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On May 4, Prof. Qihao Weng, Director of the JC STEM Lab of Earth Observations and the Research Centre for Artificial Intelligence in Geomatics (RCAIG) at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, was recently invited as an honorary guest to attend the HK ArcGIS Launch Ceremony hosted by Esri China (Hong Kong). The event celebrated the official introduction of HK ArcGIS, a specialized platform developed specifically for Hong Kong with locally owned in

15 May 2026

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On April 30, 2026, the Research Centre for Artificial Intelligence in Geomatics (RCAIG) at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University held its monthly workshop, bringing together researchers and students from the centre. Hosted by Prof. Qihao Weng, Chair Professor of Geomatics and Artificial Intelligence, and chaired by Dr. Pir Mohammad, Research Assistant Professor, the workshop explored a diverse array of topics in the field.    The workshop highligh

12 May 2026

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On 28 April 2026, members of the Research Centre for Artificial Intelligence in Geomatics (RCAIG) conducted a technical visit to the Land Registry Archive at the Sha Tin Government Offices.  The visit began with a detailed overview of the history and evolution of land registration in Hong Kong, followed by a viewing of the Archive’s preserved historical records. This session offered participants a unique perspective on how archival data serves a

11 May 2026

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On April 9, 2026, the Research Centre for Artificial Intelligence in Geomatics (RCAIG) at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) was honored to host 28 students and 3 faculty members from the Hong Kong College of Technology (HKCT).  Professor Qihao Weng, Director of the JC STEM Lab of Earth Observations and RCAIG, along with his lab members, extended a warm welcome to the visitors. During a guided tour of the RCAIG, Professor Weng shared t

28 Apr 2026

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On 15 May 2026, the Department of Land Surveying and Geo-Informatics (LSGI) at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) was honored to welcome Prof. Xiaoxiang Zhu from the Technical University of Munich (TUM), who visited at the invitation of Prof. Qihao Weng, Director of the JC STEM Lab of Earth Observations and the Research Centre for Artificial Intelligence in Geomatics (RCAIG). During her visit, Prof. Zhu delivered a seminar titled “AI fo

19 May 2026

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Prof. Xiaoxiang Zhu Delivers Insightful Seminar on AI for Earth Observation at PolyU

On 15 May 2026, the Department of Land Surveying and Geo-Informatics (LSGI) at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) was honored to welcome Prof. Xiaoxiang Zhu from the Technical University of Munich (TUM), who visited at the invitation of Prof. Qihao Weng, Director of the JC STEM Lab of Earth Observations and the Research Centre for Artificial Intelligence in Geomatics (RCAIG). During her visit, Prof. Zhu delivered a seminar titled “AI for Earth Observation: From Petabytes to Actionable Insights,” which attracted more than 70 participants.  In the seminar, Prof. Zhu discussed how artificial intelligence is reshaping Earth observation by transforming massive volumes of satellite data into actionable insights. She highlighted the growing importance of geoinformation derived from Earth observation satellite data in addressing major societal challenges, including urbanization, climate change, and sustainable development. She also discussed how recent advances in artificial intelligence and foundation models are opening new opportunities for large-scale geoinformation retrieval and Earth system understanding.  Following Prof. Zhu’s presentation, faculty members, research staff, and students from LSGI and RCAIG raised many insightful questions, leading to a lively academic exchange with Prof. Zhu. After the seminar, Prof. Weng introduced Prof. Zhu to the RCAIG facilities and shared the centre’s latest research initiatives.  The visit served as a valuable platform for knowledge exchange, strengthening the academic ties between the Chair of Data Science in Earth Observation at TUM and the LSGI & RCAIG at PolyU. By bringing together leading experts and aspiring researchers, the event highlighted the critical role of interdisciplinary innovation in shaping the future of geomatics and environmental sustainability.  

