News

LSGI Impact Case Study: Urban Big Data Analytics of COVID-19

In the seventh episode of PolyU FCE Impact Case Studies 2023 video series - “Urban big data analytics for COVID-19 risk prediction and control” was published. It shared the research output - a series of extended Weighted Kernel Density Estimation (E-WKDE) models for short-term prediction of COVID-19 symptom onset risk by Prof. John SHI, Chair Professor of Geographical Information Science and Remote Sensing of the Department of Land Surveying and Geo-Informatics (LSGI), Director of Smart Cities Research Institute (SCRI), and his team. The models presented offer an improvement over traditional COVID-19 risk predictions, as they can accurately predict the transmission trend for a period of 4 to 5 days. These models have been utilized for various purposes, including assessing the impact of the Wuhan lockdown on decreasing the risk of infection in other parts of China, devising a vaccine distribution plan based on risk for Hong Kong, examining the transmissibility of different variants of SARS-CoV-2, and evaluating the effectiveness of global anti-epidemic measures. Since the beginning of 2020, the team has submitted over 40 reports to the Hong Kong Government utilizing the predictions from the E-WKDE model as a point of reference in evaluating COVID-19 control measures. Let’s check out the video and explore these fabulous technologies!

LSGI scholar assisted in the study of sudden shifts from drought to flood

Dr. Shuo WANG, Associate Professor of LSGI, collaborated with the international researchers in the study of climate change in many parts of the world. Through analysis on climate data from 1980 to 2020, the study demonstrates the positive relationship between the severity of climate change and the occurrence of wild weather swings from drought to downpours. Based on the above finding, the scientists further investigated in the cause of such sudden change in weather, and discovered the “land-based feedback loops”. This concept explains how the movement of moisture from humid regions to dry regions increases the opportunity of downpours after drought, facilizing to the accuracy of predictive climate models. “Climate change is fueling back-to-back droughts and floods which have caused widespread devastation, resulting in loss of life and damages to property, infrastructure, and the environment,” Dr Wang said. “Our findings provide insights into the development of early warning systems for mitigating the impacts of rapid dry-wet transitions.” The study has been published in Communications Earth & Environment.   Online coverages: Yahoo UK Jackson School of Geosciences, The University of Texas at Austin

LSGI Orientation 2023

On 28 Aug 2023, LSGI Orientation Day was held successfully at PolyU for all undergraduate and master programmes freshmen of LSGI in face-to-face format. Prof. Wu Chen, Professor and Head of LSGI, welcomed the students and gave introduction of department, as well as introduced our academic, teaching and supporting staff to all the students. The orientation was a chance to meet our students in person that our academic staff and supporting staff met near 120 new faces on the day. To have a good starting for the new semester, in addition to programme introduction by co-responding programme leaders, we also invited representatives from Library and office of general university requirement to give sharing for students. Miss Cherry Cheung, our BSc graduate in 2023, came back to give sharing for new students on how to utilize different resources and enjoy their fruitful university time. Bachelor degree’s students also met their academic advisors at the break-out session. We hope all students received this useful information to plan their study ahead, so as to enjoy a wonderful university life at PolyU.

PolyU and HKATG Strengthen Collaboration in Satellite Navigation and Remote Sensing

PolyU and the Hong Kong Aerospace Technology Group (HKATG) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to foster their collaboration in satellite navigation, communication, remote sensing, and payload development. Within this collaboration, HKATG will provide a variety of resources, such as conventional optical remote sensing and synthetic aperture radar observation data in Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area, as well as low-Earth orbit satellite measurement and control services for research and education purposes. Moreover, HKATG has donated the naming rights of a multispectral optical remote sensing satellite to PolyU. With these supports of HKATG, it is believed that the data and equipment provided can benefit LSGI in related research areas, including carbon neutrality research, tree health monitoring, land cover classification, marine water quality monitoring and research on urban surface characteristics. Therefore, PolyU organized an appreciation ceremony on 23 August to appreciate the support from HKATG. In the ceremony, Dr Miranda Lou, Executive Vice President of PolyU, commented that HKATG’s generosity would empower the faculty members to further strive for excellence in education and research, nurture future aerospace-related professionals, and contribute to the Nation. Meanwhile, Dr Daniel Yip, Non-executive Director of HKATG, shared that the collaboration would help nurture future talent for the development of new industries and the advancement of aerospace technology in Hong Kong. As we move forward, we eagerly anticipate the research output that will emerge through this fruitful collaboration, and are confident that the partnership between PolyU and HKATG will continue to yield remarkable advancements in the field of aerospace technology.

