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Highlights from the RCAIG February Workshop

On February 27, 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 session explored a diverse range of topics ranging from climate-induced hazards to urban mobility.  The workshop began with several deep dives into environmental modeling and climate resilience. Dr. Md. Mizanur Rahman explored how ecological pathways interact across the climate–soil–biodiversity–carbon cascade, highlighting critical leverage points for enhancing mangrove blue carbon sequestration. Dr. Haider Abbas introduced an attribution framework for compound humid-heat extremes, establishing physically grounded thresholds for human survivability and crop stress across various CMIP6 climate models. Dr. Pir Mohammad examined trends in surface and canopy urban heat islands within the Indian region, while Dr. Chouaib El Hachimi demonstrated how improved assessments uncover spatial heterogeneity in daily reference evapotranspiration across Africa’s bioclimatic zones.  The dialogue continued with a series of innovative reports from the center’s Ph.D. students, showcasing the practical application of AI in geomatics. Miss Wanru He shared her progress on the co-amplification of climate and social vulnerabilities, and Mr. Zhixing Chen proposed a four-step framework to globally quantify how urban built environments drive mobility-related carbon emissions.  Miss Qianbao Hou introduced newly collected data on hurricanes, tornadoes, and earthquakes, alongside preliminary experimental results. Mr. Hamza Mukhtar explained shifting vegetation phenology patterns across the Himalayan mountain region, while Miss Mingyue Xu presented an updated reinforcement-learning framework for shared micro-mobility deployment that balances operational costs with service equity. Finally, Miss Yuhan Zhou presented strategies for modeling socioeconomic features derived from POI data, benchmarking her results against existing building function products.  Throughout the afternoon, Prof. Qihao Weng took an active lead in the discussions, providing a steady hand as the presentations unfolded. After each talk, he shared thoughtful feedback and practical suggestions, helping the researchers sharpen their methodologies and strengthen their core arguments. This direct engagement not only helped the speakers refine their individual projects but also ensured that the entire session maintained the highest academic standards.  To conclude, the workshop transitioned into a vibrant open forum where participants asked probing questions and debated different methodologies. Rather than simply observing, researchers actively engaged with one another to refine ideas through collective feedback and shared curiosity. By fostering this culture of peer-to-peer dialogue, the RCAIG continues to build a community where innovation is driven by collaboration and mutual academic support. 

RCAIG Hosts SFMap Technology (SF Express (Group) Co., Ltd.) to Explore Synergies in Geospatial Intelligence

On 2 February 2026, the Research Centre for Artificial Intelligence in Geomatics (RCAIG) welcomed a senior delegation from SFMap Technology, part of the SF Express (Group) Co., Ltd. The visiting party included CTO Hu Da, Hong Kong Regional General Manager Zhang Yu, and Solutions Expert Liu Yawei. SF Express is a Chinese multinational delivery services and logistics company based in Shenzhen, Guangdong. It is the largest courier in China, and provides domestic and international express delivery.  The visit was hosted by Professor Qihao Weng, Director of the JC STEM Lab of Earth Observations and RCAIG. The meeting featured an engaging exchange on the evolving role of geospatial artificial intelligence (GeoAI) in the modern era. The experts from SFMap showcased their industry-leading capabilities in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and logistics-associated spatio-temporal big data, highlighting their work in high-definition (HD) mapping, smart transportation digital twins, and City Information Modeling (CIM) platforms.  The session concluded with an in-depth discussion on potential strategic collaborations. Both parties expressed strong enthusiasm for establishing a partnership that leverages their respective strengths in academic research and industrial application to drive innovation in the field.  About SFMap Technology:  Headquartered in Nanshan District, Shenzhen, SFMap Technology is a specialist in GIS and logistics-related spatio-temporal big data. The company provides a comprehensive suite of technical services, including software R&D, system integration, and the development of CIM and digital twin platforms. Notably, SFMap holds a Grade-A Surveying and Mapping Qualification for Navigation Electronic Map Production.