19 May, 2026

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Prof. Qihao Weng Attends HK ArcGIS Launch Ceremony: A New Milestone in Local Geospatial Innovation

On May 4, Prof. Qihao Weng, Director of the JC STEM Lab of Earth Observations and the Research Centre for Artificial Intelligence in Geomatics (RCAIG) at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, was recently invited as an honorary guest to attend the HK ArcGIS Launch Ceremony hosted by Esri China (Hong Kong). The event celebrated the official introduction of HK ArcGIS, a specialized platform developed specifically for Hong Kong with locally owned intellectual property rights acquired from Esri Headquarters.  Built on world-leading ArcGIS technology, the platform supports Hong Kong's digital transformation with geoprocessing tools tailored to local scenarios. The system provides ready-to-use local datasets and out-of-the-box, pre-trained GeoAI models that have been specifically optimized for local urban features. This launch marks an important milestone in advancing trusted, locally developed GIS solutions that allow different data sources to be connected through geospatial mapping to assist in complex analysis and decision making.  The launch of HK ArcGIS represents an encouraging step toward strengthening Hong Kong’s local geospatial innovation ecosystem. RCAIG warmly congratulates its valued collaborator, Esri China (Hong Kong), on this important milestone. Under the leadership of Prof. Qihao Weng, RCAIG looks forward to further strengthening collaboration with Esri China (Hong Kong) in academic-industry exchange, applied GeoAI research, and the development of smarter, more sustainable, and locally responsive spatial solutions for Hong Kong.

15 May, 2026

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Driving Innovation in GeoAI: Highlights from the April RCAIG Monthly Workshop

On April 30, 2026, the Research Centre for Artificial Intelligence in Geomatics (RCAIG) at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University held its monthly workshop, bringing together researchers and students from the centre. Hosted by Prof. Qihao Weng, Chair Professor of Geomatics and Artificial Intelligence, and chaired by Dr. Pir Mohammad, Research Assistant Professor, the workshop explored a diverse array of topics in the field.    The workshop highlighted a series of presentations by senior researchers, showcasing recent advances in urban climate, ecosystem resilience, and compound climate hazards. Dr. Pir Mohammad examined the driving variables of surface urban heat islands in Indian cities using a non-linear modelling approach. Dr. Chouaib El Hachimi demonstrated how mechanistic process understanding can guide AI models to improve evapotranspiration mapping. Dr. Md Mizanur Rahman presented findings on how extreme climate conditions reduce blue carbon in the world’s largest mangrove forest in Bangladesh. Dr. Baoling Gui discussed vegetation resilience, arguing that future vegetation states are largely constrained by historical conditions, while climate disturbances play a modulating role. Dr. Haider Abbas highlighted the increasing frequency, trends, and persistence of global humid-heat compound extremes, underscoring the urgency of addressing compound climate hazards in adaptation and policy planning.  The workshop also included presentations by Ph.D. students on urban mobility, vegetation dynamics, mangrove monitoring, climate vulnerability, building function mapping, and urban mobile carbon emissions. Ms. Mingyue Xu presented on equity-aware micromobility rebalancing through priority-risk prediction and truck-level control. Mr. Hamza Mukhtar examined the effects of Himalayan vegetation phenology shifts on ecosystem carbon uptake. Mr. Longjie Ye introduced a remote-sensing framework for large-scale mangrove canopy height estimation in coastal China. Ms. Wanru He explored the joint influence of climate and social vulnerability on migration. Ms. Yuhan Zhou presented a hierarchical framework for global building function mapping, and Mr. Zhixing Chen analyzed mobile carbon emissions and their driving factors in major global cities from 2017 to 2024.  Throughout the workshop, Prof. Qihao Weng actively guided the discussions and provided in-depth feedback on each research topic. After each presentation, he engaged with the speakers through constructive comments and practical suggestions to help refine their research designs.  The workshop continued to provide an important platform for RCAIG members to share research progress, exchange ideas, and refine ongoing work. By bringing together diverse topics ranging from coastal ecosystem monitoring to urban micromobility, the workshop supported cross-disciplinary discussion and collaboration. These monthly gatherings will continue to support RCAIG’s efforts to advance GeoAI research and contribute to a more sustainable and resilient future. 

12 May, 2026

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Bridging History and Innovation: RCAIG and the Land Registry Discuss AI for Archival and Cadastral Management

On 28 April 2026, members of the Research Centre for Artificial Intelligence in Geomatics (RCAIG) conducted a technical visit to the Land Registry Archive at the Sha Tin Government Offices.  The visit began with a detailed overview of the history and evolution of land registration in Hong Kong, followed by a viewing of the Archive’s preserved historical records. This session offered participants a unique perspective on how archival data serves as the foundation for modern land administration and public services.  Professor Qihao Weng, Director of the JC STEM Lab of Earth Observations and RCAIG, provided an overview of the Centre’s establishment and shared updates on its latest research and projects.  To conclude the visit, both parties engaged in a productive brainstorming session to explore potential collaborations. The discussion focused on the intersection of AI and geomatics, specifically addressing how AI can enhance cadastral surveys and its potential to transcribe and trace historical documents written in traditional calligraphy. The group also discussed the feasibility of developing specialized applications to streamline these processes.  Overall, the visit served as a valuable platform for knowledge exchange, laying the groundwork for future partnerships between RCAIG and the Land Registry. By bridging archival expertise with cutting-edge AI research, both organizations look forward to exploring innovative solutions for land record management.

