News

GEO Symposium and ODOK Workshop 2024 in Hangzhou

Prof. Qihao Weng, Director of the JC STEM Lab of Earth Observations and Research Centre for Artificial Intelligence in Geomatics (RCAIG) at PolyU attended GEO Symposium and Open Data & Open Knowledge (ODOK) Workshop in Hangzhou, Zhejiang in September. During the symposium, Prof. Weng delivered a speech titled “Earth Observations and GeoAI Technologies for the Urbanization, Climate, & Energy Nexus”. In the talk, he emphasised the importance of leveraging geospatial data and AI to understand and manage the interactions between urbanization, climate change, and energy use. Prof. Weng currently serves as the Lead of Global Urban Observation and Information Initiative in the Group on Earth Observations (GEO), an inter-government organization based on Geneva, Switzerland.  In the poster session of the GEO Symposium, Dr Pir Mohammad showcased the RCAIG team’s recent research on “Comparing existing heat wave indices in identifying dangerous heat wave outdoor conditions”. Dr Mohammad engaged in vibrant discussions with international attendees related to the heat stress and call for a better future sustainability.  Prior to the GEO symposium, Dr Mohammad also participated in the one-day Storyline Workshop organised by the National Geographic Society. He drafted a story based on the recent research on heat wave indices in the workshop and got fruitful comments from the organiser of the workshop.   The Group on Earth Observations (GEO) is a global collaboration dedicated to understanding the Earth in all its complexity.  As a collaborative intergovernmental body, GEO is dedicated to co-producing user-driven Earth Intelligence solutions. GEO is a partnership of more than 100 national governments and in excess of 100 Participating Organizations that envisions a future where decisions and actions for the benefit of humankind are informed by coordinated, comprehensive and sustained Earth observations. 

Prof. Michael Goodchild and Prof. Michael Batty visit RCAIG at PolyU

On 16 September, the Research Centre for Artificial Intelligence of Geomatics (RCAIG) welcomed two distinguished guests: Professor Michael Goodchild from the University of California, Santa Barbara, who is also a member of the U.S. National Academy of Sciences, and Professor Michael Batty from University College London, a Fellow of the Royal Society. Both esteemed scholars additionally serve as Distinguished Visiting Chair Professors in the Department of Land Surveying and Geo-Informatics (LSGI) at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU). During the visit, Professor Weng Qihao, Director of RCAIG, provided an overview of the centre’s background and achievements. Professors Goodchild and Batty discussed with Prof. Weng on the latest technological advancements in geomatics and Geospatial AI.  Biographies  Prof. Michael Goodchild is Professor Emeritus of Geography at the University of California, Santa Barbara. His research and teaching interests focus on geographic information science, including uncertainty in geographic information, discrete global grids, and volunteered geographic information.  Prof. Michael Batty is Bartlett Professor of Planning at University College London, and Chair of the Centre for Advanced Spatial Analysis (CASA). 

Professor Weng Qihao Delivers Keynote Speech at ICAE 2024 Conference in Japan

Prof. Weng Qihao, Director of the Research Centre for Artificial Intelligence in Geomatics (RCAIG), delivered a keynote address at 16th International Conference on Applied Energy (ICAE2024) in Japan this month. ICAE2024, a leading forum for energy experts worldwide, focuses on interdisciplinary challenges in applied energy and the development of sustainable solutions. The conference covered a wide range of topics including clean energy, energy sciences, management, sustainability, policy, economics, and ethics. Prof. Weng’s presentation, titled “Geospatial Approaches to Modeling and Simulating Urban Building Energy Efficiency and Mitigation Measures”, highlighted the application of geospatial methods in studying building energy use and carbon emissions in global cities. The talk emphasised strategies for reducing building energy consumption and implementing effective mitigation measures. The presentation was well-received, sparking engaging discussions and academic exchanges with other experts in the field.

RCAIG Seminar Explores Cadastral Surveys and AI in Hong Kong

The Research Centre for Artificial Intelligence in Geomatics (RCAIG) recently hosted a seminar that brought together leading experts to discuss the future of cadastral surveys and land management in Hong Kong. Held on 30 August, the event featured Professor Ben CHAN Siu-bun, Adjunct Professor from Research Institute of Land and Space, and guest speakers from Lands Department, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR). The seminar covered aspects from the historical background of cadastral surveys in Hong Kong to the potential applications of Artificial Intelligence in addressing current industry challenges. Speakers provided insights into the implementation of the Land Survey Ordinance (Cap.473) and explored integrated developments in the lands and works industries. An interactive Q&A session wrapped up the event, allowing attendees to engage directly with the speakers on the presented topic. During the discussion with the guest speakers, Professor Weng Qihao proposed that the government should allocate specific funds to support the development of Artificial Intelligence technology for cadastral surveys, like Smart Traffic Fund. He also suggested that a joint lab could be established to engage in in-depth discussions and to build partnership with the academic community.  This event underscored the importance of interdisciplinary approaches in addressing complex challenges in land management and surveying, while also highlighting the potential of AI to revolutionise these fields.

