Prof. Qihao WENG, Chair Professor of Geomatics and Artificial Intelligence of the Department of Land Surveying and Geospatial Science at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and a Global STEM Scholar, has been elected as an International Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing (ISPRS) Fellow 2026. With a strict limit of no more than five Fellows elected globally at any ISPRS General Assembly, the honour recognises his outstanding scientific contributions and international leadership in photogrammetry, remote sensing and geospatial artificial intelligence (GeoAI).
This prestigious distinction reflects Prof. Weng’s international standing and PolyU’s strength in advancing AI-enabled geospatial research for environmental and societal impact. His research contributions have significantly shaped the fields of urban remote sensing, urban climate studies, and AI-driven Earth observation, offering crucial data-driven solutions that support sustainable urban development worldwide.
Prof. Weng has dedicated his research to urban environmental issues and has significantly advanced the understanding of urbanisation, climate change and environmental sustainability. His pioneering work in sub-pixel analysis, time-series remote sensing imagery and geospatial analytics has had a profound impact on studies of urban heat islands, urban growth and sustainable urban development worldwide.
Beyond his fundamental scientific contributions, Prof. Weng has been actively advancing practical applications of GeoAI technologies. His research team integrates AI, earth observation, remote sensing and big data analytics to develop innovative solutions for sustainable urban development, environmental monitoring and urban resilience. Their work supports informed decision-making in diverse areas including transportation, urban planning, public safety, climate adaptation and disaster management.
In addition, Prof. Weng leads PolyU Research Centre for Artificial Intelligence in Geomatics (RCAIG) and JC STEM Lab of Earth Observations. The RCAIG focuses on developing innovative geospatial AI technologies to address environmental and societal challenges in geomatics, with a vision to become a global R&D hub in GeoAI. The JC STEM Lab of Earth Observations is a joint effort of PolyU, Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust, and the Hong Kong SAR government to support the "Global STEM Professorship Scheme". The laboratory focuses on the development of original and innovative Earth Observation (EO) methodologies and technologies and their applications for studies of the causes, effects, and responses to environmental and societal challenges in cities and urban areas, with the goal of becoming a global research hub in EO. Under his leadership, the research centre and the laboratory have been pushing the frontiers of geospatial intelligence and earth observation, driving transformative solutions for global urban sustainability.
This latest fellowship adds to Prof. Weng’s distinguished record of international accolades. He is a Foreign Member of Academia Europaea and an elected Fellow of several of the world's leading scientific organisations, 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, contributing actively to the advancement of the field.
Since 2010, the ISPRS Fellowship has been among the highest distinctions in the global photogrammetry, remote sensing, and spatial information science community. It recognises individuals who have made exceptional and sustained contributions to the advancement of the discipline.
Learn more about Prof. WENG’s achievement:
PolyU harnesses GeoAI technologies to enable sustainable urban development
PolyU research unveils critical role of humidity and indoor conditions in heatwave severity assessments, introducing a new framework for standardised heatwave indices
PolyU research develops AI-driven, GIS Compatible vehicle type detection system supported by Smart Traffic Fund