RCAIG Director Professor Qihao Weng Featured in PolyU’s "Visionary Minds" Series

We are proud to announce that Professor Qihao Weng, Director of the Research Centre for Artificial Intelligence in Geomatics (RCAIG), has been featured by The Hong Kong Polytechnic University as part of its "Visionary Minds" spotlight.   Read the full feature here: Facebook Instagram LinkedIn X

Highlights: The Fifth RCAIG Monthly Workshop

On January 30, 2026, researchers and students from the Research Centre for Artificial Intelligence in Geomatics (RCAIG) at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University convened for the fifth monthly workshop series. Hosted by Prof. Qihao Weng, Chair Professor of Geomatics and Artificial Intelligence, and chaired by Dr. Ali Ismaeel, 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. Baoling Gui demonstrated that while climate warming enhances the cooling potential of urban vegetation, it simultaneously limits the likelihood of reliably achieving this effect. Dr. Binbin Li presented the use of ICESat-2 laser altimeter data and other remote sensing products to quantify the potential submergence of major global river deltas. Dr. Rui Sun presented updated pan-tropical results demonstrating that post-deforestation fire is a key, time-dependent process that systematically reshapes warming trajectories. Dr. Yijie Wu explored intercity and intracity morphological similarity and its association with local temperature.  Furthering the discussion, Dr. Xiaoyan Lu shared her research on the fusion of RGB imagery and depth information, emphasizing how visual and depth estimation foundation models can be utilized for large-scale mapping. Dr. Kalingga Titon Nur Ihsan proposed a framework for integrating geostationary satellite data with 3D building models to optimize Building-Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV) capacity, while Dr. Peiyi Yin investigated the mechanisms underlying phenological changes in the Northern Hemisphere, highlighting the need for precise extraction definitions.  The workshop also showcased the work of the center’s Ph.D. candidates. Miss Lihong Wang examined the relationship between climate factors and forest phenology, while Mr. Weipeng Lu shared progress on expanding his research to 10 major urban agglomerations across East Asia. Mr. Ziyun Yan introduced self-distillation techniques for remote sensing time-series analysis, achieving higher LULC classification accuracy. Mr. Xin Li concluded the presentations by discussing how the microclimatic edge effects of urban green spaces influence cooling efficiency.  Throughout the workshop, Prof. Qihao Weng played a pivotal role in steering the academic dialogue. Following each presentation, he provided detailed feedback and constructive guidance, helping researchers refine their methodologies and theoretical frameworks.   The workshop concluded with a vibrant discussion, where members exchanged ideas on the future of AI-driven geomatic research. By bringing together diverse expertise, the RCAIG continues to foster a culture of academic excellence and innovation.  

Dr. Winnie Tang’s Inspiring Visit to RCAIG: Fostering Innovation and Collaboration in GIS, GeoAI, and Smart City Development

On January 8, Dr. Winnie Tang, MH, JP, Founder and Chairman of Esri China (Hong Kong) Limited, visited the Research Centre for Artificial Intelligence in Geomatics (RCAIG). She was warmly welcomed by Prof. Qihao Weng, Director of RCAIG and the JC STEM Lab of Earth Observations, along with other lab members.   The highlight of Dr. Tang’s visit was her inspiring presentation, “My Entrepreneurial Journey and The Future of Smart City.” Through engaging stories and real-world examples, Dr. Tang shared her pioneering efforts in introducing GIS and GeoAI technologies to both the public and private sectors in Hong Kong. She emphasized the importance of Smart City development and the emerging Low Altitude Economy (LAE), while also advocating for the cultivation of geospatial literacy among the younger generation. Dr. Tang’s commitment to education and technology promotion was evident as she recounted her participation in numerous local and international events. Her insights into technological and social advancements have been widely recognized, with frequent invitations to speak at conferences, seminars, and workshops organized by international organizations and universities.   The presentation sparked lively discussions among RCAIG researchers and Ph.D. students, fostering a dynamic exchange of ideas on the future of GIS, GeoAI, and Smart City initiatives. Dr. Tang patiently addressed all questions, creating an open and collaborative atmosphere for knowledge sharing.   After the presentation, Dr. Tang toured the RCAIG facilities and held a meeting with Prof. Qihao Weng. They discussed potential avenues for future collaboration between Esri China (Hong Kong) Limited and RCAIG. This visit marks the beginning of a promising partnership, paving the way for joint research and innovation in the field of geospatial technology. Biography: Dr Winnie Tang, MH, JP is an Adjunct Professor, School of Computing and Data Science; Department of Geography, Faculty of Social Sciences, The University of Hong Kong (HKU). She is one of the local born IT entrepreneurs from Hong Kong. In the 1990s, Dr. Tang founded Esri China (Hong Kong) Limited to develop and promote Geographic Information System (GIS) software and solutions. She is also the Founder and Honorary President of Smart City Consortium as well as Founding Vice President of the Greater Bay Area Low-Altitude Economy Alliance. Over the years, she has been actively advocating the use of technology and sharing her views regarding the ICT industry, eHealth, environmental conservation, entrepreneurship and smart city through her services in government and non-government organizations in Hong Kong.  