Research Team from RCAIG Publishes Groundbreaking Study on Heat Wave Indices

The research team from the Research Centre for Artificial Intelligence in Geomatics, led by Prof. Qihao Weng, has made a significant contribution to climate science with their latest publication. The article, titled “Comparing Existing Heat Wave Indices in Identifying Dangerous Heat Wave Outdoor Conditions”, appears in the prestigious journal Nexus by Cell Press. Dr. Pir Mohammad is the first author of this pivotal study, with Professor Qihao Weng as the corresponding author. The research has attracted widespread attention, leading to interviews by Cell Press and coverage by various media outlets worldwide, including EurekAlert! by the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), Science Daily, Science Magazine, Eurasia Review, and etc. This recognition highlights the impact and relevance of their work in addressing global climate challenges. For more information about the paper, please visit: Comparing Existing Heat Wave Indices in Identifying Dangerous Heat Wave Outdoor Conditions, Nexus (2024). DOI: 10.1016/j.ynexs.2024.100027

MoU for Promoting Collaboration and Research in Geospatial Technology Innovation Signed by PolyU RCAIG and Esri China (Hong Kong)

The Research Centre for Artificial Intelligence in Geomatics (RCAIG) of the Hong Kong Polytechnic University and Esri China (Hong Kong) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), marking a significant step forward in their collaborative efforts to promote research and innovation in the field of geospatial technology. This strategic partnership aims to leverage the strengths of both organisations to drive advancements in geospatial technology and foster the next generation of geomatics and geospatial AI professionals. The MoU outlines a comprehensive framework for cooperation, including research and development, education and training, technology transfer, software and services, and industry engagement. About Research Centre for Artificial Intelligence in Geomatics (RCAIG) 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. About Esri China (Hong Kong) Esri China (Hong Kong) Limited is a home-grown IT company specializing in Geographic Information System (GIS) and mapping solutions to serve Hong Kong and Macao customers since 1997.  Esri China (Hong Kong) aims to make our customers successful through the applications of innovative GIS and mapping technologies.  The company also supports building Hong Kong and Macao as leading Smart Cities by integrating GIS seamlessly with other smart technologies as the backbone of smart city infrastructure.  In the era of big data, we believe that Geospatial Cloud platform and GeoAI technologies can create location intelligence which unlocks the full potential of big data to improve operational and business results.

EPFL President Visits PolyU RCAIG to Explore Future Collaborations

On 6 July, the Research Centre for Artificial Intelligence in Geomatics (RCAIG) welcomed Professor Martin Vetterli, President of the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne (EPFL), for a productive visit.   During the visit, Professor Weng, Director of RCAIG, provided an overview of the centre and showcased its latest technological advancements in the field of geomatics and GeoAI. The visit facilitated in-depth discussions between Professor Vetterli and Professor Weng, focusing on areas of shared interest and complementary research expertise. Both parties had discussions on potential collaboration opportunities between two institutions, and expressed enthusiasm about the prospect of a collaborative relationship that would leverage the unique strengths and capabilities of respective organisations.   The successful visit marks an important step towards fostering international academic cooperation. PolyU Research Centre for Artificial Intelligence in Geomatics (RCAIG) 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. The Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne (EPFL) EPFL is a public research university in Lausanne, Switzerland. Founded in 1969 with the mission to “train talented engineers in Switzerland” and inspired by the École Centrale Paris, EPFL has placed itself as a leading research university specialising in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

Chinese New Year Greetings from RCAIG

Relive the Excitement: A Recap of Our Past Workshop in Stunning Video Footage

Relive the Excitement: A Recap of Our Past Workshop in Stunning Video Footage

Professor Qihao Weng delivered a presentation on Technological Innovations for Sustainable Urban Development at The Hong Kong Jockey Club Scholarships Community Leaders Sharing on 19 December 2023

On 19 December 2023, Professor Qihao Weng was invited by The Hong Kong Jockey Club Scholarships to share his knowledge and insights on the topic of “Technological Innovations Enabling Sustainable Urban Development” at the Community Leaders Sharing session. The 21st century has witnessed the dawn of the “urban century,” with cities experiencing continuous growth and escalating global challenges, such as waste disposal, air pollution, and water pollution. The urgency to monitor and manage urban areas has intensified due to concerns over global climate change. Consequently, there is a pressing need for technological advancements that facilitate the monitoring of natural resources and urban assets, while effectively managing exposures to both natural and man-made risks. During the sharing session, Professor Weng shed light on the application of Earth Observations (EO) methodologies and AI technologies in comprehending the causes, effects, and responses to environmental and societal challenges in cities and urban areas. By harnessing these technologies, Professor Weng emphasized their potential to bring about substantial changes and advocate for positive transformations in urban environments.   JC Scholars regard Professor Weng as a pleasing and esteemed speaker. Professor Weng’s presence and shared knowledge left a lasting impression on the JC Scholars. They were truly captivated by his words and conveyed their heartfelt gratitude to Professor Weng: ” Prof Weng, thank you for sparing your precious time and sharing with us the latest technology in the field of geomatics and AI. It was really eye-opening. Thank you so much. ”  ——Crystal Chan 2017 ” Thanks for the detailed explanation of this popular issue on a more professional and technological foundation. I found it very inspiring! ”  ——Rocky Chan 2023 ” Thank you for giving us such an easy-to-understand sharing, especially for students like me who are not studying geography or AI. ”  ——Aviva Lau 2023 ” The presentation urged me to think about the burning issue of climate change. Every country should take action to mitigate the risk of climate change. Therefore, I thank you for your thought-provoking presentation. ”  ——Singh Niraj Kumar 2023