LSGI scholar interviewed by China Surveying and Mapping magazine for groundbreaking research on China’s space missions

Prof. Bo WU, Associate Head (Research) & Professor of LSGI and Associate Director of the University Research Centre for Deep Space Explorations (RCDSE), has recently been interviewed by China Surveying and Mapping magazine. The interview highlighted Prof. Wu's remarkable contributions to national space missions through his research team's utilization of remote sensing data. By analyzing the terrain of various planets involved in China's space missions, including the lunar surface for the "Chang'e-4" mission and the Mars surface for the "Tianwen-1" mission, Prof. Wu's team provided invaluable insights. Their innovative research aided the astronaut team in identifying safe and scientifically significant landing sites, ultimately contributing to the success of the Nation's interstellar exploration. Read the full interview article here: https://www.thepaper.cn/newsDetail_forward_24316095>

LSGI Alumni won “Best Smart Mobility Award” in Hong Kong/Shanghai Co-operation Data Forum cum Open Data Challenge 2023

The Awards Presentation Ceremony of “Hong Kong/Shanghai Co-operation Data Forum cum Open Data Challenge 2023” (Open Data Challenge) was held in Shanghai on 14 August. In order to foster the advancement of Innovation and Technology (I&T) in both Hong Kong and Shanghai, this initiative aimed to inspire participants to develop applications utilizing open data. Participating teams had the opportunity to construct their project content based on four themes: Smart Mobility, Smart Living, Smart Environment, and Smart Economy. We are glad to share that Micro Dimension Technology Limited, directed by Yaxin LI, a LSGI alumni, won the Best Smart Mobility Award in the mentioned competition. Their project "Barometer Assisted Smartphone Localization for Vehicle Navigation in Multilayer Road Networks" (基於智能手機氣壓計對多層路網的道路精準定位) utilizes barometric pressure sensors inside smartphones, combined with open data such as urban 3D models, to reduce positioning errors in navigation systems within multi-level road networks. Congratulations to our alumni Yaxin LI!

Singapore Smart City Visit for Champion of Innovation for Smart City Competition 2023

