On 15 December 2025, the Research Centre for Artificial Intelligence in Geomatics (RCAIG) at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) successfully hosted a seminar titled “Risk Informed Decision Making – The Role of Geospatial Information and Intelligence,” bringing together over 30 participants from academia, research, and industry.
The seminar, organized by RCAIG and moderated by Professor Qihao Weng, Director of the JC STEM Lab of Earth Observations and RCAIG, featured distinguished international expert Dr. Umamaheshwaran Rajasekar from New Delhi, India. Professor Weng, who also extended the invitation to Dr. Rajasekar, welcomed attendees and facilitated an engaging discussion on the critical role of geospatial intelligence in today’s rapidly changing risk landscape.
Dr. Rajasekar shared insights on how intensifying hydrometeorological extremes and geophysical hazards are impacting global infrastructure. He introduced the Global Infrastructure Risk Model and Resilience Index (GIRI), a state-of-the-art tool that provides probabilistic risk estimates across six natural hazards and eight critical infrastructure sectors. By leveraging open geospatial data platforms, GIRI supports evidence-based decision making for governments and climate policymakers.
Researchers and students from RCAIG actively participated in the Q&A session, asking insightful questions and engaging in lively discussions with Dr. Rajasekar. In addition, Dr. Rajasekar had a dedicated discussion with PhD students, offering valuable insights and advice on their academic journey. Their active involvement contributed to a dynamic exchange of ideas and highlighted the centre’s commitment to advancing knowledge in geospatial intelligence.