11 May, 2026

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Inspiring the Next Generation: HKCT Students Explore the Future of Geomatics at RCAIG

On April 9, 2026, the Research Centre for Artificial Intelligence in Geomatics (RCAIG) at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) was honored to host 28 students and 3 faculty members from the Hong Kong College of Technology (HKCT).  Professor Qihao Weng, Director of the JC STEM Lab of Earth Observations and RCAIG, along with his lab members, extended a warm welcome to the visitors. During a guided tour of the RCAIG, Professor Weng shared the center’s history, its core mission, and its current groundbreaking projects. Following the tour, Mr. Longjie Ye, an RCAIG PhD candidate, demonstrated a 360-degree scanning sensor, sparking the students' interest in scientific innovation. Other RCAIG researchers also actively engaged in the exchange, sharing their specialized expertise and providing insights into the diverse research areas currently being explored at the center.  Professor Weng also held a Q&A session, answering students' questions and inspiring them to envision practical applications of technology in solving real-world challenges.  The exchange provided a valuable platform for knowledge sharing between RCAIG and HKCT. By opening our doors to aspiring students and faculty, we aim to bridge the gap between advanced research and practical education. RCAIG remains dedicated to fostering a collaborative environment that encourages the exploration of emerging technologies and their potential to solve global challenges. 

28 Apr, 2026

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RCAIG Workshop Highlights: March 2026

On March 27, 2026, researchers and students from the Research Centre for Artificial Intelligence in Geomatics (RCAIG) at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University convened for their monthly workshop series. Hosted by Prof. Qihao Weng, Chair Professor of Geomatics and Artificial Intelligence, and chaired by Dr. Pir Mohammad, Research Assistant Professor, the series serves as a dynamic platform for showcasing cutting-edge advancements at the intersection of geomatics and AI.  The session featured a series of insightful presentations by the center's postdocs. Dr. Binbin Li gave a presentation on how to fuse ICESat-2 laser altimeter data and other remote sensing data to quantify the potential submergence of global main river deltas; he shared the results of the potential submergence area and population within these deltas. Dr. Yijie Wu presented findings on urban morphological similarity derived from deep embeddings, showing that similarity is jointly regulated by built coverage and building height. Dr. Xihong Lian examined population exposure to compound extreme climate events. Dr. Kalingga Titon Nur Ihsan assessed the uncertainty of future solar energy supply under climate change projections. Dr. Peiyi Yin presented a preliminary data exploration on how urbanization affects temperature sensitivity to spring vegetation phenology across the Northern Hemisphere. Dr. Rui Sun presented updated findings exploring the association between fire and LST changes following forest loss, as well as the potential underlying mechanisms. She also introduced the recent fieldwork at the Dongzhaigang Mangrove Reserve, covering the team's itinerary and the ground data collected during the survey.  The workshop also showcased the work of the center’s Ph.D. candidates. Miss Mengying Cao presented her work on interactions between above- and belowground vegetation phenology across diverse climate zones in the Northern Hemisphere. Mr. Xin Li presented a temperature-based urban green space edge effect and its impact mechanisms. Miss Lihong Wang explained that, in the context of climate change, the response mechanisms of the three phenological stages of natural and planted forests to climate—as well as the carryover effects of the previous stage—are different. Mr. Ziyun Yan’s research demonstrated that self-supervised time-series models are capable of perceiving dynamic changes on the Earth's surface and successfully visualizing them. Mr. Weipeng Lu introduced recent research on 3D land use efficiency and found that there is an illusion of 2D sustainable development which is actually an overdraft of 3D space. Mr. Longjie Ye introduced his fieldwork at Dongzhaigang in Hainan, acquiring UAV imagery to monitor mangrove growth under the disturbances of typhoons and pests.  Throughout the session, Prof. Qihao Weng provided expert leadership by steering the academic discourse and offering critical insights on each presentation. His constructive critiques allowed the researchers to further sharpen their methodologies and theoretical frameworks.   The workshop concluded with a forward-looking discussion on the evolving landscape of AI-driven geomatics, highlighting RCAIG’s ongoing commitment to fostering a culture of interdisciplinary innovation and academic excellence.

