News

LSGS Chair Professor Qihao WENG Ranks 7th Globally in Geological and Geomatics Engineering

We are delighted to announce that Prof. Qihao WENG, Director of the Research Centre for Artificial Intelligence in Geomatics (RCAIG) and Chair Professor of Geomatics and Artificial Intelligence in the Department of Land Surveying and Geospatial Science (LSGS) at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), has ranked 7th globally in the Geological and Geomatics Engineering sub-field on Stanford University’s 2026 "World's Top 2% Scientists" list. Recognized among the global top ten for his exceptional research metrics, Prof. WENG excels in both career-long and single-year citation impacts, continuing to push the boundaries of geospatial artificial intelligence (GeoAI) and urban environmental monitoring. Compiled by Stanford University and Elsevier, the database evaluates millions of researchers worldwide using standardized bibliometric indicators, including citation counts and h-index metrics across 20 subject fields and 174 sub-fields. LSGS extends its heartiest congratulations to Prof. WENG for this well-deserved global recognition and his ongoing dedication to driving innovation in geospatial science. Online coverage:  • Wen Wei Po - https://polyu.me/4s6rXYD; https://polyu.me/4i1Ig4l • Dot Dot News - https://polyu.me/4rZI9La  • GDTV - https://polyu.me/4B5lql4   

Prof. George LIU Selected as Ewha Global Fellow for 2027–2029

We are pleased to share that Prof. Zhizhao (George) LIU, Professor of the Department of Land Surveying and Geospatial Science (LSGS), The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), has been selected as an Ewha Global Fellow (EGF) for 2027–2029 at the Ewha Womans University, Seoul, South Korea. Founded in 1886, this year marks the 140th anniversary of the Ewha Womans University, one of the world’s largest women's research universities and a leading institution in higher education. The Ewha Global Fellow (EGF) program was launched to recognize distinguished international academics and encourage them to actively collaborate in research and education with Ewha faculty members. Prof. LIU is a world-renowned expert in Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS), Satellite Meteorology, Atmospheric Water Vapor Remote Sensing, and Multi-Sensor Data Assimilation for Numerical Weather Prediction (NWP). In recent years, his Micro-LARGE Laboratory has been primarily focusing on extreme precipitation forecasting based on multi-sensor data assimilation. He serves as Chief Scientist at the Meteorological Observation Center of the China Meteorological Administration (CMA), Scientific Advisor to the Hong Kong Observatory (HKO), and Adjunct Professor at the University of Calgary, Canada. At PolyU, Prof. LIU leads the Micro-LARGE Laboratory and plays a pivotal role as a research member in both Otto Poon Research Institute for Climate-Resilient Infrastructure (RICRI) and the State Key Laboratory of Climate Resilience for Coastal Cities. Currently he is deploying the Hong Kong Water Atmospheric Vapor Estimation System (HK-WAVES) on HKO's operational platform to directly support daily weather forecasting services. At the same time, he is leading the development of China’s nationwide Precise Point Positioning (PPP)-based WAVES to support CMA’s weather forecasting services. This prestigious appointment recognizes Prof. LIU’s international research excellence and opens up new avenues for interdisciplinary collaboration between PolyU and Ewha Womans University in geodesy, GNSS, satellite meteorology, and climate resilience. Congratulations to Prof. LIU on this well-deserved honor! 

PolyU Achieves Outstanding Global Rankings in Geography and Remote Sensing in ShanghaiRanking’s GRAS 2026

The Department of Land Surveying and Geospatial Science (LSGS) at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University is pleased to announce its exceptional achievements in the ShanghaiRanking’s Global Ranking of Academic Subjects (GRAS) 2026. In the latest evaluation, LSGS has secured prominent international positions in two of its core disciplines, ranking 23rd globally in Geography and 24th globally in Remote Sensing. These placements underscore LSGS's strong international standing and reaffirm its institutional commitment to academic excellence, pioneering research, and strategic industry partnerships. The ShanghaiRanking's Global Ranking of Academic Subjects utilizes a rigorous methodology based on objective academic indicators and peer-reviewed third-party data. World universities are evaluated across five critical areas of academic performance: World-Class Faculty World-Class Research Output High-Quality Research Research Impact International Collaboration These milestones reflect LSGS's sustained dedication to advancing geospatial technologies, spatial data science, and smart city innovations, further solidifying its reputation as a leading academic authority in the Asia-Pacific region. This global recognition enhances LSGS's capacity to attract top international talent and cultivate high-level research collaborations. LSGS extends its sincere appreciation to all faculty, researchers, students, and stakeholders whose dedication and scholarly contributions continue to drive these commendable institutional achievements. 

