Prof. Wallace Lai Wai-lok, Associate Head (Teaching) and Professor of the Department of Land Surveying and Geo-informatics at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), was interviewed by Nanfang Daily to introduce his project “Unfolding the lost WWII heritage: A new chapter of geo-spatial and geophysical technologies in HK.” The project aims to promote an integrated Art-Tech approach and maximise public awareness of historical interpretation, heritage conservation, STEAM education, public engagement, and exhibitions for remembrance in the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression.
In the interview, Prof. Lai emphasised that cross-disciplinary collaboration with historians is essential for identifying wartime sites using archival documents and diaries. By utilising advanced geospatial technologies, including geo-referencing and mapping techniques, airborne and terrestrial laser scanning, and geophysical methods, his research team recreates the hidden remains within PolyU's Hybrid Immersive Virtual Environment.
Prof. Lai is committed to using technology to record war relics before they disappear, enabling younger generations to engage with the past history. This research not only represents groundbreaking scientific work but also makes a lasting contribution to cultural memory and historical understanding.
Full interview with Nanfang Daily (In Chinese Only)
For more:
PolyU study uncovering Hong Kong’s hidden history with cutting-edge geospatial technologies receives Innovation and Technology Fund grant
