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Workshop on GeoAI and Big Data for Urban, Environment, and Sustainability

The Workshop on GeoAI and Big Data for Urban, Environment, and Sustainability cum Inauguration Ceremony for the Research Centre for Artificial Intelligence in Geomatics (RCAIG) was successfully held at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University on the 9th and 10th December 2023. This two-day event brought together distinguished guests, speakers, and attendees to celebrate the launch of RCAIG and discuss the latest advancements in GeoAI and Big Data for sustainable urban environments. RCAIG aims to serve as a platform for research, innovation, and collaboration in the field of Artificial Intelligence in Geomatics. By bringing together experts, scholars, and professionals from various disciplines, the centre seeks to explore the intersection of AI and Geomatics and drive advancements in this rapidly evolving field. The chair of the event, Professor Qihao WENG, Chair Professor of Geomatics and Artificial Intelligence & Global STEM Professor, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, and esteemed guests, including Professor Christopher CHAO, Director of PReCIT, Vice President (Research and Innovation) & Chair Professor of Thermal and Environmental Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Professor Charles WONG, Associate Dean (Teaching) of Faculty of Construction and Environment & Professor, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Professor Xiaoli DING, Director of Research Institute for Land and Space & Chair Professor of Geomatics, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Dr. Xuanya LI, Director of University Relationship, Baidu, Inc., Mr. Cary BARCE, GIS Solution Manager, Esri China (Hong Kong) Limited, and Mr. Kwok Fai CHANG, Deputy Director of Survey & Mapping, Lands Department, participated in the ribbon-cutting ceremony, symbolizing the commencement of a new chapter in AI and Geomatics research. The inauguration of RCAIG marks a significant milestone in the exploration and application of AI in Geomatics. The centre is poised to contribute substantially to the field, drive innovation, and foster collaboration among researchers and industry professionals. Through its interdisciplinary approach and dedication to advancing knowledge, RCAIG will play a vital role in shaping the future of Geomatics and Artificial Intelligence.   The Workshop on GeoAI and Big Data for Urban, Environment, and Sustainability provided a platform for knowledge exchange and dialogue among participants. It delved into the latest trends, challenges, and innovations in the application of GeoAI and Big Data for creating sustainable and resilient urban environments. Distinguished speakers, including Professor Peng GONG, Professor Qihao WENG, Professor Anthony G.O. YEH, Professor Xiaojun CHEN, Professor Jian HUANG, and Professor Changwen CHEN, shared their insights and expertise, cultivating a collaborative environment for future advancements.   The success of the Workshop on GeoAI and Big Data for Urban, Environment, and Sustainability and Inauguration Ceremony for RCAIG demonstrates the commitment of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University and its partners to advancing research and innovation in the realm of AI and Geomatics. By fostering collaboration and driving advancements. This event has left attendees inspired and motivated to further integrate AI and Geomatics, leading to the development of cutting-edge solutions that enhance urban planning, promote environmental sustainability, and contribute to societal well-being. The achievements of this workshop also represent a remarkable step forward in pursuing a better future for our urban environments and preserving our planet.

Second Call for Abstract

Workshop on GeoAI and Big Data for Urban, Environment, and Sustainability cum Inauguration Ceremony for Research Centre for Artificial Intelligence in Geomatics – Second Call for Abstracts  

Call for Abstract

Workshop on GeoAI and Big Data for Urban, Environment, and Sustainability cum Inauguration Ceremony for Research Centre for Artificial Intelligence in Geomatics – Call for Abstract

The ISPRS 2023 Geospatial Week in Cairo

From September 2nd to 7th, Professor Weng Qihao, Dr. Cheolhee YOO, and Dr. Pir Mohammad from JC STEM Lab of Earth Observations, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University attended The ISPRS 2023 Geospatial Week (Egypt GSW 2023) held in Cairo, Egypt. The Geospatial Week, a combination of workshops organized by around 30 ISPRS Working Groups, was a resounding success under the ‘Remote Sensing For Better Future’ slogan. Professor Weng Qihao took the stage as a keynote speaker, captivating the audience with his lecture on “Earth Observations and Geospatial AI for Sustainable Urban Development.” His talk delved into cutting-edge Earth Observations and Geospatial AI methodologies, emphasizing their role in analyzing North American and Asia heat risks and exploring urban risk dynamics under various population growth and climate change scenarios. In a remarkable session, Prof. Weng, also the Editor-in-chief of the ISPRS Journal of Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing, provided early-career authors with invaluable insights on crafting well-written journal papers. He shared practical guidance on submitting a journal and attracting the editor’s interest. An engaging Editorial Board meeting of the ISPRS Journal of Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing took place during the workshop, with Prof. Weng, Dr. YOO, and several other editorial board members brainstorming on key issues for the journal’s constructive development. The poster session saw Dr. Cheolhee Yoo and Dr. Pir Mohammad spotlighting their ongoing research. Dr. Yoo’s presentation focused on “Assessing the Role of Industrial and Non-Industrial Urban Land Consumption in Economic Growth,” while Dr. Mohammad explored “Assessing the Impact of Historical and Future Climate Change Scenarios on Diurnal Heat Stress in Asia.” The researchers engaged in vibrant discussions with international attendees. Dr. YOO also received recognition as one of the top 30 reviewers of 2021 and 2022 for the ISPRS Journal of Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing. The JC STEM Lab of Earth Observations members had fruitful and diverse experiences in Cairo, a city with awe-inspiring ancient heritage, and returned successfully. This international conference has been beneficial for them in fostering future research collaborations with internationally recognized individuals in their respective fields.