16 Apr, 2026

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Register Now: 2026 Workshop and Tutorial in GeoAI Advancements and Applications

Date: 11–12 June 2026 Venue: GH201, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong Organized by: Research Centre for Artificial Intelligence in Geomatics (RCAIG); JC STEM Lab of Earth Observations Supported by: Spatial Data Office; Department of Land Surveying and Geo-Informatics; and Research Institute of Land and Space, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University   Overview The 2026 Workshop and Tutorial in GeoAI Advancements and Applications will explore the forefront of geospatial artificial intelligence (GeoAI) advancements and applications in ecosystems, infrastructure, and cities. In an era where artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing the fields of Earth observations, geomatics, big data, environmental sciences, and sustainable development, this workshop will immerse participants in cutting-edge AI technologies and recent advancements, demonstrate their applications to complex real-world problems, and guide the derivation of meaningful scientific insights.   Registration Options LSGI Members: Current students and staff members of LSGI are invited to register free of charge using the link below: https://forms.office.com/r/YW6rCQ8Mgs?origin=lprLink   External Participants: If you are not a member of the LSGI department, please proceed to our External Registration Portal or scan the QR CODE on the poster to complete your registration and payment: https://cems.polyu.edu.hk/register?id=3B6C7928-2B8B-49ED-85A5-95AECEC5E092   Exclusive Registration Perks All registered external participants will receive a comprehensive hospitality package on their registered day(s), including: • Coffee breaks with refreshments • Complimentary Lunch • Welcome Dinner • Official Programme Brochure   Guests of Honor We are honored to welcome our distinguished guests: • Mr. Hendrick Sin: Deputy to the National People’s Congress; Co-founder and Controlling Shareholder, CMGE Technology Group; Chairman, China Prosperity Capital; President, Internet Professional Association; and Chairman, the Hong Kong Government AI Subsidy Scheme. • Mr. Duncan Chiu: Member of the Legislative Council for the Technology and Innovation functional constituency of HKSAR; President of the Hong Kong Information Technology Joint Council (HKITJC); Chairman of HKTDC Information & Communications Technology (ICT) Services Advisory Committee; and Chairman, Information Technology Services Committee of the Hospital Authority. • Professor Jiannong Cao: Vice President (Education), Otto Poon Charitable Foundation Professor in Data Science, Chair Professor of Distributed and Mobile Computing, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University. • Sr Professor Paul Tsui: Chief Executive Officer, Esri China (Hong Kong) Limited; Adjunct Professor, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology. • Sr Raymond Choi: Head of Spatial Data Office, Development Bureau, HKSAR Government • Mr. Keran Wang: Chief, Space Applications Section, Information and Communications Technology and Disaster Risk Reduction Division, United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UN ESCAP).   Invited Speakers Our program features a distinguished group of global keynote speakers, including Prof. Jiannong Cao (PolyU), Prof. Michael Batty (UCL), Prof. Lan Mu (UGA), Prof. Dev Niyogi (UT Austin), Mr. Keran Wang (UN ESCAP), Prof. Maria Antonia Brovelli (PoliMI), Prof. Yu Liu (Peking), Prof. Bisheng Yang (WHU), Prof. Bo Huang (HKU), Prof. Hui Su (HKUST), Prof. Jun Li (CUG), Prof. Xiaoli Ding (PolyU), and Prof. QihaoWeng (PolyU).    