The Research Institute for Land and Space (RILS) and the Jockey Club Design Institute for Social Innovation (J.C.DISI) of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), in collaboration with the Survey and Mapping Office of the Lands Department of the HKSAR Government, have jointly launched the “Walkin’HK” mobile application. Combining geospatial technology, academic research and social innovation, the project aims to promote inclusive mobility and serve the wider community.
Leveraging the Lands Department’s 3D digital maps and over 240 datasets from the Common Spatial Data Infrastructure (CSDI) portal, “Walkin’HK” accurately analyses pedestrian zones and offers users a highly precise 3D urban experience. Through an extensive 3D pedestrian network that incorporates barrier-free facilities, users can plan diverse walking routes and easily locate various community amenities using built-in spatial tools. Beyond assisting people of all ages, including those with special needs, the app actively supports the Government’s “15-minute community” initiative, encouraging walking as a sustainable and environmentally friendly mode of transport.
In a recent blog post, the Secretary for Development, Ms Bernadette LINN, highlighted that the Spatial Data Office under the Development Bureau is actively promoting spatial data sharing to support smart city development. The CSDI portal currently brings together more than 1,100 spatial datasets from over 70 government departments and public bodies, making official geographic data freely accessible to the public. The Office is also piloting the use of artificial intelligence to facilitate data collection and analysis, as well as the presentation of relevant information through map-based visualisation. Furthermore, the Government plans to develop a new server next year to enable users to directly search CSDI data via mainstream AI platforms, thereby expanding the practical application of spatial data.
During an interview on the RTHK programme Government and You, representatives of the Survey and Mapping Office explained that “Walkin’HK” can accurately assess walkable areas and surrounding amenities, offering citizens a variety of route options. The app provides practical information such as surface elevation and gradients, identifies facilities accessible within a 15-minute walk, and categorises facilities to six major categories. Ultimately, the application is designed to streamline daily travel and support Hong Kong’s development into a more liveable, walkable city.
Online coverage:
RTHK - https://polyu.me/4y7Uq2u (03:35-04:47)
Ta Kung Pao - https://polyu.me/4xgVuQq
Bauhinia - https://polyu.me/4xd2WvW
Flaming Wheels - https://polyu.me/4xb7P8u
RTHK - https://polyu.me/4gFEZIE
TVB - https://polyu.me/469k5eQ
CRHK - https://polyu.me/4r0xr6K
Wen Wei Po - https://polyu.me/469k8Hy
Hong Kong Commercial Daily - https://polyu.me/4cy4usS
Ming Pao Daily - https://polyu.me/3SU9TDY; https://polyu.me/3Tc31ls
Hong Kong Economic Journal - https://polyu.me/4cYUCsg
Hong Kong Economic Times - https://polyu.me/4xFO5Lg (subscription required)
HK01 - https://polyu.me/4cuWdGb
Bastille Post - https://polyu.me/4xGc6lv
RTHK - https://www.rthk.hk/tv/dtt31/programme/hkunited/episode/1122972
| Research Units | Research Institute for Land and Space |
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