News

Director of RILS interviewed on RTHK: New trends in floating communities and architecture

Prof. DING Xiaoli, Director of Research Institute for Land and Space (RILS) and Chair Professor of Geomatics, was recently interviewed on RTHK’s programme “World in a Nutshell”, where he provided an in-depth analysis of the latest developments in floating communities and architecture. The Schoonschip floating community in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, is widely regarded as a global example of innovative floating architecture. Situated along a local canal, the community comprises thirty modern floating homes, around half of which are duplex units. Structurally, these homes resemble buildings on land: they use concrete hulls for ballast and are anchored to the shore with mooring/achoring arms to ensure stability. Around one third of the rooftops are equipped with greenery and solar panels, enabling residents to share or sell surplus electricity within the community or to the national grid—an illustration of sustainable living in practice. Importantly, the floating buildings at Schoonschip are designed to rise and fall with changes in the water level, providing effective flood protection. During a storm in 2022, residents reportedly only needed to secure outdoor items to remain safe. Prof. Ding pointed out that floating buildings are generally no more than three storeys high, typically supported with pontoons beneath the structure, and often use highly durable concrete and flexible pipes to connect water supply and sewage facilities. Such developments can help alleviate land shortages and housing supply pressures, while also address the flood risks brought about by climate change. Beyond the Netherlands, low-lying countries such as the Maldives are also actively developing floating communities, employing approaches that integrate artificial coral reefs and deep-sea cooling technologies to support environmental protection and innovation. Prof. Ding further noted that although floating buildings must contend with weather challenges such as typhoons and earthquakes, their potential benefits, including disaster resilience, environmental protection, and flexible land use, are encouraging more cities worldwide to explore the possibilities of living on water.   Online coverage: RTHK - https://polyu.me/4apMf8b (23:17–34:16) (Chinese only)

Floating Pontoons, Lasting Partnerships: PolyU RILS x CEDD Field Visit

The Research Institute for Land and Space (RILS) at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), led by Prof. DING Xiaoli, Director of RILS, Prof. ZHAO Xiao Lin, Associate Director of RILS, and Prof. KO Jan-ming, Emeritus Professor (Structural Engineering), and the Civil Engineering and Development Department (CEDD) of the Hong Kong SAR Government, led by Mr WONG Chi-pan, Ricky, Head of Civil Engineering Office, Mr CHU Chin-keung, Henry, Deputy Head of the Civil Engineering Office (Port & Land), and Mr CHEUNG Wing-hong, Chief Engineer/ Port Works, have taken a significant step forward in their collaborative efforts to enhance Hong Kong’s floating infrastructure. On 15 January 2026, a joint delegation was conducted to visit the newly opened floating pontoons at Ma Liu Shui New Ferry Pier and Sam Mun Tsai Village Pier. The visit served as a valuable platform for knowledge exchange, sparking discussions on innovative floating infrastructure solutions designed to meet the needs of Hong Kong’s evolving urban environment. The field visit underscored the shared commitment of PolyU RILS and CEDD to sustainable urban development, while deepening the understanding of floating pontoon design and operations. It also reinforced the strong partnership between the two parties. Together, they remain dedicated to pioneering forward‑looking floating infrastructure that enhances safety, accessibility, and convenience—ultimately benefiting Hong Kong’s communities and supporting long‑term urban growth. About Floating Pontoons​ The newly opened floating pontoons at Ma Liu Shui New Ferry Pier (September 2025) and Sam Mun Tsai Village Pier (November 2025) play a vital role in strengthening connectivity and improving the waterfront experience across Hong Kong. Ma Liu Shui New Ferry Pier serves as a gateway to several renowned geological sites within the Hong Kong UNESCO Global Geopark. With kaito ferry services to destinations such as Lai Chi Wo, Kat O, and Ap Chau, the pier helps ease vessel and passenger congestion, particularly during weekends and holidays. Sam Mun Tsai Village Pier, located in the Shuen Wan Typhoon Shelter in Tai Po District and adjacent to the Yim Tin Tsai fish culture zone, primarily serves local villagers, fishermen, and visitors heading to the Ma Shi Chau Nature Trail. The commissioning of the new pier caters to peak travel demand during weekends and holidays, providing a more comfortable and convenient travelling experience for both residents and tourists. Both piers feature floating platform and gangway designs that rise and fall with the tide level, keeping a constant level between vessels and the platform for safer boarding and disembarkation. The piers also equipped with modern amenities—including charging facilities, Wi‑Fi hotspots, and electronic information display panel—further enhance user convenience and elevate the overall visitor experience.  