PolyU LSGS STEAM Talk Series for Secondary School Students 2026/2027

The Department of Land Surveying and Geospatial Science (LSGS) is organizing a STEAM Talk Series with the aim of introducing daily life applications and potential developments in Geospatial Science. 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), Underground Utilities Imaging and Diagnosis, Climate Change, Smart Transport and Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR). We are delighted to invite all secondary schools to participate in our STEAM Talk Series in 2026/2027.   STEAM Talk Topics by PolyU LSGS: 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 Geospatial 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) Millimetres That Matter: Keeping Cities Safe from Space (關鍵毫米：從太空守護城市安全) Mapping Our Future: How Geospatial Science Fights Climate Change (測繪未來：地理空間科學如何應對氣候變化) From Spatial Data to Intelligent Transportation System (從空間數據到智慧交通) * Description for each STEAM talk topic can be found HERE.   Date:   From October 2026 to July 2027 (exact date to be suggested by school) Target audience:   S.2 – S.6 Students (both Art and Science students are welcome) Medium:   Cantonese or English Venue:   Your Secondary School or PolyU Campus (a lab tour to be arranged at PolyU) Speaker:   Academic Staff from the Department of LSGS   Interested parties please fill in the online application form to indicate your preference of talk. For any questions, please feel free to contact Ms. April SO at 2766 4350 or april.so@polyu.edu.hk.   More Useful Information: LSGS at Social Media:  Facebook Instagram LinkedIn Youtube LSGS Undergraduate Programme in 2027/28: BSc (Hons) Scheme in Spatial Data Science and Smart Cities (JS3130)

Prof. Wu Bo Inspires Youth at “Tiangong Class,” Highlighting Hong Kong’s Aerospace Contributions

Prof. Bo WU—Fiona Cheung Professor in Spatial Science, Associate Head (Research) of the Department of Land Surveying and Geospatial Science (LSGS), Associate Director of the PolyU Aerospace Research Academy (ARA), and Associate Director of the Research Centre for Deep Space Explorations (RCDSE)—participated in the “Tiangong Class” Hong Kong and Macao Designated Session this morning. The event provided a unique platform for young people from Hong Kong and Macao to engage in direct, interactive dialogues with leading space experts and the Shenzhou-23 crew currently in orbit. During the session, Prof. WU highlighted Hong Kong scientists' two-decade participation in major national space exploration missions. He emphasised the deepening role of Hong Kong in national aerospace development, encouraging local youth to actively engage in aerospace science, technology, and innovation. Prof. WU’s insights and his encouragement of the next generation of space innovators also received widespread media coverage across major news outlets.   Online Coverage: South China Morning Post - https://polyu.me/4ysAPKb Bastillepost - https://polyu.me/3SyyE8I Orange news - https://polyu.me/4ifwxkv Dot Dot News - https://polyu.me/4gSSnt7 Wen Wei Po - https://polyu.me/4zZ1JuB; https://polyu.me/4iRjeqz Bastille Post - https://polyu.me/4ij0HDq  Ta Kung Pao - https://polyu.me/4inZjzw

LSGS Scholars Featured on Now TV for Smart Pipeline Inspection Technology

Ir Prof. Wallace Wai Lok LAI, Associate Head (Teaching) and Professor of the Department of Land Surveying and Geospatial Science (LSGS), and Postdoctoral Fellow Dr Wenchao HE, were recently featured on Now TV’s programme Now Report. The team demonstrated an AI-powered system called the Water Intelligent Network, which uses a vehicle-towed ground-penetrating radar and pipeline robots to find underground water leaks. Ir Prof. LAI explained that aging underground pipes are like hidden health problems. Finding small leaks early allows engineers to fix them before major water main bursts or road damage happen. To work well in crowded urban areas with weak satellite signals, the radar vehicle uses 360-degree cameras to pinpoint exact locations. Additionally, the team showed pipeline robots developed with the Water Supplies Department and a Shenzhen technology partner. These robots travel inside the pipes using cameras and microphones to locate leaks accurately, which minimizes the need for disruptive road digging.   Online Coverage: Now TV - https://polyu.me/4zO6kjf (11:00 - 14:20)

LSGS Student Orientation 2026

On 28 August 2026, the LSGS Orientation Day was held successfully at PolyU, offering a warm and inspiring welcome to the incoming cohort of undergraduate and master's degree freshmen. The afternoon commenced with an opening address by Prof. Wu CHEN, Head of Department of Land Surveying and Geospatial Science (LSGS), who introduced the department’s vision and highlighted the expanding frontiers of geospatial technology. The new students were encouraged to actively engage with the diverse academic resources and professional development paths offered by LSGS. To help freshmen navigate their academic journeys, specialized briefing sessions were led by the respective Programme Leaders. Prof. Xiaolin ZHU presented the curriculum and career pathways for the BSc (Hons) undergraduate programmes, while Prof. Xintao LIU detailed the advanced modules for the MSc in Geomatics and MSc in Urban Informatics and Smart Cities. Through these interactive presentations and opportunities to meet with faculty members, the orientation provided the new cohort with the vital insights, connections, and motivation required to excel in their chosen fields. LSGS wishes all freshmen a highly rewarding, inspiring, and successful university life at PolyU.

