News

Asian Cartographic Conference (AsiaCarto 2024)

On 10 December 2024, Professor Qihao Weng, Director of JC STEM Lab of Earth Observations and the Research Centre for Artificial Intelligence in Geomatics (RCAIG), delivered a keynote speech titled “How Will AI Transform Satellite Mapping of Urban Areas?” on the first Asian Cartographic Conference (Asia Carto 2024) – ICA Regional Cartographic Conference held at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University.  During the keynote talk, Professor Weng discussed the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and Earth observation (EO) technologies in urban studies and applications. He emphasized that AI will provide a deeper interpretation and autonomous identification of urban issues and the creation of customized urban designs. Professor Weng also highlighted both recent advances and existing challenges in applying AI to earth observations technologies. The keynote speech was well-received, sparking engaging discussions and academic exchanges with other scholars. 

Distinguished Academician Visit RCAIG

The JC STEM Lab of Earth Observations and Research Centre for Artificial Intelligence in Geomatics (RCAIG) recently hosted a renowned academician: Professor Jianya Gong of Wuhan University, Member of the Chinese Academy of Sciences.  During Professor Gong’s visit in The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, he delivered a keynote in the PolyU PAIR Distinguished Lecture Series, titled “High Accuracy Real-Time Intelligent Remote Sensing Satellite Concept and Key Technologies”. During the talk, Prof. Gong introduced the plan and progress of Oriental Smart Eye constellation, a real-time intelligent remote sensing monitoring system being established by Wuhan University. Professor Qihao Weng, the Director of the JC STEM Lab of Earth Observations and RCAIG, moderated the Q&A session that followed.   The visit provided a valuable opportunity for lab members to engage in scholarly discussions with the distinguished academic and learn from his expertise in geospatial technology.  

Prof. Chen Jingming and Prof. Liu Jingxian, U of Toronto, visit RCAIG at PolyU

On 28 November, the Research Centre for Artificial Intelligence of Geomatics (RCAIG) welcomed two distinguished visitors from the University of Toronto: Professor Chen Jingming, a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada and Editor-in-Chief of Remote Sensing of Environment, and Professor Liu Jingxian.  During their visit, Professor Qihao Weng, Director of RCAIG, provided an overview of the centre’s background and achievements. Lab members shared their ongoing research with the visiting scholars and received valuable feedback. The visit provided an invaluable opportunity for RCAIG members to exchange ideas and explore potential future collaborations.  Biographies  Prof. Chen Jingming, is a fellow of the Royal Society of Canada. His major research interests include (1) remote sensing of vegetation structural and physiological traits and function, and (2) quantifying carbon and water cycles of terrestrial ecosystems. He is an Editor-in-Chief of the Remote Sensing of Environment, and an Associate Editor of the Journal of Geophysical Research-Atmosphere, the Canadian Journal of Remote Sensing, and the Journal of Applied Remote Sensing.   Prof. Liu Jingxian is a professor in the Department of Geography and Planning, University of Toronto. She is interested in investigating environmental issues relevant to our atmosphere, biosphere, and/or interactions between them using advanced approaches in remote sensing, model simulations, field experiments, and data analysis. She has authored and co-authored over 120 papers in scientific journals including Science Advances, Nature Communications, and Science of the Total Environment.  

Perspective: AI’s Transformation in Urban Observation and Mapping

The research team led by Professor Qihao Weng, the director of JC STEM Lab of Earth Observations and the Research Centre for Artificial Intelligence in Geomatics at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, has published a noteworthy perspective article in npj Urban Sustainability on 28 November 2024. The research team draws multi-disciplinary expertise from thirteen organizations in Asia, North America, and Europe.  The paper, titled “How will ai transform urban observing, sensing, imaging, and mapping?”, examines the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and Earth observation (EO) technologies in urban studies and applications. The researchers conclude that AI will provide a deeper interpretation and autonomous identification of urban issues and the creation of customized urban designs. Open issues remain, especially in integrating diverse geospatial big data, data security, and developing a general analytical framework.  The full paper is available at: https://www.nature.com/articles/s42949-024-00188-3  The journal of npj Urban Sustainability publishes inter- and cross-disciplinary research into how cities are reshaping and are being reshaped to meet major economic, social and environmental challenges, including how digital tools and big data are playing an increasing role in this shaping. 