Director of RILS shares insights on coastal cities’ subsidence risks in Nature

Prof. DING Xiaoli, Director of the Research Institute for Land and Space (RILS) and Chair Professor of Geomatics, contributed expert insights on subsidence risks in coastal cities to science journal Nature. Prof. Ding explained that coastal cities are particularly vulnerable to subsidence due to their natural characteristics.  Many are situated on river deltas or coastal plains, where sediment compaction over time leads to subsidence. For coastal cities located in earthquake-prone regions, such as Tokyo, tectonic activity can further contribute to the problem.  Meanwhile, the expansion of coastal cities themselves — with nearly one-third of the global population in 2018, or more than 2 billion people, lived within 50 kilometres of the shore — has significantly exacerbated the issue. For more details, please read the full paper “Sinking cities: how China is moving subsidence research forward” by YOU Xiaoying at https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-025-03529-z

Director of RILS Wins Silver Award at the 5th Asia Exhibition of Innovations and Inventions Hong Kong

Prof. DING Xiaoli, Director of Research Institute for Land and Space (RILS) and Chair Professor of Geomatics at PolyU, led the project “PipeInspect: Cutting-Edge Inspection on Water Distribution Network with Fiber-optic Positioning” which was honoured with the Silver Award at the 5th Asia Exhibition of Innovations and Inventions Hong Kong (AEII 2025). The event took place on 4–5 December 2025 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre and featured around 140 innovative projects from across Asia. AEII is a prestigious annual exhibition and competition organised by The Hong Kong Exporters’ Association in partnership with Palexpo, the organiser of the International Exhibition of Inventions Geneva. At the exhibition, RILS showcased PolyU’s latest advancements in optical fiber sensing technologies for real-time water mains leakage detection and health monitoring. This innovative solution addresses critical urban infrastructure challenges by enabling early detection and prevention of water loss in distribution networks. Live demonstrations highlighted how distributed fiber sensing can continuously monitor strain, temperature, and acoustic signals along pipelines, facilitating precise leak detection, early anomaly identification, and predictive maintenance. This proactive approach not only reduces non-revenue water but also enhances the resilience and sustainability of water supply systems.A key feature of the technology is the integration of sensing data with Geographic Information Systems (GIS), digital twins, and advanced analytics. This enables operators to visualize pipeline conditions, simulate scenarios, and optimize asset management, bridging the gap between physical infrastructure and digital intelligence. Such research is paving the way for smarter cities and more sustainable resource management.The exhibition provided an excellent platform to engage with international visitors and industry stakeholders, whose feedback reinforced the global relevance of fiber sensing solutions in addressing water scarcity and infrastructure challenges. RILS remains dedicated to advancing research in land and space applications, delivering solutions that safeguard critical infrastructure and improve quality of life. Together, we are shaping the future of intelligent water management and contributing to a more resilient and sustainable world.

RILS research sheds light on century-old mystery — The excitation of Chandler Wobble

Prof. CHEN Jianli, Core Member of the Research Institute for Land and Space (RILS) and Chair Professor of Space Geodesy and Earth Sciences in the Department of Land Surveying and Geo-Informatics, together with a team of international experts, has recently published a ground-breaking study in The Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS).  The study provides the first observational evidence confirming the Chandler wobble (CW) excitation theory proposed by British geophysicist Harold JEFFREYS in 1940, which suggests that annual variability in polar motion is a significant mechanism for exciting the CW. The Chandler wobble is an oscillation of the Earth’s rotational axis relative to its surface, with a period of approximately 433 days.  Discovered and named after American astronomer Seth CHANDLER in 1891, the CW is a resonant motion of the Earth’s rotational axis.  Without continuous geophysical excitations, the intensity of the CW naturally weakens over time due to energy loss caused by deformation of the Earth’s mantle material, and friction between the solid Earth, ocean and atmosphere. The amplitude of the CW is variable, but generally falls within the range of 150–350 milliarcsecond (equivalent to 5-10 metres on the Earth’s surface).  However, the CW has experienced two periods of significant decrease (near-absence) since 1900: one in the 1920s and another more recently in the 2010s.  Although movements of water and air masses within the Earth’s climate system are believed to be responsible for maintaining the CW, the precise geophysical excitation mechanism has remained a mystery for over a century.  The driving forces behind the two unprecedented reductions in CWamplitude also remain unknown. The team identified episodes of a near six-year oscillation (SYO) in prograde annual polar motion excitation amplitude over the past 125 years, which they traced to variability within the climate system.  Furthermore, they discovered that the SYO of annual polar motion plays a major role in CW excitation: the team identified SYO episodes in the 1920s and 2010s, which coincide with the reductions in CW amplitude. Read the full paper: https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2520272122

