The Chinese University of Hong Kong’s Institute of Space and Earth Information Science (ISEIS) has secured a significant grant of HK$33 million from the Government of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. The funding, provided by the Smart Traffic Fund (STF) and Innovation and Technology Fund (ITF), will support two ground-breaking research initiatives in the fields of smart traffic and satellite remote sensing.
The projects, led by Professor Kwan Mei-po, Director of ISEIS and Choh-Ming Li Professor of Geography and Resource Management, and Professor Ma Peifeng, Vice-Chancellor Assistant Professor in the Department of Geography and Resource Management at CUHK, aim to advance smart city development and sustainable practices in Hong Kong. Collaborations will be established with esteemed institutions as well as various Hong Kong Government Departments including the Transport Department, the Civil Engineering and Development Department, and the Lands Department.
Professor Kwan highlighted that the two research projects represent significant advancements that build upon previous satellite remote-sensing research. These projects also signify a major milestone in the development of space technology by higher education institutions in Hong Kong.
Their primary goals are to enhance the one-stop satellite service for environmental monitoring in Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area, as well as foster interdisciplinary research at CUHK in key areas including infrastructure health, carbon neutrality, smart cities, food security, ecosystem preservation, Earth system science, and marine science. Additionally, the projects are expected to accelerate the achievement of CUHK’s 2021-2025 strategic plan and contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
STF-Funded Smart Traffic Project
The project, entitled “Vehicle Detection and Vehicle-kilometrage Estimation Based on Remote Sensing Technologies,” which is supported by the Smart Traffic Fund (STF), aims to revolutionise traffic monitoring and analysis through the integration of satellite remote sensing and smart traffic techniques. This marks the first time that CUHK has secured funding from the STF. The research team plans to leverage satellite remote sensing technology to conduct regular wide-area monitoring of vehicle flow on urban roads in Hong Kong.
The project’s findings will contribute to the existing traffic monitoring practices of the Transport Department, significantly enhancing their ability to perceive and analyse urban traffic conditions. The project is expected to provide comprehensive and scientifically informed decision-making support for transportation planning and management.
ITF-Funded Satellite Remote Sensing Project
The second project, supported by the Innovation and Technology Fund (ITF), is named “Development of CUHK Satellites and Integrated Remote Sensing Technologies for Near Real-time Landslide Monitoring.” This project represents the first earth observation satellite initiative to receive funding from the Hong Kong government. The research team aims to design and launch the inaugural CUHK satellite, which will be instrumental in various research areas such as monitoring natural disasters, promoting carbon neutrality, and fostering sustainable development.
An integral aspect of this project involves engaging undergraduate and postgraduate students in satellite technology design, development, and application. By adopting a practice-oriented approach, the project aims to nurture interdisciplinary talents in the field of aerospace science and technology while providing students with hands-on experience.