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From Lab Bench to Global Stage: The Birth and Rise of GEOSUN

2016-05-23

Latest company news about From Lab Bench to Global Stage: The Birth and Rise of GEOSUN

The Origin of GEOSUN:

A Journey Inspired by a Great Mentor

 

The story of GEOSUN is deeply rooted in the guidance and vision of one extraordinary mentor—Academician Li Deren, who was awarded China’s Highest National Science and Technology Award in 2023. This recognition not only honors his lifetime contributions to geospatial science but also underscores the growing national importance of Earth spatial information technologies. For me, it was more than national pride—it was personal. I had the immense privilege of being one of his students, and GEOSUN would not exist without the inspiration and direction he gave me.

In 2000, I was accepted into Professor Li’s Ph.D. program, joining a pioneering research team on Mobile Mapping Systems—a frontier field in the late 1990s. Professor Li brought this cutting-edge concept to China, forming a team that included now-prominent scientists such as Academician Li Qingquan, Dr. Tao Chuang, Professor Zhong Sidong, and others. Under his guidance, I focused on POS (Position and Orientation System) integration for mobile mapping platforms, which laid the foundation for my lifelong research and future entrepreneurial endeavors.

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(Image:Photo: In 2003, the first mobile mapping vehicle by LIDARTECH was exported to South Korea)

One of my earliest breakthroughs came in 2003, when I discovered a key mathematical property in GNSS ambiguity resolution. Encouraged by Professor Li’s words—“Even great scientists overlook things; don’t be afraid to make discoveries”—I presented the findings at the Institute of Navigation’s annual meeting in the U.S., earning the Best Paper Award. Later, I transformed this algorithm into software that helped accelerate the development of domestic RTK (Real-Time Kinematic) products in China, contributing to the rise of locally made high-precision positioning solutions.

During my time studying in the United States, I was tempted to stay. But Professor Li’s vision kept echoing in my mind: “We are exporting talent but importing technology—this must change.” He urged us to return home and build something of our own. I came back to China, determined to be part of the country’s Beidou satellite development and contribute to homegrown innovation.

With his continued support, I formed a team and co-founded GEOSUN, focusing on transforming scientific achievements into real-world products. Our early work in Beidou-based RTK positioning systems struggled in the marketplace. So we pivoted, turning our attention to an emerging field: multi-platform laser scanning for 3D spatial data collection.

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(Image: In 2017, during a visit to the FAST project in Guizhou, Academician Li Deren wrote inscriptions for Professors Huang Xianfeng and Sun Hongxing — “Stay Humble” and “Value Quiet Dedication” — as words of encouragement.)

In 2019, we launched our UAV LiDAR system, based entirely on proprietary technology. It rivaled international products in performance but came at just one-fifth or even one-tenth the cost. The market response was overwhelming. Our system was exported to over 100 countries and regions, marking a breakthrough in large-scale commercial applications of UAV LiDAR scanning.

Professor Li was thrilled. “Sun Hongxing is doing amazing work with LiDAR,” he would tell people proudly. Those words fueled my belief that we were on the right path.

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(Image:Associate Professor Sun Hongxing with Dr. Sun Yuguo, founder of NavInfo, and Dr. Tao Chuang, founder of Zhizhuo Capital)

In 2023, we introduced a new handheld LiDAR scanning system that integrated GNSS, LiDAR, cameras, and inertial navigation. Its performance exceeded imported alternatives, offering unmatched cost-effectiveness and setting a new benchmark for the next generation of 3D modeling.

Despite our progress, we recognized that geospatial needs were evolving. We expanded our focus to autonomous driving, launching a suite of products including roadway mapping systems, ground-truth reference systems, and high-precision low-cost POS solutions for smart vehicles. These innovations are now used by several major automakers and autonomous driving companies across China.

Throughout this journey, Professor Li remained closely involved, offering insights on everything from strategic direction to technical detail. Thanks to his mentorship, we continue to break new ground in positioning technologies, contributing to a future where intelligent mobility systems are powered by robust spatial awareness.

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Since I first arrived at Wuhan University in 1991, I’ve spent over three decades immersed in geospatial science. The most defining aspect of this journey has not been the awards or the obstacles—it has been having a teacher like Professor Li Deren. His belief in national service through scientific innovation inspired me to create GEOSUN—not just as a company, but as a mission.

As China’s Beidou system grows stronger, so too will the geospatial industry. At GEOSUN, we are committed to staying true to Professor Li’s legacy: to serve the country, embrace innovation, and ensure that homegrown technology leads us into the future.

— Dr. Sun Hongxing

Associate Professor, National Key Laboratory of Surveying and Remote Sensing, Wuhan University

Founder of GEOSUN

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