RILS co-organised 2025 International Joint VOCs Conference

From 6 to 8 November 2025, the 12th Annual National Conference on the Prevention and Control of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), the 5th International Symposium on Catalytic Science and Technology in Sustainable Energy and Environment (5th EECAT), and the 2025 International Expert Symposium on Volatile Organic Compounds (collectively referred to as the 2025 Joint VOCs Conference) were successfully co-organised by the Research Institute for Land and Space (RILS), Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering (CEE) of PolyU, Jinan University, South China University of Technology, and the VOCs Pollution Prevention and Control Committee of the Chinese Society for Environmental Sciences, among other institutions. The conference was held in Guangzhou and attracted nearly 600 experts, scholars, industry professionals, and research students from over ten countries and regions. The International VOCs Experts Symposium originated from a workshop initiated by Prof. GUO Hai, management committee member of RILS and Professor of CEE, in late November 2023 at PolyU, which received widespread acclaim. This year’s event, the second International VOCs Experts Symposium, was held in conjunction with two domestic VOCs-related conferences, aiming to expand its international influence while deepening academic exchange within China. The conference featured 10 plenary speeches delivered by leading VOCs experts worldwide. As one of the five co-chairs of the organizing committee, Prof. Guo invited Prof. Donald R. BLAKE from the University of California, Irvine, and Prof. Mathew EVANS from the University of York, UK, to deliver the opening and closing plenary speeches, respectively. Prof. Guo also presented the Lifetime Achievement Award to Prof. Blake during the opening ceremony and chaired the closing ceremony. The conference included 12 parallel sessions, 350 high-level academic presentations, and 50 poster displays. Prof. Guo delivered keynote speeches in two sessions, focusing on indoor VOCs and VOCs impacts across different bay areas. The conference also recognised outstanding student presentations and posters, with Dr. XIONG Enyu, a recent PhD graduate from Prof. Guo’s group, receiving the Outstanding Student Presentation Award. The conference provided a platform for experts to share cutting-edge research findings and strategic insights on key topics such as VOCs pollution mechanisms, monitoring technologies, control strategies, and global collaborative governance. The event contributed innovative solutions for advancing VOCs pollution control technologies and global air quality management.

Prof. WENG Qihao, Associate Director of RILS, develops AI-driven, GIS Compatible vehicle type detection system supported by Smart Traffic Fund

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) is committed to advancing innovative transportation technologies that shape the future of mobility. A novel PolyU research project to develop a vehicle type detection system using artificial intelligence (AI) and geographic information system (GIS) technologies has received support from the Smart Traffic Fund, helping to facilitate traffic management in Hong Kong. Led by Prof. Qihao WENG, Chair Professor of Geomatics and Artificial Intelligence and Global STEM Scholar at the Department of Land Surveying and Geo-Informatics, Associate Director of the Research Institute for Land and Space, Director of the Research Centre for Artificial Intelligence in Geomatics (RCAIG) and JC STEM Lab of Earth Observations, the project titled “AI-Driven, GIS-Compatible Vehicle Type Detection System Riding on Fusion of Satellite, CCTV, and Geospatial Data” has received support from the Smart Traffic Fund, with approximately HK$3.23 million in funding over a duration of 24 months. With matching funds, this project will have a total budget of over HK$4.03 million. This project aims to develop a vehicle type detection system based on satellite and CCTV images. It will address existing AI limitations, such as limited generalisation capability and complex background interference. By developing AI-powered image analysis technology and establishing a vehicle type detection system compatible with geographic information systems, the project will deliver precise vehicle data analytics to facilitate traffic management in Hong Kong. The Smart Traffic Fund provides funding support to local organisations and enterprises for conducting research and applying innovation and technology with the objectives of enhancing commuting convenience, enhancing efficiency of the road network or road space, and improving driving safety.

