptions. This study can be a benchmark for evaluating and alleviating the potential effects of future space weather on aviation operations. More information about this Research Highlight can be found at Nature Reviews Earth & Environment. The original paper can be found at Space Weather.

Staff Promotions 2023

We are delighted to share the news that Dr. Shuo Wang and Dr. Yang Xu have been promoted to Associate Professor effective from 1 July 2023 and 1 Nov 2023 respectively. Dr. Wang and Dr. Xu joined LSGI as Assistant Professor in 2017. Congratulations to Dr. Wang and Dr. Xu!

A Soft Launch of Geo-Project 1941

On 28th October 2023, Ir Dr. Wallace Lai, Associate Head of LSGI, together with historians, archaeologists and geologist from multiple universities, launched the Soft Opening of the art-tech exhibition for Geo-Project 1941. As an event of the project "Unfolding the Lost WWII Heritage: Promotion of Geo-spatial and Geophysical Technologies", it took place at a Campsite “Camptopia” in Sheung Shui. Led by LSGI, this project involves engagement of various stakeholders, such as collaboration with BU, HKU and CUHK, and support from 5 Bureau/Departments of HKSARG. Moreover, it is funded/sponsored by ITC (Innovation and Technology Commission), RILS (Research Institute for Land and Space), and Camptopia. All parties involved share a common vision: to maximize the publicity on historical interpretation, heritage conservation, STEAM education and exhibitions for the remembrance of the 80th anniversary of WWII in 2025. Representing the start of a series of public engagement activities on the use of geo-spatial and geophysical technologies to promote an integrated art-tech approach, this soft opening attracted over 80 visitors from diverse backgrounds. Attendees ranged from professors, teachers, and war enthusiasts to pupils, with interests spanning across geo-science, history, and archaeology. The event featured various art-tech exhibitions and experiential workshops, including a 4D CAVE that provided an immersive experience, transporting the audience back to the war zone in Hong Kong in 1941. Additionally, there were two archaeological test sites where workshop participants could engage in field archaeological excavation work following geophysical surveys. These exhibitions and workshops demonstrated how technologies can play a crucial role in historical interpretation, archaeological excavations, and forensic investigation. Looking ahead to the coming event in the project until early 2025, we anticipate further collaborations between LSGI and diverse communities.   Project:  Unfolding the lost WWII heritage: promotion of geo-spatial and geophysical technologies Website: https://geo-project1941.com/ PI: Ir Dr. Wallace Lai, Associate Head of LSGI