We are also excited to host a lineup of invited speakers: Prof. CheolheeYoo (PNU, Korea), Prof. Jie Chen (CSU), Prof. ChunpengChen (ECNU), Prof. Ting Yun (NJFU), Dr. Hao Li (NUS, Singapore), Prof. Kazuto Ichii(Chiba U, Japan), Prof. XiaojuanQi (HKU), Prof. HongshengZhang (HKU), Prof. Bin Chen (HKU), Prof. Kai Han (HKU), Prof. Xi Chen (CUHK), Prof. George Liu (PolyU), Prof. Xiaolin Zhu (PolyU), Prof. Guoqiang Shi (PolyU), Prof. TiangangYin (PolyU), Prof. XintaoLiu (PolyU), Prof. Yang Xu (PolyU), and Prof. Catherine Liu (PolyU).    Presentation Titles Prof. Jiannong Cao: Towards the Future of Ubiquitous AI Prof. Cheolhee Yoo: Remote Sensing for Urban Sustainability: Tracking Heat Risk and Emissions Amid Rapid Urban Growth Prof. Lan Mu: Applications First: What Really Drives GeoAI in Health and Environmental Studies  Prof. Xintao Liu: Spatial Data Science and Smart Cities in Hong Kong  Prof. Yang Xu: Modeling Fleet Size and Parking Needs for Shared Autonomous Vehicles in Future Cities Prof. Catherine Liu: FMDA-SI: Flow-Matching based Data Assimilation with Sparse and Irregular observations Prof. Hongsheng Zhang: Multimodal Remote Sensing of Coastal Environments Prof. Bo Huang: Spatial Intelligence for Urban Environmental Sustainability Prof. Yu Liu: Towards Spatial Intelligence versus Geo-spatial Intelligence Prof. Jie Chen: Bridging Morphology and Function: A Morphology -Guided Multimodal Model for Global Urban Region Representation Prof. Kai Han: Taming Foundation Models for Spatial Intelligence Prof. Maria Antonia Brovelli: Consensus-Based Labeling and Foundation Model Fine Tuning for Global High-Resolution Land Cover Mapping Dr. Vivek Anand: ReaLiTy and LADS: Physics-Aware LiDAR Data Adaptation for Cross-Sensor Domain and Adverse-Weather Scenarios Prof. Xiaolin Zhu: Applicability of AlphaEarth Foundations in mapping small objects Prof. Guoqiang Shi: Satellite and Deep-Learning Empowered Infrastructure Health Monitoring for Hong Kong's Reclamations Prof. Xiaoli Ding: GeoAI Meets InSAR: Opportunities, Challenges, and Perspectives Prof. Tiangang Yin: Site-to-Sensor Digital Twins: Physics-Guided AI for Enhancing Forest Information Retrieval From Remote Sensing Prof. Bin Chen: Multi-Dimensional Urban Sensing Empowered by Geospatial Big Data Prof. Hui Su: HIWindCast: A Deep Learning Model for Operational High-Resolution Tropical Cyclone Wind Forecasting  Prof. Xi Chen: UAV-based Multimodal Sensing for Horseshoe Crab Conservation Dr. Hao Li: Responsible AI for Geography: Shaping A Disaster Resilient Future in the Changing Climate Mr. Keran Wang: Empowering the youth for innovations in geospatial applications for sustainable development  Prof. Dev Noyogi: City Digital Twins Prof. Jun Li: GeoAI-Driven Heterogeneous Data Fusion for Urban Flood Monitoring Prof. Ting Yun: A Spherical-Harmonic Deep Learning Framework for Generic Tree Morphology and Species Identification Prof. Kazuto Ichii: Toward GeoAI-Driven Terrestrial Monitoring with Geostationary Satellites: High-Frequency Big Data, Downscaling, and Upscaling  Prof. Chunpeng Chen: GeoAI for Coastal Sustainability Monitoring and Applications   About the Workshop The Workshop and Tutorial in GeoAI Advancements and Applications is the flagship annual event of the Research Centre for Artificial Intelligence in Geomatics (RCAIG) at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University. Now in its third year, this international forum is dedicated to exploring the forefront of Geospatial Artificial Intelligence (GeoAI) and its transformative impact on ecosystems, infrastructure, climate resilience, and urban systems.   Chaired by Professor Qihao Weng, a global leader of Earth observation and GeoAI, the workshop serves as a premier platform for researchers and practitioners from academia, industry, and government to exchange cutting-edge ideas. Its mission is to bridge the gap between AI theory and real-world implementation, focusing on the derivation of meaningful scientific insights from Earth observations and complex geospatial data and cultivating future leaders.     The two-day rundowns are as follows:

14 Apr, 2026

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LegCo Member Mr. Duncan Chiu Visits RCAIG