The Department of Land Surveying and Geo-Informatic (LSGI) expresses the sincere congratulation to the amazing winning team from Ying Wa's Girl School for their incredible achievement in the Innovation for Smart City Competition 2023. The objective of competition is to recognize outstanding innovation in the smart city development. We received application by over 80 students from local secondary schools to the competition. As one of the five finalist teams, the team of Ying Wa’s Girls received the overall champion award with the project “綠色煮易” during the final presentation ceremony on 7 July 2023 at PolyU. As a reward for their achievement, the victorious team celebrated their remarkable success by going on an overseas smart city visit in Singapore during 6 -9 August 2023, immersing themselves in the forefront of global smart city innovations. During the 5-day Smart City Visit in Singapore, the group firstly visited the Singapore Land Authority (SLA). SLA presented various kinds of technologies and excellent quality products and services which driven the smart nation transformation in Singapore. At the Centre for Nature-Based Climate Solution, students had a unique opportunity to learn directly from a highly respected team specializing in mangrove conservation and climate resilience research. Another visit day was arranged to the Future Cities Lab Global at Singapore ETH Centre, we were presented with the innovative ideas behind Future Resilient Systems and showcased the innovative Cooling Singapore initiative. The Smart Nation CityScape hosted the Urban Renewal Authority, showcased how Singapore has been transformed into a smart nation. Students understood how technologies have been incorporated to enhance not limited to citizen services but also the urban management and even the overall quality of life. It is our pleasure to offer the team from Ying Wa's Girl School an unforgettable oversea visit in Singapore which they gained a greater understanding of smart cities and innovative technologies.     Sharings from Awardee Group: Ying Wa Girls’ School Mak Cheuk Hei Emily, Shih Maan Chi Gigi, Ko Man Yee Sonia, Liu Heather Ue Tung Residing in an innovative city brimming with technology, we observe a strong desire among people and the government to establish a Smart City in order to enhance people’s quality of life and city management. To contribute to this vision, we have joined the Innovation For Smart City Competition organized by LSGI, and conceptualized our app, 綠色煮易, with the aim of promoting Smart Living. Through the utilization of technologies like GIS, our app intends to serve as a platform for citizens to effortlessly order local food ingredients. By doing so, we aspire to assist local farmers in expanding their customer base, thus fostering sustainable agriculture development and encouraging the adoption of green diets. We are honored to have the precious opportunity to visit Singapore and know more about the innovation done in Singapore for a smart nation. During the trip, we got the chance to visit the Singapore-ETH center and Center for Nature-Based Climate Solutions in NUS, Singapore Land Authority, CapitaSpring and Singapore City Gallery. We have learnt a large range of information such as impacts of climate change and the implementation and challenges of potential solutions, 3D mapping technology and even architecture and history of some landmarks in the nation. We were also impressed by the government's creation of innovative apps, such as MOGUL.sg, which facilitates property search and sales. Apart from gaining a deeper understanding of various technologies and issues, this trip provided us with a clearer vision of a smart city. Beyond mere reliance on technological hardware, we realized soft factors like community engagement are equally vital. Singapore's diverse population and inclusive attitude towards different cultures left a lasting impression on us. As we explored the streets, we encountered numerous churches, mosques, and other places of worship, reflecting Singapore's remarkable acceptance of cultural differences. This inclusiveness even extends to the relationship between people and nature, reflected by Singapore's commitment to greening and environmental conservation to combat climate change. A smart city, in our view, is where humans, trees, and other living beings can thrive in an environment that promotes innovation and creativity. We are grateful for the opportunity to visit Singapore and would like to express our gratitude to the department and professors that guided us and provided invaluable insights. We hope to apply the knowledge gained to contribute to the development of a better and smarter city in Hong Kong.

The First Earth Observation for Ecosystem, Infrastructure, and City (EO4EIC) Workshop was successfully held at PolyU

The First Earth Observation for Ecosystem, Infrastructure, and City (EO4EIC) Workshop, organized by the JC STEM Lab of Earth Observations and the Research Centre for Artificial Intelligence in Geomatics at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, took place successfully on August 7. We are delighted to have had an audience of over 100 attendees, including academic and research staff and graduate students from the LSGI, CEE of PolyU, as well as from HKU and CUHK.  This workshop aims to discuss compelling and emerging topics surrounding how to improve our understanding of the nexus among city, urban infrastructure and ecosystem with the latest earth observation technologies, and particularly how to better support the following three goals: (I) enhancing understanding on human-ecosystem interactions; (II) steering sustainable urban development’ and (III) improving urban infrastructure management and planning.  Professor Weng Qihao, Chair Professor of the LSGI at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, and Director of the JC STEM Lab of Earth Observations and the Research Centre for Artificial Intelligence in Geomatics delivered a warm welcome speech and provided an overview of the Lab and the Research Centre. We are fortunate to have four distinguished speakers in the workshop: Professor Zhang Xiaoyang (Professor, South Dakota State University); Professor Li Jun (Professor, China University of Geosciences); Professor Ma Peifeng (Vice-Chancellor Assistant Professor, The Chinese University of Hong Kong); and Professor Wu Jin (Assistant Professor, The University of Hong Kong). Each speaker brought a unique perspective and extensive experience in their respective fields, enriching the discussions and inspiring critical thinking about the role of Earth observation in shaping ecosystems, infrastructure, and cities. Interactive sessions, panel discussions, and networking opportunities were thoughtfully incorporated to facilitate knowledge exchange, idea sharing, and the fostering of collaborations that can drive tangible change. In closing, Professor Weng expressed gratitude to each distinguished speaker by presenting them with souvenirs as a token of appreciation for their insightful contributions to the workshop. Following the seminar session, an engaging follow-up discussion was initiated with all distinguished speakers to explore opportunities for academic exchange and potential research collaborations with PolyU. This post-workshop interaction allowed for deeper engagement and the nurturing of relationships that can drive future advancements. In summary, the EO4EIC Workshop marked an important milestone in our mission to promote a holistic and integrated perspective on EO  technology and urban science. The success of this workshop encourages us to continue organizing similar initiatives in the future, facilitating ongoing collaboration and exploration of innovative solutions. By harnessing the knowledge and networks formed during the EO4EIC Workshop, we aim to contribute to the transformation of cities towards greater sustainability, efficiency and resilience, three major goals of future cities.