THE FIRST EO4EIC WORKSHOP

The First Earth Observation for Ecosystem, Infrastructure, and City (EO4EIC) Workshop, organized by the JC STEM Lab of Earth Observations and the Research Centre for Artificial Intelligence in Geomatics at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, took place successfully on August 7. We are delighted to have had an audience of over 100 attendees, including academic and research staff and graduate students from the LSGI department, CEE department of PolyU, as well as from HKU and CUHK. This workshop aims to discuss compelling and emerging topics surrounding how to improve our understanding of the nexus among city, urban infrastructure and ecosystem with the latest earth observation technologies, and particularly how to better support the following three goals: (I) enhancing understanding on human-ecosystem interactions; (II) steering sustainable urban development’ and (III) improving urban infrastructure management and planning. Professor Weng Qihao, Chair Professor of the LSGI department at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, and Director of the JC STEM Lab of Earth Observations and the Research Centre for Artificial Intelligence in Geomatics delivered a warm welcome speech and provided an overview of the Lab and the Research Centre. We are fortunate to have four distinguished speakers in the workshop: Professor Zhang Xiaoyang (Professor, South Dakota State University); Professor Li Jun (Professor, China University of Geosciences); Professor Ma Peifeng (Vice-Chancellor Assistant Professor, The Chinese University of Hong Kong); and Professor Wu Jin (Assistant Professor, The University of Hong Kong). Each speaker brought a unique perspective and extensive experience in their respective fields, enriching the discussions and inspiring critical thinking about the role of Earth observation in shaping ecosystems, infrastructure, and cities. Interactive sessions, panel discussions, and networking opportunities were thoughtfully incorporated to facilitate knowledge exchange, idea sharing, and the fostering of collaborations that can drive tangible change. In closing, Professor Weng expressed gratitude to each distinguished speaker by presenting them with souvenirs as a token of appreciation for their insightful contributions to the workshop. Following the seminar session, an engaging follow-up discussion was initiated with all distinguished speakers to explore opportunities for academic exchange and potential research collaborations with PolyU. This post-workshop interaction allowed for deeper engagement and the nurturing of relationships that can drive future advancements. In summary, the EO4EIC Workshop marked an important milestone in our mission to promote a holistic and integrated perspective on EO technology and urban science. The success of this workshop encourages us to continue organizing similar initiatives in the future, facilitating ongoing collaboration and exploration of innovative solutions. By harnessing the knowledge and networks formed during the EO4EIC Workshop, we aim to contribute to the transformation of cities towards greater sustainability, efficiency and resilience, three major goals of future cities.

JC STEM Lab of Earth Observations and LSCM explore potential collaborations

As invited by Mr. Simon Wong, LSCM’s Chief Executive Officer, Professor Weng Qihao and some major lab members from JC STEM Lab of Earth Observations, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University visited LSCM to explore potential collaborations. Logistics and Supply Chain MultiTech R&D Centre (LSCM) was founded in 2006 with funding from the Innovation and Technology Fund of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. LSCM is dedicated to fostering the development of core competencies in logistics and supply chain related technologies in Hong Kong, and facilitating their adoption by industries in Hong Kong as well as Mainland China. The meeting, held on Mar. 28th, 2023 in the Hong Kong Science Park (HKSTP), was attended by Professor Weng Qihao, a Chair Professor of Geomatics and Artificial Intelligence and Global STEM Scholar at Dept of Land Surveying and Geo-Informatics, and Director of JC STEM Lab of Earth Observations at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, and some key members of the lab, which included Dr. Zhiwei Li, Research Assistant Professor, Dr. Cheolhee Yoo, Research Assistant Professor, Dr. Qiming Zheng, Research Assistant Professor, and Dr. Jessie Jia, Postdoc. At the meeting, Mr. Simon Wong introduced LSCM’s research foci, followed by Prof. Weng’s introduction of our lab’s research expertise and experiences. The discussion then centered on potential collaborations in building energy efficiency and carbon emissions, biodiversity conservation, and urban hazards monitoring and risk assessment. Following the meeting, LSCM members showed Professor Weng’s team some of their ongoing work and applications. The LSCM team attended the meeting included Dr. CH Cheng, Director in Research & Technology Development, Dr. Dorbin Ng, Assistant Director in Research & Technology Development, Mr. Anthony Kwok, Chief Operation Officer, Mr. Stephen Wai, Business Development Director, Mr. Tim Chan, Senior Project Manager IV, and Mr. Nicky Lam, Senior Project Manager. The LSCM team demonstrated some of their latest technologies in logistics and supply chain management, which mainly included warehouse automation and management, construction safety assessment, Internet-of-Things (IoT) and RFID Technology, location-based Service (LBS) Technology, as well as robotics and AI applications. The PolyU team was invited to explore potential areas of collaboration in the needed technologies. Both parties thought the meeting to be highly productive and arranged for follow-ups. The JC STEM Lab of Earth Observations and LSCM are committed to working together to address critical societal and environmental challenges and contribute to the economies and humanity in Hong Kong and beyond. This meeting marks a significant step forward in their collaboration, paving the way for future joint research and development efforts.