On April 9, 2026, the Research Centre for Artificial Intelligence in Geomatics (RCAIG) at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) was honored to host Mr. Duncan Chiu, Member of the Legislative Council for the Technology and Innovation functional constituency of the HKSAR.  Professor Qihao Weng, Director of the JC STEM Lab of Earth Observations and RCAIG, extended a warm welcome to Mr. Chiu alongside a distinguished group of colleagues. This welcoming party included Dr. Laura Lo, Associate Vice President (Institutional Advancement) of PolyU, as well as Sr. Ben Chan Siu-bun, former Deputy Director of the Lands Department (Survey and Mapping), and Mr. Chan Yue Chun, Land Surveyor (Technical) from the Survey and Mapping Office Headquarters. During a guided tour of the RCAIG, Professor Weng shared the center's developmental history, its core mission, and the strategic vision behind its establishment. Following the tour, all parties engaged in an in-depth exchange to discuss potential future collaborations and shared objectives in the field.  Biography:  Duncan Chiu is an advocate of local Tech and Innovation policies, a tech entrepreneur, a veteran investor and is often regarded as the leading figure in Hong Kong's Tech and Innovation sector. In 2022, Duncan was elected to the 7th term of the Legislative Council, representing the Technology and Innovation Constituency. Duncan has been a key contributor to Hong Kong's T&I development. He is President of Hong Kong Information Technology Joint Council and Convenor of Innovate for Future, a think tank representing some of the leading start-ups. He is also Chairman of HKTDC Information & Communications Technology (ICT) Services Advisory Committee, Chairman of Advisory Committee of the Department of Systems Engineering & Engineering Management of The Chinese University of Hong Kong, and Member of Advisory Committee of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University. Duncan is also Member of Hospital Authority, Chairman of its Information Technology Services Committee, and Chairman of Hospital Governing Committee of Tin Shui Wai Hospital, Secretary-General of Asian Squash Federation, Chairman of Hong Kong Squash and Chairman of Lai Yuen Company Limited. 

14 Apr, 2026

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Academician Xia Jun Visits RCAIG to Explore Innovations in Remote Sensing and Geomatics

On March 27, 2026, the Research Centre for Artificial Intelligence in Geomatics (RCAIG) at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University was honored to host Professor Xia Jun, a distinguished Academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the director of The Research Institute for Water Security (RIWS) at Wuhan University. Professor Xia was accompanied by a delegation of his students and fellow researchers.  Professor Qihao Weng, Director of the JC STEM Lab of Earth Observations and RCAIG, extended a warm welcome to the visitors. During a guided tour of the RCAIG facilities, Professor Weng shared the center's developmental history and the vision behind its establishment. Following the tour, the two parties engaged in an in-depth academic exchange, discussing cutting-edge developments and future directions in the field of remote sensing.  To conclude the visit, Professor Weng presented Professor Xia with recent issues of Poleis, RCAIG’s flagship magazine, providing deeper insights into the center's ongoing research initiatives and academic milestones.   Biography:  Professor Academician Jun Xia is the academician of Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Professor & Director of The Research Institute for Water Security (RIWS), Wuhan University. His work is featuring on the nonlinear system theory of hydrology. Professor Xia proposed the “Urban Water System, version 5.0” by linking urban systems with river basin systems and applied it to smart basin management, which was awarded the Second Prize of the National Natural Science in 2017. Besides, Professor Xia led the development of the “Yangtze River Simulator,” which was selected as one of the “Top-10 Scientific and Technological Progress in China’s Ecological Environment (2023)”. 

1 Apr, 2026

2026 call for papers

SECOND CALL FOR PAPERS: 2026 Workshop and Tutorial in GeoAI Advancements and Applications

