News

Prof. George LIU Selected as Ewha Global Fellow (EGF) for 2027–2029

We are pleased to share that Prof. George LIU Zhizhao, Member of RILS and Professor of the Department of Land Surveying and Geospatial Science (LSGS), The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), has been selected as an Ewha Global Fellow (EGF) for 2027–2029 at the Ewha Womans University, Seoul, South Korea. Founded in 1886, this year marks the 140th anniversary of the Ewha Womans University, one of the world’s largest women's research universities and a leading institution in higher education. The Ewha Global Fellow (EGF) programme was launched to recognise distinguished international academics and encourage them to actively collaborate in research and education with Ewha faculty members. Prof. LIU is a world-renowned expert in Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS), Satellite Meteorology, Atmospheric Water Vapor Remote Sensing, and Multi-Sensor Data Assimilation for Numerical Weather Prediction (NWP). In recent years, his Micro-LARGE Laboratory has been primarily focusing on extreme precipitation forecasting based on multi-sensor data assimilation. He serves as Chief Scientist at the Meteorological Observation Center of the China Meteorological Administration (CMA), Scientific Advisor to the Hong Kong Observatory (HKO), and Adjunct Professor at the University of Calgary, Canada. At PolyU, Prof. LIU leads the Micro-LARGE Laboratory and plays a pivotal role as a research member in Research Institute for Land and Space (RILS), Otto Poon Research Institute for Climate-Resilient Infrastructure (RICRI) and the State Key Laboratory of Climate Resilience for Coastal Cities. Currently he is deploying the Hong Kong Water Atmospheric Vapor Estimation System (HK-WAVES) on HKO's operational platform to directly support daily weather forecasting services. At the same time, he is leading the development of China’s nationwide Precise Point Positioning (PPP)-based WAVES to support CMA’s weather forecasting services. This prestigious appointment recognises Prof. LIU’s international research excellence and opens up new avenues for interdisciplinary collaboration between PolyU and Ewha Womans University in geodesy, GNSS, satellite meteorology, and climate resilience. Congratulations to Prof. LIU on this well-deserved honour!

Prof. DING Xiaoli, Director of RILS, appointed Interim Dean of the Faculty of Construction and Environment

The Research Institute for Land and Space (RILS) is pleased to announce the appointment of its Director, Prof. DING Xiaoli, as Interim Dean of the Faculty of Construction and Environment (FCE), effective 1 October 2026. Prof. Ding will succeed Prof. LI Xiang-dong, who has been appointed Vice President (Research), in leading FCE’s strategic development. On his appointment, Prof. Ding expressed his commitment to working closely with FCE’s key stakeholders to sustain the Faculty’s pursuit of excellence in education and impactful research. He also conveyed his sincere appreciation to Prof. Li for his leadership and guidance over the past years. Please join us in extending our warmest congratulations to Prof. Ding on his new leadership role, and wishing him every success.

PolyU and Lands Department launch “Walkin’HK” app to promote inclusive mobility through spatial data

The Research Institute for Land and Space (RILS) and the Jockey Club Design Institute for Social Innovation (J.C.DISI) of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), in collaboration with the Survey and Mapping Office of the Lands Department of the HKSAR Government, have jointly launched the “Walkin’HK” mobile application. Combining geospatial technology, academic research and social innovation, the project aims to promote inclusive mobility and serve the wider community. Leveraging the Lands Department’s 3D digital maps and over 240 datasets from the Common Spatial Data Infrastructure (CSDI) portal, “Walkin’HK” accurately analyses pedestrian zones and offers users a highly precise 3D urban experience. Through an extensive 3D pedestrian network that incorporates barrier-free facilities, users can plan diverse walking routes and easily locate various community amenities using built-in spatial tools. Beyond assisting people of all ages, including those with special needs, the app actively supports the Government’s “15-minute community” initiative, encouraging walking as a sustainable and environmentally friendly mode of transport. In a recent blog post, the Secretary for Development, Ms Bernadette LINN, highlighted that the Spatial Data Office under the Development Bureau is actively promoting spatial data sharing to support smart city development. The CSDI portal currently brings together more than 1,100 spatial datasets from over 70 government departments and public bodies, making official geographic data freely accessible to the public. The Office is also piloting the use of artificial intelligence to facilitate data collection and analysis, as well as the presentation of relevant information through map-based visualisation. Furthermore, the Government plans to develop a new server next year to enable users to directly search CSDI data via mainstream AI platforms, thereby expanding the practical application of spatial data. During an interview on the RTHK programme Government and You, representatives of the Survey and Mapping Office explained that “Walkin’HK” can accurately assess walkable areas and surrounding amenities, offering citizens a variety of route options. The app provides practical information such as surface elevation and gradients, identifies facilities accessible within a 15-minute walk, and categorises facilities to six major categories. Ultimately, the application is designed to streamline daily travel and support Hong Kong’s development into a more liveable, walkable city. Online coverage: RTHK - https://polyu.me/4y7Uq2u (03:35-04:47) Ta Kung Pao - https://polyu.me/4xgVuQq Bauhinia - https://polyu.me/4xd2WvW Flaming Wheels - https://polyu.me/4xb7P8u RTHK - https://polyu.me/4gFEZIE TVB - https://polyu.me/469k5eQ CRHK - https://polyu.me/4r0xr6K Wen Wei Po - https://polyu.me/469k8Hy Hong Kong Commercial Daily - https://polyu.me/4cy4usS Ming Pao Daily - https://polyu.me/3SU9TDY; https://polyu.me/3Tc31ls Hong Kong Economic Journal - https://polyu.me/4cYUCsg Hong Kong Economic Times - https://polyu.me/4xFO5Lg (subscription required) HK01 - https://polyu.me/4cuWdGb Bastille Post - https://polyu.me/4xGc6lv RTHK - https://www.rthk.hk/tv/dtt31/programme/hkunited/episode/1122972