LSGI Research Seminar by Prof. Dr.-Ing. Christian Heipke

On Feb 7th, the Department of Land Surveying and Geo-Informatics (LSGI) successfully organized a research seminar. Prof. Dr.-Ing. Christian Heipke (Professor, Leibniz Universität Hannover) was invited to give a speech about Photogrammetric Computer Vision. More than fifty LSGI staff, students, and other guests attended the seminar. As the inviter, Prof. Weng Qihao, a Chair Professor of Geomatics and Artificial Intelligence at Dept of LSGI, and Director of JC STEM Lab of Earth Observations at PolyU, hosted the seminar. Prof. Wu Chen (Head of LSGI), Prof. Xiaoli Ding (Director of Research Institute of Land and Space), Prof. John Wenzhong SHI (Chair Professor of Geographical Information Science and Remote Sensing, LSGI), Sr Prof. Charles Man Sing WONG (Associate Dean of FCE and Professor, LSGI), Prof. George Zhizhao Liu (Associate Head and Professor, LSGI), along with a number of academic and research staff from LSGI attended the research seminar. Dr. Christian Heipke is a professor of photogrammetry and remote sensing at Leibniz Universität Hannover, where he currently leads a group of about 25 researchers. He was the President of International Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing (ISPRS), 2016-2022. His professional interests comprise all aspects of photogrammetry, remote sensing, image understanding, and their GIS computer connection to has authored or co-authored more than 300 scientific papers, more than 70 of which appeared in peer-reviewed international journals. He is the recipient of the Otto von Gruber Award 1992, the most prestigious award for young scientists in photogrammetry and remote sensing, the Frederick J. Doyle Award 2012 for outstanding and sustained qualities in the profession, both offered by ISPRS, and the Photogrammetric (Fairchild) Award 2013 from ASPRS. His talk focuses on geospatial applications of photogrammetric computer vision, dealing with aerial images, digital surface and terrain models, digital orthophotos, digital landscape models, and 3D city models. An overview of current sensor systems for geospatial data acquisition and automatic data processing procedures is given during his talk. A particular focus is laid on methods borrowed from machine learning. After his talk, audiences showed strong interest in how machine learning can be used in image recognition and classification. Prof. Weng discussed with Prof. Dr.-Ing. Christian Heipke about the future opportunities for graduates in the related fields.

ASTRI Team Visited JC STEM Lab of Earth Observations for Potential Collaborations

The core members from Hong Kong Applied Science and Technology Research Institute (ASTRI) visited the JC STEM Lab of Earth Observations and discussed with the principal investigator – Prof. Qihao Weng and some major lab members about the potential collaborations. ASTRI was founded by the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region in 2000 with the mission of enhancing Hong Kong’s competitiveness through applied research. Over the years, ASTRI has nurtured a pool of research, I&T talents and received numerous international awards for its pioneering innovations as well as outstanding business and community contributions. ASTRI has recently set up a framework for cultivating the University technology transfer & collaboration ecosystem. Under the initiative, ASTRI will pursue opportunities to apply funding to do joint projects with universities. With the aim of discovering potential collaboration opportunities with our lab, a total of six core members from ASTRI’s University Tech Transfer Committee, led by Ms. Priscilla YEUNG discussed with Prof. Weng and lab members. The project meeting was successfully held on Feb. 6th. This meeting was led by Prof. Qihao Weng, a Chair Professor of Geomatics and Artificial Intelligence and Global STEM Scholar at Dept of LSGI, and Director of JC STEM Lab of Earth Observations at PolyU. Ir Professor Christopher Chao, Vice President (Research and Innovation) of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Chair Professor of Thermal and Environmental Engineering, and Director of Policy Research Centre for Innovation and Technology (PReCIT), attended the meeting and gave an opening speech on behalf of PolyU. Prof. Wu Chen (Head of LSGI) and Prof. Xiaoli Ding (Director of Research Institute of Land and Space) also attended the meeting. In addition, a total of four lab members participated in the meeting: Dr. Zhiwei Li (Research Assistant Professor), Dr. Cheolhee Yoo (Research Assistant Professor), Dr. Qiming Zheng (Research Assistant Professor), and Dr. Jessie Jia (Postdoc). Each of them introduced their research field and how they can work hand in hand with ASTRI to cultivate a vibrant ecosystem.