Date: 11–12 June 2026 Venue: The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong Organized by: Research Centre for Artificial Intelligence in Geomatics (RCAIG), and JC STEM Lab of Earth Observations; Department of Land Surveying and Geo-Informatics; Research Institute of Land and Space, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University    Overview The Research Centre for Artificial Intelligence in Geomatics (RCAIG) at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University is pleased to announce the 2026 Workshop and Tutorial in GeoAI Advancements and Applications. This international workshop explores the forefront of geospatial artificial intelligence (GeoAI) advancements and applications in ecosystems, infrastructure, and cities. In an era where artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing the fields of Earth observations, geomatics, Earth and environmental sciences, urban studies, climate and sustainability sciences, computing and data science, the workshop immerses participants in cutting-edge AI technologies and recent advancements, demonstrates their applications to complex real-world problems, and guides the derivation of meaningful scientific insights.    Scope and Topics We invite submissions of abstracts related to cutting-edge AI technologies and their applications in solving real-world problems. Topics of interest include, but are not limited to: 1. Foundations & Methods -GeoAI fundamentals and core methodologies -Physics-aware learning of GeoAI -Large language models and vision-language models of GeoAI -Explainability and interpretability of GeoAI -Bias, uncertainty, and transparency of GeoAI 2. Data, Sensing & Infrastructure -GeoAI in Earth observations and remote sensing -Geospatial data modernization -Edge computing for real-time sensing, processing, and surveying -Geovisual analytics, people sensors, and human-centered GeoAI 3. Applications -GeoAI for sustainability (climate, disasters, energy, emissions, etc.) -AI transformation of digital twins and urban analytics -Generative and agentic AI for geospatial data completion, assessment, and simulation 4. Governance, Ethics & Society -Security, ethics, and transparency in GeoAI -Regulation and governance of GeoAI technologies -GeoAI education and training for the public and decision-makers   Guests of Honor We are honored to welcome our distinguished guests: • Mr. Hendrick Sin: Co-founder and Controlling Shareholder, CMGE Technology Group; Chairman, China Prosperity Capital; President, Internet Professional Association; and Chairman, the Hong Kong Government AI Subsidy Scheme. • Professor Paul Tsui: Chief Executive Officer, Esri China (Hong Kong) Limited; Adjunct Professor, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology. • Professor Ben Chan: Adjunct Professor, Research Institute for Land and Space, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University.   Invited Speakers Our program features a distinguished group of global keynote speakers, including Prof. Michael Batty (UCL), Prof. Lan Mu (UGA), Prof. Dev Niyogi (UT Austin), Mr. Keran Wang (UN ESCAP), Prof. Maria Antonia Brovelli (PoliMI), Prof. Yu Liu (Peking), Prof. Bisheng Yang (WHU), Prof. Bo Huang (HKU), Prof. Hui Su (HKUST), Prof. Jun Li (CUG), Prof. Jiannong Cao (PolyU) and Prof. Xiaoli Ding (PolyU) and Prof. Qihao Weng (PolyU).  We are also excited to host a lineup of invited speakers: Prof. Xiao Huang (Emory, USA), Prof. Cheolhee Yoo (PNU, Korea), Prof. Jie Chen (CSU), Prof. Chunpeng Chen (ECNU), Prof Ting Yun (NJFU), Dr. Hao Li (NUS, Singapore), Prof. Xiaojuan Qi (HKU), Prof. Hongsheng Zhang (HKU), Prof. Bin Chen (HKU), Prof. Kai Han (HKU), Prof. Xi Chen (CUHK), Prof. George Liu (PolyU), Prof. Xiaolin Zhu (PolyU), Prof. Guoqiang Shi (PolyU), Prof. Tiangang Yin (PolyU), Prof. Xintao Liu (PolyU), Prof. Yang Xu (PolyU) and Prof. Catherine Liu (PolyU).    About the Workshop The Workshop and Tutorial in GeoAI Advancements and Applications is the flagship annual event of the Research Centre for Artificial Intelligence in Geomatics (RCAIG) at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University. Now in its third year, this international forum is dedicated to exploring the forefront of Geospatial Artificial Intelligence (GeoAI) and its transformative impact on ecosystems, infrastructure, climate resilience, and urban systems.   Chaired by Professor Qihao Weng, a global leader of Earth observation and GeoAI, the workshop serves as a premier platform for researchers and practitioners from academia, industry, and government to exchange cutting-edge ideas. Its mission is to bridge the gap between AI theory and real-world implementation, focusing on the derivation of meaningful scientific insights from Earth observations and complex geospatial data and cultivating of future leaders.   Abstract Submission Deadline Tuesday, 31 March 2026 Please send your abstract via email to Tresley HE at [info.poleis@polyu.edu.hk]. The following items should be included: 1. Title 2. Authors and affiliations 3. Your portrait photo 4. Your short biography 5. Abstract (up to 250 words)   Note: The author(s) of an abstract will be notified if the abstract is accepted to be presented at the workshop.   We are looking forward to receiving your abstracts!  

23 Mar, 2026

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