PolyU RILS delegation visits Yangjiang Laboratory to advance offshore wind innovation

A delegation from the Research Institute for Land and Space (RILS) at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) visited Yangjiang Offshore Wind Energy Laboratory (“the Laboratory”) on 12 September 2026 to deepen collaboration in offshore wind engineering and exchange views on technological innovation and the future development of the PolyU–Yangjiang Laboratory Joint Research Centre for Offshore Wind Power. Led by PolyU President Prof. TENG Jin-Guang, the delegation comprised Prof. DING Xiaoli, Director of RILS; Prof. ZHAO Xiao Lin, Associate Director of RILS; and Prof. YIN Zhen-Yu, Associate Director of RILS. The delegation was warmly received by Prof. ZHU Ronghua, Director of Yangjiang Offshore Wind Energy Laboratory, along with his team. During the visit, the delegation toured several of the Laboratory’s key research and testing facilities, including the Wind Turbine Blade In-situ Testing Base, the Major Equipment and Facility Base, the Offshore Wind Power Safety Research and Application Base, and the Complex Building. These facilities provide important support for the development, testing and safety assessment of offshore wind technologies, helping to enhance the performance, reliability and operational safety of offshore wind farms. The two parties also exchanged views on the latest industry developments, opportunities for future research collaboration, and ways to accelerate the practical application of innovative technologies. The visit further strengthened the partnership between the two sides through the PolyU–Yangjiang Laboratory Joint Research Centre for Offshore Wind Power (JRC). Established in March 2024, the JRC is jointly operated and managed by RILS and the Laboratory. Through resource sharing, collaborative research, talent development and technology transfer, the JRC promotes the development of innovative technologies and advanced materials for offshore wind power, while facilitating the translation of research outcomes into industrial applications.

PolyU RILS collaborated "Walkin'HK" app for promoting inclusive mobility

Featured in the Secretary for Development’s blog, “Walkin’HK” is a collaboration between the Lands Department’s Survey and Mapping Office and PolyU, with PolyU’s contribution led by the Research Institute for Land and Space (RILS) and Jockey Club Design Institute for Social Innovation (J.C.DISI) as a collaborating partner to integrate geospatial technology, academic research and social innovation for the benefit of the community.. The “Walkin’HK” application harnesses LandsD’s 3D Digital Maps and over 240 sets of 2D and 3D spatial datasets from the Common Spatial Data Infrastructure (CSDI) Portal. The application analyses walkable zones, provides high precision and realistic 3D city model experiences, and offers diverse walking options through 3D pedestrian network designed with universal accessibility elements. It also utilises spatial analytic tools to identify surrounding community facilities. The application enables people of different ages and needs to explore their neighbourhoods more conveniently, while supporting the HKSAR Government’s “15 Minute Neighbourhood” policy and promoting walking as green mode of travel. Online coverage: RTHK - https://polyu.me/4gFEZIE (English); https://polyu.me/4xA2icK(Chinese) TVB - https://polyu.me/469k5eQ CRHK - https://polyu.me/4r0xr6K Wen Wei Po - https://polyu.me/469k8Hy Hong Kong Commercial Daily - https://polyu.me/4cy4usS Ming Pao Daily - https://polyu.me/3SU9TDY; https://polyu.me/3Tc31ls Hong Kong Economic Journal - https://polyu.me/4cYUCsg Hong Kong Economic Times - https://polyu.me/4xFO5Lg (subscription required) HK01 - https://polyu.me/4cuWdGb Bastille Post - https://polyu.me/4xGc6lv Oriental Daily - https://polyu.me/4h0kZ2q; https://polyu.me/4iglJ5I Orange news - https://polyu.me/4yn3Vug; https://polyu.me/4xKljtc Lion Rock Daily - https://polyu.me/4gU2gWc Unique Media - https://uniquemedia.hk/?p=174912

