The International Federation of Surveyors (FIG) Working Week was held from 6 to 10 May 2012 in Rome, Italy. Simon Kwok, the Vice President, led the HKIS delegation’s attendance at the event during this time.

 

Simon presented a paper on the Geodetic Datums and Coordinate Systems for Surveying and Mapping in Hong Kong. The Hong Kong 1980 Grid System, the plane coordinate system for the day-to-day work of Hong Kong surveyors, and the management of many land related activities in Hong Kong were introduced to the delegates. Simon described the 1991 and 2000 GPS control surveys and explained how the GPS control network and the Hong Kong Satellite Positioning Reference Station Network were connected to the International Terrestrial Reference Frame (ITRF) and the Asia-Pacific Reference Frame (APREF).

 

During the Conference, the importance of the Use of Geospatial Information for Disaster Management was highlighted. The President of the International Society of Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing, Professor Orhan Altan, talked about remote sensing and satellite positioning systems for improving the prediction and monitoring of potential hazards, risk mitigation, and disaster management.

 

The contributions of our profession to the society may lead to fewer losses in life and property. Another highlight of the conference was in the area of 3D surveying and modeling. The collection of 3D data using photogrammetry and laser scanning has been practiced widely, and advanced imaging processing techniques are being used to build 3D models to preserve heritage and for land use planning. Simon Kwok also attended the Meeting of the FIG Commission 5, “Positioning and Measurement”. The Commission’s work plan for 2012-2014 will be in the area of Standard, Quality Assurance and Calibration, Reference Frame; Geodetic and Positioning Infrastructure, Kinematic Measurements, and  Uniquitious Positioning.

 

The APC is a training and assessment scheme. Its purpose is to provide a path for those with recognized qualifications to seek admission as Members of the Institute. Through the Professional Training required by the APC, candidates are expected to develop a high standard of professional and ethical competencies. The warranting of such competencies is achieved by the requirements and assessments, as set out in the Rules and Guide (R&G). I am pleased to inform you that the R&G has been approved and is now available on our webpage.

 

Candidates who receive Professional Training should take the Part I Assessment Interview if they want to obtain associate membership before becoming full members. Candidates with the respective qualifications, depending on the nature of training they received, are required to undergo the minimum period of training, as specified. Having identified the assessment components and training period as necessary, candidates can take part in the APC by undergoing the following processes using the APC forms specified and fulfilling the relevant requirements, as described in the specified sections of the R&G.

 

The syllabus of the Part I Assessment has been finalized and is now available on our webpage. The aim of this examination is to examine the candidate in the fundamental principles and practical knowledge of the EIGHT competency areas, as required under the R&G. The Examination consists of 50 multiple choice questions and will take two hours. Section A, which consists of questions on Cadastral Surveying and Engineering Surveying, will carry 40% of the paper mark. Section B will constitute the other 60% of the mark for the remaining seven competency areas, with at least four questions set on each area.

 

If you have any views on the Council’s work, please feel free to send them to the Hon Secretary at [email protected],hk or to me at [email protected].