Leading Researchers Call for New Global Standards in Heatwave Assessment

A research team led by Professor Qihao Weng from the JC STEM Lab of Earth Observations and the Research Centre for Artificial Intelligence in Geomatics, PolyU, along with Dr. Pir Mohammad, published a significant paper in Cell Press’s journal Nexus, titled “Comparing Existing Heat Wave Indices in Identifying Dangerous Heat Wave Outdoor Conditions”. In an interview with New Scientist, a London-based popular science magazine covering all aspects of science and technology, Professor Weng discussed the social justice of urban heat exposure. He emphasises that heat waves do not affect all people equally, noting that individuals with pre-existing conditions, those living in certain types of buildings, and people without air conditioning experience heat differently. Their research identified limitations in heatwave measurement methods. The study found that existing heatwave indices often fall short in accurately assessing human risk because they don’t account for regional variations in climate and conditions. Based on these findings, Professor Weng advocates for developing a comprehensive global framework that would better evaluate heatwave dangers across different geographical and climatic contexts.  Full article on New Scientist: https://online.fliphtml5.com/pdnjr/dzqf/ 

2024 International Conference on Geospatial Information Science in South Korea

Professor Weng Qihao, Director of the JC STEM Lab of Earth Observations and Research Centre for Artificial Intelligence in Geomatics (RCAIG), attended the 2024 International Conference on Geospatial Information Science in South Korea this November. The conference was hosted by the Korea Research Institute for Human Settlements (KRIHS).  During the conference, Professor Weng delivered a keynote speech titled “Sustaining Our Urban Planet with Earth Observations Technology”. In his presentation, he discussed how Geospatial and GeoAI technologies have made, and will make, significant impacts on understanding urbanization and its associated impacts and managing urban environments and energy use.  Established in 1978, KRIHS is committed to enhancing the quality of life and well-being of the Korean people through spatial planning studies and policy suggestions. It has carried out studies on the efficient use, development, and conservation of territorial resources. Its research areas range from sustainable and balanced territorial development and conservation of the territory to the provision of housing and infrastructure. 

JC STEM Labs Inauguration Ceremony

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University hosted an inauguration ceremony on 11 November 2024 to celebrate the establishment of the Jockey Club (JC) STEM Labs. The ceremony honoured The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust for its generous donation of over HKD 74 million, which enable the creation of eight state-of-the-art laboratories.  During the ceremony, Professor Weng Qihao, Director of the JC STEM Lab of Earth Observations, outlined the lab’s pioneering vision. The laboratory specializes in advancing Earth Observation technologies by integrating space-air-ground sensing, AI-powered image processing and urban sensor networks. This integrated approach positions the lab at the forefront of developing revolutionary geomatics solutions for urban monitoring and environmental management. 

ISPRS Technical Commission IV Symposium 2024 in Australia

Prof. Weng Qihao, Director of the JC STEM Lab of Earth Observations and Research Centre of Artificial Intelligence in Geomatics (RCAIG), and Editor-in-Chief of ISPRS Journal of Photogrammetry & Remote Sensing, delivered a presentation at ISPRS Technical Commission IV Symposium 2024 in Perth, Australia this month. In his conference presentation, Prof. Weng discussed how artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming urban observation methods. He explained that modern technology now combines AI with various data sources from satellites to ground sensors, enabling unprecedented insights into city environments. By using street-level and nighttime imagery alongside other data, researchers can better understand physical landscapes, social activities, and human behaviour in urban areas. While AI promises to revolutionise how we study and manage cities, Prof. Weng noted that challenges remain in data management and security. His talk emphasized AI’s crucial role in advancing sustainable urban development goals.   ISPRS Technical Commission IV “Spatial Information Sciences” The ISPRS Technical Commission IV “Spatial Information Sciences” has the mission to advance spatial information science, enable spatial digital twins and empower their development to a metaverse. Some of the challenges the Commission addresses are: -multidimensional modelling -fusion of data -open data -data management of big data -spatial analysis and simulation -mixed reality -advanced interfaces The Commission has a mandate of four years (2022-2026). The research and developments within the commission are carried out within 11 Working Groups and two Inter-Commission Working Groups, coordinated by 55 ISPRS officers and more than 100 members.