Delegation from College of Surveying and Geo-Informatics, Tongji University Visits LSGS

From 19 to 21 August 2026, the Department of Land Surveying and Geospatial Science (LSGS) at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) welcomed a delegation from the College of Surveying and Geo-Informatics of Tongji University for a dynamic three-day academic exchange. On 19 August, the visit commence with a series of expert lectures delivered by LSGS faculty members Prof. Xiaolin ZHU, Dr. Guoqiang SHI, and Dr. Xuanyu QU, followed by an afternoon tour of the University Gallery and key departmental facilities, including the Remote Sensing Laboratory, Underground Utility Survey Laboratory, and the Laboratory for Smart City and Spatial Big Data Analytics. The exchange continued on 20 August with a lecture by Prof. Xintao LIU and engaging research presentations by PolyU postgraduate students, complemented by an afternoon field visit to the Hong Kong UNESCO Global Geopark. The final day on 21 August featured collaborative research presentations and discussions by Tongji postgraduate students, concluding with an insightful afternoon visit to the Hong Kong Observatory that successfully strengthened institutional ties and paved the way for future cooperation. The successful three-day visit significantly strengthened institutional ties, fostered meaningful student and faculty dialogue, and paved the way for future collaborative initiatives between LSGS and Tongji University.

LSGS Student Awarded the Prestigious Sun Hung Kai Properties (SHKP) Scholarship

We extend our warmest congratulations to our Year 2 student, Miss SHIM Cheuk Ying, on this outstanding achievement, which recognizes both her exceptional academic performance and her dedication to the field of Geospatial Science. Originally established in the 2022/23 academic year by the Sun Hung Kai Properties – Kwoks’ Foundation Limited, the scheme aims to nurture future talent across project management, construction, engineering, surveying, and real estate disciplines at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU). Miss SHIM was selected as one of the awardees for the 2025/26 cohort, standing out among a competitive pool of applicants from related technical disciplines. The presentation ceremony brought together university leadership and senior executives to celebrate the achievements of the awardees. This recognition highlights Miss SHIM’s hard work and underscores the high standard of excellence maintained by LSGS students. The award will empower her to pursue her academic goals and professional aspirations. LSGS remains dedicated to cultivating a supportive and stimulating learning environment that enables students to reach their full potential and become future leaders in the industry. Once again, congratulations to Miss SHIM Cheuk Ying on this well-deserved honor.

LSGS Hosted PolyU-Mainland Universities Geospatial Science Summer Camp 2026 to Strengthen Academic Exchange and Talent Collaboration

Serving as a vital platform for academic exchange, talent recruitment, and institutional collaboration, the PolyU–Mainland Universities Geospatial Science Summer Camp 2026 successfully brought together faculty and students from LSGS and seven prestigious Mainland institutions, alongside key Hong Kong government representatives. The participating Mainland institutions included the School of Space Science and Technology at Shandong University, the School of Remote Sensing and Information Engineering as well as the School of Resource and Environmental Sciences at Wuhan University, the Faculty of Geographical Science at Beijing Normal University, the School of Environment and Spatial Informatics at the China University of Mining and Technology, the Department of Urban Informatics within the School of Architecture and Urban Planning at Shenzhen University, and the School of Geomatics at the Anhui University of Science and Technology. The dynamic three-day programme commenced with welcoming opening remarks delivered by Prof. Wu CHEN, Head and Chair Professor of Department of Land Surveying and Geospatial Science (LSGS) at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), setting an inspiring tone for the event. This was followed by insightful scholarly presentations from Prof. Yang XU, Associate Head & Associate Professor of Department of Land Surveying and Geospatial Science (LSGS) and Prof. Xiaolin ZHU, Associate Professor of Department of Land Surveying and Geospatial Science (LSGS) who shared their extensive research directions, technical experiences, and professional career journeys with the participants. On the second day, representatives from the Survey and Mapping Office (SMO) of the Lands Department, HKSAR Government, provided valuable industry insights into public sector applications of geospatial technology. The delegates then embarked on a comprehensive PolyU campus and laboratory tour, featuring guided visits to the Laboratory for Smart City and Spatial Big Data Analytics, the Underground Utility Survey Laboratory, and the University Gallery, showcasing PolyU's cutting-edge facilities and innovations in the field. The final day of the programme featured a detailed introduction to the LSGS PhD and MSc postgraduate programmes by Prof. Xintao LIU, Associate Professor of Department of Land Surveying and Geospatial Science (LSGS). Dedicated networking sessions and student experience-sharing followed, allowing teachers and students to exchange academic highlights, discuss future study strategies, and build enduring cross-institutional relationships. The successful summer camp was officially concluded with closing remarks delivered by Prof. Yang XU, marking another milestone in regional academic collaboration. LSGS extends its heartfelt appreciation to all participating faculty, students, and government partners whose enthusiasm made this summer camp an extraordinary success. Building on this momentum, LSGS looks forward to hosting the camp again in the future—expanding its reach to welcome more institutions and further strengthening regional collaboration in geospatial science.