Prof. ZHAO Xiao Lin and Prof. WANG Chien Ming featured in THE Campus on cross-disciplinary challenges

When researchers, government and industry collaborate, alignment is everything. Discover how Prof. ZHAO Xiao Lin, Associate Director of RILS at PolyU, and Prof. WANG Chien Ming, Member of the RILS International Advisory Committee, turn cross-disciplinary challenges into successful partnerships. Read the full article:  https://www.timeshighereducation.com/campus/juggling-competing-priorities-research-collaborations.

The PolyU-Yangjiang Laboratory Joint Research Centre for Offshore Wind Power under RILS co-organises ICOW STE 2026 to advance Offshore Wind Innovation and Global Sustainable Energy Transition

The PolyU-Yangjiang Laboratory Joint Research Centre for Offshore Wind Power (JRC) under the Research Institute for Land and Space (RILS) at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) proudly co-organised the International Conference on Offshore Wind Science, Technology and Engineering 2026 (ICOW STE 2026), held in Guangzhou from 14 to 16 August 2026. As a landmark international event in the offshore wind sector, the conference attracted over 200 onsite participants, bringing together leading scholars, industry experts, engineers, and stakeholders from around the world. They gathered to address the critical scientific, technological, and engineering challenges associated with offshore wind energy development, particularly as the sector continues to expand into deeper and more distant water. Under the theme "Empowering Industry Through Scientific Research and Technology Integration", ICOW STE 2026 provided a high-level platform for academic exchange, technology sharing and industry collaboration. The conference promoted cross-sector dialogue on the coordinated development of the offshore wind value chain, from fundamental scientific research and technological innovation to engineering demonstration and industrial application. The event was chaired by Prof. Richard Ronghua ZHU of Zhejiang University, Director of the Yangjiang Offshore Wind Laboratory and Professor of Practice at RILS. Prof. DING Xiaoli, Director of RILS and Co-director of the JRC, and Prof. ZHAO Xiao Lin, Associate Director of RILS, served as Scientific Committee Members and moderated the plenary sessions, contributing to the conference's strong academic leadership and scientific impact. Through in-depth exchanges among international experts from academia and industry, ICOW STE 2026 showcased the latest technological frontiers in offshore wind power, including floating foundations, hydrodynamics, intelligent operation and maintenance, offshore structures, cluster-based development and wind-wave energy integration. The conference also fostered new opportunities for international collaboration, technology transfer and strategic partnerships. By co-organising ICOW STE 2026, RILS and the PolyU-Yangjiang Laboratory JRC reaffirmed their commitment to advancing offshore wind science and engineering, supporting clean energy innovation and contributing to the global sustainable energy transition.

PolyU and Lands Department extend strategic collaboration to promote geospatial social innovation for smart and inclusive urban development

