Development of a Virtual Studio for Designing the Ecological Security Pattern of the Country Park System in Hong Kong

Principal Investigator:
Lin, Hui

Co-investigator(s):
Chen, David Yongqin Gong, Jianhua
Sun, Hanqiu
Yu, Kongjian
Zou, Jun

Summary:
This is a joint research project aims to develop a virtual studio for designing the ecological security pattern (ESP) of the Country Park System (CPS) in Hong Kong. Geographic information system (GIS) will be used for integrating relevant data such as geomorphologic, land use, and geologic and hydrographic data. Spatial models will be developed for identifying those key geographic elements, positions and portions, and their spatial relationships, which compose certain strategic pattern, the ESP. Identifying the ESP will provide a scientific base for balancing different land uses and for the "space trade" between ecosystem protection and land development in Hong Kong.

Objectives of the project are:

• To develop a new prototype of a planning support system for Hong Kong CPS
• To test the system with a focus on the development of a wildfire model adapted to the hills of Hong Kong and incorporated with the local geographic and resources distribution data; and
  
• To develop a prototype of an Internet-based simulation system for public education on Hong Kong Country Park Management System.