RILS co-organised The 4th Jiangsu-Hong Kong-Macao University Alliance (JHMUA) Academic Forum

The 4th Academic Forum of the Jiangsu-Hong Kong-Macao University Alliance for Remote Sensing and Environment was successfully held at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) from 29 to 30 October 2025. Jointly organised by PolyU and the Jiangsu-Hong Kong-Macao University Alliance (JHMUA), the event was hosted by the Department of Land Surveying and Geo-Informatics (LSGI) and the Remote Sensing Laboratory (RSL), with strong support from the Faculty of Construction and Environment (FCE), Mainland Development Office (MDO), State Key Laboratory of Coastal and Urban Climate Resilience, Research Institute for Sustainable Urban Development (RISUD), Research Institute for Land and Space (RILS) and the School of Environment and Spatial Informatics of China University of Mining and Technology. Prof. Charles Man Sing WONG, Professor of LSGI, Associate Dean of FCE, Associate Director of RISUD and management committee member of RILS, chaired the JHMUA Remote Sensing and Environment Annual Meeting. He facilitated discussions among representatives from alliance member universities, who joined both online and in-person, to deliberate on the consortium's strategic direction and future collaborations. During Opening Ceremony, Prof. WONG extended a warm welcome to all participants and reflected on the alliance's journey since its establishment in 2022. He highlighted the platform's vital role in strengthening the scientific and educational bonds among Jiangsu, Hong Kong and Macao. The scientific program delved into the forefront of remote sensing and environmental science, covering critical topics such as climate change, air quality, carbon emission monitoring, geological hazard detection and Earth system science. These themes were explored through a series of high-caliber invited reports delivered by renowned scholars, including: Prof. Guo-qiang SHI (PolyU) Prof. Xiao-lin ZHU (PolyU) Prof. Bo HUANG (HKU) Prof. Hui SU (HKUST) Prof. Meng GAO (HKBU) Prof. Fei JIANG (Nanjing University) Prof. Huilin CHEN (Nanjing University) Prof. Zhong LU (China University of Mining and Technology) Prof. Liang GAO (University of Macau) The forum successfully promoted academic exchange and strengthened collaboration in remote sensing and environmental research among universities in Jiangsu, Hong Kong and Macao.

Dr Olga ROSTAPSHOVA of University of Chicago champions data-driven approach to environmental regulations at RILS Public Lecture

On 14 October 2025, Dr Olga ROSTAPSHOVA, Executive Director of the Energy and Environment Laboratory at the University of Chicago, delivered an online public lecture on "A Data-Driven Approach to Improving Enforcement of Environmental Regulations". The lecture was well-attended by over 300 registrations, attracting audience across the globe. Dr Rostapshova presented on the limitations of traditional methods of regulatory enforcement and the potential of leveraging advancements in remote sensing, computing capabilities, and analytic methods to transform environmental enforcement. The lecture highlighted the importance of interdisciplinary approaches, combining public policy, economics and applied data science to inform policy and drive measurable improvements in regulatory enforcement, resource conservation and pollution reduction. Following the presentation was a lively question-and-answer session moderated by Prof. LI Heng, Management Committee member of RILS and Chair Professor of Construction Informatics.  The audience engaged in a productive discussion with Dr Rostapshova.

RILS showcases at GBA Water Conservation Industry Innovation and Development Conference and Expo

The Research Institute for Land and Space (RILS) recently participated in the Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) Water Conservation Industry Innovation and Development Conference and Expo, held at the Baiyun International Convention Center in Guangzhou. The event provided a valuable platform for RILS to engage with government, utilities, industry and academia on promoting resilient and low-carbon water infrastructure across the GBA. At the RILS booth, we showcased the latest research on applying optical fibre sensing for real-time water mains leakage detection and health monitoring, led by Prof. DING Xiaoli, Director of RILS. Demonstrations highlighted the capabilities of distributed fiber sensing, which combines acoustic, temperature and strain measurements to continuously monitor long pipeline corridors, detect hidden leaks and flag early-stage anomalies. This approach, integrated with Geographic Information System (GIS), digital twins and edge analytics, supports data-driven asset management, reduces non-revenue water, minimises unnecessary excavation and enhances service reliability. The event was attended by notable guests, including Mr WONG Yan Lok, Roger, JP, Director of Water Supplies, Water Supplies Department, HKSAR, and Ir Dr CHAN Hon Fai, Founding President of the Hong Kong Institute of Water and Sanitation Safety. They visited our booth to discuss potential collaborations, standards development and talent cultivation. The Expo facilitated productive discussions on joint research, technology transfer, and demonstration projects with utilities and solution providers from across the region. Building on the momentum from Guangzhou, RILS will continue to advance optical fiber sensing and complementary smart-water technologies that safeguard resources and strengthen the GBA's critical infrastructure.