The Research Institute for Land and Space (RILS) of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), the Survey and Mapping Office (SMO) of the Lands Department, HKSAR Government, and The Jockey Club Design Institute for Social Innovation (J.C.DISI) of PolyU have officially established the Special Interest Group on Geospatial Social Innovation (SIG-GSI), marking a new milestone in promoting the use of geospatial technologies and social innovation for public and community benefit. The formation of the SIG-GSI builds upon the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) established between PolyU and the Lands Department in September 2025 to advance smart surveying, mapping and geospatial services that incorporate authoritative standards.  Through pioneering research, technology enhancement and professional training, the partnership aims to accelerate Hong Kong’s transformation into a digital city.  Under the MoU framework, PolyU’s academic and research units work closely with the SMO in research, education and knowledge transfer, focusing on interdisciplinary fields including land surveying, geographic information systems, remote sensing, smart cities, artificial intelligence and location-based technologies. As the first major initiative under this collaboration framework, the Group brings together RILS, SMO and J.C.DISI, with J.C.DISI joining as a new collaborating unit.  Drawing on its expertise in social innovation, multidisciplinary engagement and community-centred design, J.C.DISI will help identify opportunities and foster collaboration in areas aligned with the Group’s mission. The convenors of the SIG-GSI are Prof. DING Xiaoli, Director of RILS; Mr CHOI Wai Man, Raymond, Chief Land Surveyor/Land Information Centre, and Mr SO Man Cheong, Kenneth, Chief Survey Manager/Special Duties of SMO; and Ms Sam LAM, Interim Director of J.C.DISI.  The SIG-GSI provides a platform for academia, government and social innovation practitioners to collaborate in leveraging spatial data and geospatial technologies to address urban and community challenges.  Through research exchange, capacity building, pilot projects and professional activities, the Group aims to advance applications of spatial data and geospatial technologies in areas such as community development, social inclusion, walkability and smart city development, while promoting innovative solutions that contribute to the public and social good. The Group held its inaugural meeting on 9 July 2026 at PolyU.  During the meeting, members discussed priority areas for collaboration and future initiatives that will harness spatial data and geospatial technologies to create positive social impact. A key focus of the discussion was the upcoming launch of the Walkin'HK application on 15 July 2026.  The application aims to promote the concept of walkability across Hong Kong by leveraging open spatial data available through the HKSAR Government’s Common Spatial Data Infrastructure (CSDI) Portal.  By drawing on a wide range of open spatial datasets—including 3D visualisation map, 3D pedestrian network, address information and community facilities—the platform will provide valuable spatial insights into the pedestrian environment, support walkability studies and foster more people-centred urban development through enhanced community engagement.  Through this tripartite collaboration, the SIG-GSI will serve as a dynamic platform for harnessing geospatial intelligence, social innovation and multidisciplinary expertise to develop practical, inclusive and sustainable land and space solutions for Hong Kong, contributing to the city’s continued advancement as a smart, resilient and people-centred metropolis.   Online Coverage: Lands Department - https://www.landsd.gov.hk/en/whats-new/news/mapping/news20260722.html

Prof. WENG Qihao, Associate Director of RILS, elected as Prestigious ISPRS Fellow in 2026

Prof. WENG Qihao, ADoRILS, has been elected as a Fellow of the International Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing (ISPRS) in 2026. This prestigious honor is reserved for individuals who have demonstrated sustained, exceptional service to the Society and its core missions. With a strict limit of no more than five Fellows elected globally at any ISPRS General Assembly, this recognition represents a highly selective and outstanding milestone that reflects Prof. Weng’s global scientific leadership and profound impact on the geospatial community.   As a Chair Professor of Geomatics and Artificial Intelligence and a Global STEM Professor at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), Prof. Weng has dedicated his career to pioneering advancements in remote sensing and geospatial AI.   This latest fellowship adds to an already distinguished list of international accolades. Prof. Weng is a Foreign Member of Academia Europaea and an elected Fellow of several of the world's most prestigious scientific organizations, including the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), the American Association of Geographers (AAG), the American Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing (ASPRS), and the Asia-Pacific Artificial Intelligence Association (AAIA). Furthermore, he serves as Editor-in-Chief of the ISPRS Journal of Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing and Lead of the Group on Earth Observations (GEO)’s Global Urban Observation and Information Initiative, actively contributing to the development of the field.

RILS Successfully Hosted Distinguished Lecture on New Challenges to Understand Global Changes in Cybernetic Times

The lecture titled "New Challenges to Understand Global Changes in Cybernetic Times" delivered by Prof. Riccardo VALENTINI, Professor of Forest Ecology at the Department for Innovations in Biological, Agri-food and Forest Systems, University of Tuscia, Italy, and moderated by Prof. Charles WONG Man Sing, Associate Dean (FCE), Professor of LSGI, and Management Committee Member of RILS at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, was successfully held on 25 June 2026. The event attracted a robust audience of nearly 100 participants, with over 70 attendees joining on-site at Block Z and an additional 20 connecting virtually. This strong turnout reflected the significant interest in the intersection of biogeosciences and emerging technologies as the Earth system undergoes unprecedented transformation.   During the session, Prof. Valentini framed the current era as "cybernetic times," characterized by complex feedback loops binding planetary processes, human activities, and intelligent machines. The discussion highlighted how the convergence of the Internet of Things, artificial intelligence, and robotics is revolutionizing our capacity to observe and model the planet. Key topics included the use of distributed sensor networks for real-time environmental monitoring, AI-driven analysis for detecting early-warning signals of abrupt change, and autonomous robotic platforms that extend scientific observation into extreme environments where humans cannot reach.   The lecture addressed the profound epistemological and methodological questions raised by this technological convergence, particularly regarding how to integrate these tools into a coherent understanding of Earth system dynamics. Prof. Valentini emphasised the need for a new research agenda where technology is viewed not merely as an instrument, but as a constitutive element of a new way of knowing and caring for a rapidly changing planet. The event concluded with an engaging Q&A session, during which the audience actively exchanged ideas on how these innovations can support timely climate action in the face of nonlinear dynamics and tipping points that often outpace traditional models and institutions.