Celebrating Achievement and Collaboration at RCAIG’s Fourth Monthly Workshop

On December 29, researchers and students from the Research Centre for Artificial Intelligence in Geomatics (RCAIG) at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University gathered for the fourth monthly workshop in a series designed to showcase cutting-edge research in geomatics and artificial intelligence. Hosted by Prof. Qihao Weng, Chair Professor of Geomatics and Artificial Intelligence, and chaired by Dr. Pir Mohammad, Research Assistant Professor, the series provides an energetic setting for members to present novel concepts and debate emerging trends within the discipline.    During the workshop, Dr. Md Mizanur Rahman discussed decoding mangrove ecosystem functions through land–sea thermal pulses and biodiversity linkages, offering new insights into the stability and resilience of global coastal blue carbon systems. Dr. Pir Mohammad explored disparities in urban-rural warming within Indian cities and discussed their implications for the urban heat island phenomenon. Dr. Kalingga Titon Nur Ihsan presented a framework for integrating geostationary satellite data with open building height data to optimize the ratio of BIPV (Building-Integrated Photovoltaics) implementation in complex urban areas. Dr. Chouaib El Hachimi shared progress on a framework that integrates physical principles, artificial intelligence, and remote sensing to map reference evapotranspiration across Africa, and introduced an approach leveraging foundation models with embedding techniques to map crop types and irrigation practices.    The workshop also featured presentations from doctoral students. Miss Yuhan Zhou proposed a new metric for evaluating incomplete, hierarchical data and updated the results of the hierarchy-constrained pseudo-label learning process. Miss Qianbao Hou introduced an interpretable AI-based framework that utilizes pre- and post-disaster street-view imagery to support faster and more reliable post-disaster damage assessment. Mr. Hamza Mukhtar presented his research proposal investigating upward vegetation expansion in the Himalayas under climate warming, exploring whether increased greenness leads to enhanced carbon uptake or decouples due to climatic and cryospheric constraints. Mr. Zhixing Chen proposed a framework for estimating mobility-related carbon emissions in cities to enable low-carbon urban planning. Miss Mingyue Xu presented a framework that leverages commuting patterns, trip chain data, socio-economic characteristics, and real-time operational constraints to optimize shared micro-mobility system deployment. Mr. Longjie Ye developed a geometry-aware hybrid network tailored for tree extraction from Unmanned Laser Scanning data, aiming to improve the differentiation of individual tree instances.    Professor Weng’s expert feedback and strategic recommendations were a highlight of the workshop, providing researchers with valuable guidance to refine their projects and shape future research directions.     At the conclusion of 2025, Professor Weng presented the Spirit of Laboratory (SoLa) Award to three outstanding lab members: Dr. Pir Mohammad, Dr. Baoling Gui, and Mr. Longjie Ye, in recognition of their diligence and achievements throughout the year. He also expressed his gratitude for everyone’s dedication and hard work and extended his best wishes for a successful 2026 by presenting a thoughtful Happy New Year gift to each lab member. As the team looks ahead to 2026, the spirit of collaboration and innovation continues to inspire all members to pursue excellence in geomatics and artificial intelligence research. 