Professor Weng Qihao Discusses GeoAI’s Transformative Impacts in PolyU Excel x Impact

In the recent issue of PolyU Excel x Impact, Prof. Weng Qihao, Chair Professor of Geomatics and Artificial Intelligence, shares his insights on how Geospatial Artificial Intelligence (GeoAI) is transforming our world. As the Director of the Research Centre for Artificial Intelligence in Geomatics (RCAIG), Prof. Weng explains how combining Earth observation data with AI solutions serves as a crucial compass for understanding environmental and societal changes. The article highlights RCAIG’s pioneering work in various applications, from geospatial big data and remote sensing to navigation technologies. Prof. Weng discusses GeoAI’s significant role in enhancing urban resilience and public health, showcasing innovations such as urban growth simulation models and the MAMR system for optimising ride-hailing services. A recipient of the 2024 American Association of Geographers Wilbanks Prize and Remote Sensing Speciality Group Lifetime Achievement Honor Award, Prof. Weng emphasizes GeoAI’s potential in addressing the “Triple Planetary Crisis” through advanced environmental monitoring and management. For more information about the article, please visit: https://www.polyu.edu.hk/publications/excelximpact/issue/202415/cover-story/geoai-is-changing-everything

ARUP and RCAIG Explore Potential Collaborative Opportunities

On 15 October, representatives from ARUP visited the Research Centre for Artificial Intelligence in Geomatics (RCAIG). Prof. Qihao Weng, Director of RCAIG and the JC STEM Lab of Earth Observations, along with Lab members, welcomed the visitors. The meeting brought together key figures from both organizations. ARUP was represented by Mr. Ricky Tsui, Director of R&D East Asia, Dr. Bruce Chong, Director of Climate & Sustainability, Prof. Johnny Chan, and Mr. Ian Tan. From RCAIG, Prof. Qihao Weng was joined by Dr. Zhiwei Li, Dr. Cheolhee Yoo, and Dr. Pir Mohammad. The session commenced with Prof. Weng providing an overview of RCAIG and his background. Mr. Tsui then introduced ARUP’s Hong Kong office and their current research initiatives. Throughout the meeting, participants engaged in a lively exchange of ideas, sharing insights on remote sensing, GeoAI, and heat hazard issues. The discussion proved fruitful, resulting in preliminary plans for collaboration between the two organizations. Following the meeting, Prof. Weng led a tour of the lab, showcasing ongoing research projects and introducing the lab members’ workspace to the ARUP representatives. This visit marks the beginning of a promising partnership between ARUP and RCAIG, paving the way for future joint ventures in artificial intelligence and geomatics research. Both parties expressed enthusiasm about the potential collaboration and look forward to translating their discussions into concrete collaborative efforts. Established in 2023, RCAIG marks an important milestone in the history of PolyU. As a university-level research centre, under the leadership of Prof. Qihao Weng, RCAIG focuses on the development of original and innovative AI technologies in geomatics and their applications for solving environmental and societal challenges, with the goal of becoming a global R&D hub in GeoAI. ARUP Hong Kong Office Since opening in 1976, Arup’s Hong Kong office has grown into the firm’s largest hub in Asia, spearheading urban innovation across the region. Our projects have reinvented the cityscape, from the iconic skyscrapers along Victoria Harbour to dynamic cultural venues that drive Hong Kong’s creative economy. Our smart, green, resilient planning approach is shaping the next-generation towns, equipping the city for the future.