The Department of Land Surveying and Geo-Informatics of Hong Kong Polytechnic University is the only department, amongst the local tertiary institutions, offering a range of opportunities for education and training as well as research in the various areas of the discipline which integrates acquisition, modelling, analysis and management of spatially referenced data for a wide-range of applications, such as map making, navigation, monitoring of engineering projects and geological hazards, environmental monitoring, boundary determination and geographic information management.

The department has close links with both international and local academic institutions and professionals. Links with the local professional community are maintained through its community service and consultancy activities, hence its courses and research can be orientated towards the needs of the country.

The department has a new suite of well-equipped laboratories supporting the studies and research in the areas of digital cartography, photogrammetry, geoinformatics, geodetic and engineering surveys

Academic programmes
UGC-funded programmes - Doctor of Philosophy and Master of Philosophy
The department is well recognised as a regional centre of excellence in research in the discipline of geomatics and is comparable with international reputed academic units in the discipline as evidenced by our publications and research grants. The department has a Research Centre for Geo-Information Science and Technology that carries out research in focussed areas. The research projects undertaken by the group are in response to environmental problems within Hong Kong and the wider region, often in conjunction with government departments and private companies, but with potential for wider applications.

Surveying, navigation and positioning
Automation and enhancement of cadastral systems of Hong Kong; improvement of accuracy, reliability and efficiency in shallow water mapping using new technologies such as multi-beam echo sounders; development of GPS positioning technologies such as multi-antenna GPS; evaluation and modelling of GPS positioning errors; development of technologies for landslide and structure monitoring; multi-sensor and map matching techniques for navigation in high-rise urban areas; intelligent transport information systems; location-based computing and services; and fleet management.

Geodesy and geodynamics
Dynamical interaction between the solid earth, oceans and atmosphere; El Nino; InSAR (Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar) for monitoring earth surface deformation; precise determination of the geoid; space geodesy; sea-level change and impact assessment; applications of space geodetic techniques to study crustal deformation, atmospheric and environmental changes and the related natural hazards.

Photogrammetry and remote sensing
Applications of close-range photogrammetry and laser scanning in engineering and industry; fusion of satellite images; high-resolution image compression; environmental applications of remote sensing; remote sensing of the urban thermal environment; two- and three-dimensional information extraction from high-resolution digital images; and digital photogrammetry workstation interface design.

Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
Applications of GIS in transportation, and environment and facility management; spatial data structures, terrain modelling and computational geometry; data exchange and integration; dynamic marine GIS; multidimensional data models; scale theory; spatial databases; spatial data quality; spatio-temporal modelling; spatial decision support systems; and internet GIS.

Digital cartography
Automated map generalisation; cartographic visualisation; design of dynamic maps for vehicle navigation; multimedia presentation; multi-scale cartographic databases; and symbol design for tourist maps.
The department recruits research personnel from time to time for various research projects. The department admits research students from Hong Kong and other countries/regions. Applications for admission into our Masters of Philosophy (M.Phl.) and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) programmes can be made through the University’s web-based admission system (http://www19.polyu.edu.hk/rowas/). Applications can be made any time through the year. For inquiries about the research programmes, contact Dr. X.L. Ding, Chairman of Departmental Research Committee on lsxlding@polyu.edu.hk.

Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Surveying and
Geo-Informatics
The programme aims to meet the demand for professionals who can act competently and innovatively as land surveyors, cartographic managers or LIS managers. The course provides required theoretical foundation and practical skills, as well as an understanding of both state-of-the-art and experimental technique. Ultimately, this will help meet the challenges of a professional career in a rapidly advancing world.

The programme can be completed in three years. One is required to take two general education subjects. Fundamental core subjects are covered in the first year. Year two establishes competence in surveying and GIS concepts. The third year builds on the second year’s concepts in the areas of application, current research directions and project management.

Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Geomatics with specialisms in Land Surveying and Geoinformation Technology
This programme has specialisms in land surveying and geo-information technology to provide a modern land surveying education to meet the requirements of Hong Kong and overseas professional bodies; To provide education for geoinformation technology stream graduates to work competently and confidently as GIS professionals in disciplines such as transport and logistics and environmental, socioeconomic, commercial and construction surveying.

For entry into the programme, one must satisfy the general minimum entrance requirements of the university and specific subject requirement(s) of this programme which include(s) E in one of the HKALE/HKALE (AS-level) subjects: pure mathematics, applied mathematics, mathematics & statistics, computer studies, geography or physics (or engineering science). Alternately, a higher diploma in geomatics or its equivalent or a diploma (with credit) in civil engineering studies, building studies, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering or electronic & communications engineering will gain entry into the course.

This programme offers options of study pathways that lead to double degree. Students who have grade C or above in HKCEE mathematics or additional mathematics may opt for the double degree of BSc (Hons) in Geomatics (Geo-Information Technology) and BSc (Hons) in Computing.

Higher Diploma in Geomatics with specialisms in Land Surveying and Geoinformation Technology
This is a unique programme, training technicians to work in land surveying and geo-information technology. The knowledge and skills acquired with this course will prepare one for a wide range of career opportunities. This programme satisfies the academic requirements for associate membership of the Hong Kong Institution of Engineering Surveyors (HKInstES).

For entry, one must satisfy the general minimum entrance requirements of the university and the following specific subject requirement(s) of the programme. Alternately, a diploma in civil engineering studies, building studies, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, electronic & communications engineering or computing studies is the requisite.

One can choose between two specialisms, land surveying or geoinformation technology, after one year of study. Those choosing the land surveying stream will gain experience in undertaking a wide range of field surveying techniques that will equip them well for work in Hong Kong’s ever progressing construction and infrastructure development industries. Graduates from the geoinformation technology stream will also be able to work in field surveying but are more likely to find employment in the emerging GIS and IT areas. These jobs will require an understanding of surveying plus the use of GIS, remote sensing and cartographic systems as well as other computer related knowledge.

Year one is common to both specialisms and teaches basic geomatics. In the second year, if one specialises in land surveying, then they can study more advanced core subjects in the field. If one chooses the geoinformation technology specialisms, one will have to concentrate more on spatial data acquisition and management. This programme is recognised by many overseas and local universities as entrance qualifications into their second year of similar geomatics programmes.

Self-financed programmes
Master of Science/Postgraduate Diploma in Geomatics
(GIS and Surveying)
This award in geomatics aims to provide fundamental knowledge and leading edge skills in GIS and surveying at postgraduate level for those professionals in GIS, surveying or other related fields. The multi-disciplinary nature of the award will not only offer experienced professionals advanced knowledge in their area of specialisms, but it will also expand their perspectives in the broader field of geomatics.
This award caters to two groups of students - those from non-geomatics background who are looking for specialist education in GIS and those with geomatics background wanting to advance their knowledge.

This programme is the longest running MSc/PgD programme in GIS, and the only MSc/PgD in Geomatics (Surveying) in Hong Kong. The programme is highly regarded by GIS and surveying professionals in the region.

To gain entry into this programme, a bachelor's degree with honours in engineering, science or technology; a bachelor's degree with honours in other relevant disciplines (such as a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Geography); or a professional qualification plus relevant work experience related to surveying or GIS is requisite. For additional information about the programme, contact Prof SHI Wen-zhong, John on lswzshi@polyu.edu.hk.

Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Surveying and
Geoinformatics (PT)
This programme is designed for working technicians to obtain a degree qualification. Like the full-time BSc programme, our mission is to prepare students to confidently assume the responsibilities of their future profession.

A higher diploma, associate degree or higher certificate or the equivalent in land surveying and geoinformatics or another construction related discipline and employment in a relevant industry are the prerequisites for admission into this programme.

The programme satisfies the academic requirements for membership of the Hong Kong Institution of Surveyors (HKIS) and the Hong Kong Institution of Engineering Surveyors (HKInstES). This programme admits students in alternate years and has not invited applications for admission in 2006-07.