LSGI and Mainland Universities Foster Academic Collaborations and Cultural Exchange via Summer Exchange Programme 2023

The Department of Land Surveying & Geo-Informatics (LSGI) partnered with three Mainland universities, Tongji University, China University of Mining and Technology, and National University of Information Science and Technology, to co-organize the Summer Exchange 2023. The exchange, which took place at PolyU and other visiting locations from July 23 to July 29, 2023, provided near 100 participating students (including both undergraduate and postgraduate students) with an enriching experience. During the week, professors and students from all 4 universities showcased their latest research and projects for academic exchange. In addition, the students were given tours of notable locations within PolyU and LSGI. These included visits to various LSGI labs such as the Laboratory for Deformation and Geohazards Studies, Navigation Laboratory, Underground Utility Survey Laboratory, and Laboratory for Smart City and Spatial Big Data Analytics. As part of the program, the participants had the privilege to visit two government units in Hong Kong, including the Survey and Mapping Office of the Lands Department, HKSAR Government, and the King's Park Meteorological Station of Hong Kong Observatory. These visits offered valuable insights into the cutting-edge advancements in land surveying and smart city development in Hong Kong. The students also got the opportunity to understand the operation and applications of various equipment in research related to meteorology. The exchange programme provided an invaluable platform for the students to gain exposure to a wide range of academic perspectives and activities. It was a resounding success in fostering academic collaborations and facilitating cultural exchange.

LSGI Students received Hong Kong Institute of Surveyors Awards for Outstanding Academic Achievements

The Hong Kong Institute of Surveyors (HKIS) held the Prize Presentation Ceremony at the Surveyors Learning Centre on 25 July 2023. The HKIS President, Sr Paul Wong, the Chairman of Board of Education, Sr Steven Tang and the Chairman of Research Committee, Sr Dr. Mei-yung Leung delivered inspiring speeches and presented the prizes to the award winners. In this year’s ceremony, we are proud to have 12 awardees from the Department of Land Surveying and Geo-Informatics (LSGI). 2022 Dissertation Awards were presented to four of our LSGI students from both bachelor and master categories for their outstanding dissertations in Land Surveying Division. Eight students from LSGI have also been awarded the HKIS Scholarship in recognition of their academic excellence in LSGI’s programmes.   Below is the full list of LSGI awardees: Dissertation Awards Prize Bachelor Category Merit Award: TANG Yin Leuk Top Award: KEUNG Pui Chun, Berman Master Category Merit Award (Master Category): TONG Man Po Top Award (Master Category): NIE Xuexue HKIS Scholarship Prize BSc(Hons) in Land Surveying and Geo-Informatics First Prize: SIN Ka Hei, WONG Tsun To Second Prize: CHEUNG Lai Sze, LAU Chung Tung Higher Diploma in Land Surveying and Geo-Informatics First Prize: CHU Wing Wai, WONG Hei Yin Second Prize: AU Kim Long, WONG Yeuk Mei   We are confident that our students and graduates will continue to excel in their studies and contribute significantly to the surveying industries. Congratulations to all the awardees on this well-deserved recognition!