Transforming Urban Research with AI: Professor Qihao Weng’s Keynote at Fudan University

Professor Qihao Weng, Director of the JC STEM Lab of Earth Observations and the Research Centre for Artificial Intelligence in Geomatics (RCAIG), The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, delivered a keynote address during the 3rd Interdisciplinary Symposium on Urban Ecology, Climate and Health at Fudan University, on December 27, 2025.  In his presentation, titled “AI-Powered Urban Observing, Sensing, Imaging, and Mapping: Transforming Cities for Sustainable Futures,” Professor Weng explored the transformative potential of integrating Artificial Intelligence with Earth observation technologies. He highlighted how advanced AI techniques, such as deep learning, can interpret complex urban spatial patterns in images, text, and even social media data. These innovations enable smarter urban sensing and mapping, real-time risk detection, and tailored solutions for city planning.   Professor Weng’s keynote was enthusiastically received, sparking lively discussions and fruitful academic exchanges among experts in the field. 

Professor Qihao Weng Delivers Keynote at the 9th Shenzhen-Hong Kong Big Data Forum

On December 18, 2025, Professor 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, delivered a keynote address as a distinguished invited guest at the 9th Shenzhen-Hong Kong Big Data Forum in Shenzhen.   Organized by the Internet Professional Association (iProA) and themed “Powering with Models, Gathering Data in the Greater Bay Area,” the event was convened by Mr. Hendrick Sin, Deputy to the National People’s Congress and President of the iProA, and brought together more than 150 government, industry, and academic leaders. The forum aimed to advance cross‑border collaboration in big data, artificial intelligence, and related technologies.  Professor Weng’s keynote, “Geospatial Artificial Intelligence,” highlighted the transformative potential of GeoAI in urban design and planning, environmental sustainability, disaster preparedness, and climate resilience. He outlined four key development trends driving the field, with particular emphasis on the integration of multimodal data with physical models, an approach that enables high‑fidelity knowledge and predictive analytics for smarter, more resilient cities.  The presentation demonstrated the core research mission of RCAIG, which focuses on translating advanced geospatial science into actionable intelligence for urban sustainable development. RCAIG’s pioneering work in GeoAI supports the regional innovation pathways, strengthening Hong Kong’s role as a hub for cutting‑edge research with global impact. 

RCAIG Hosts Seminar on Geospatial Intelligence for Risk-Informed Decision Making at PolyU

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. 

Lands Department and PolyU Successfully Host Meeting on Modernizing Land Surveying and Geospatial Technologies with AI

On December 2, 2025, the Survey and Mapping Office (SMO) of the Lands Department and the Department of Land Surveying and Geo-Informatics (LSGI) at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) successfully concluded a collaborative meeting, following the signing of MOU on September 12, 2025, focused on modernizing land surveying and geospatial technologies through the integration of Artificial Intelligence.  Held at PolyU, the meeting brought together leading professionals and academics from both the Lands Department and LSGI. The session served as a platform for exploring innovative solutions to advance the field of land surveying and geospatial technology.  During the meeting, representatives from the SMO presented selected operational use cases, including 2D and 3D map updating, cadastral surveying, and address matching, outlining existing workflows and key technical challenges. Faculty members from LSGI subsequently engaged in discussions on these challenges and shared perspectives on the application of GeoAI to enhance related processes. The exchanges underscored the potential of AI-driven approaches to improve the reliability and efficiency of geospatial data production and management. In addition, the participants examined a preliminary framework of a proposed professional training program aimed at strengthening practitioners’ competencies in AI-enabled geospatial solutions. Prof. Qihao Weng, Director of the JC STEM Lab of Earth Observations and the Research Centre for Artificial Intelligence in Geomatics (RCAIG), gave insightful ideas on leveraging AI and remote sensing technologies to address current challenges in land surveying. He emphasized the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and continuous professional development to ensure that the industry remains at the forefront of technological innovation and meets technical compliance.  The meeting concluded with an open discussion on additional topics, reaffirming the commitment of both organizations to ongoing collaboration. Both PolyU and the Lands Department look forward to further partnership and the successful implementation of the initiatives discussed, paving the way for a smarter and more efficient future in land surveying and geospatial technologies.