Survey instruments maker and mapping software supplier South Surveying & Mapping Technology – based in Tianhe district of Guangzhou city – is forging ahead in plotting a high-tech path to future growth.

Founded in the district in 1989, it's emerged as a clear industry leader in geospatial technology through its advanced instruments, including aerial drones and 3D laser scanners.

Founder Ma Chao led the company to break previous foreign monopolies, introducing China's first electronic theodolite and total positioning station in 1995.

Ma said that Tianhe district's innovation ecosystem had been instrumental in the company's success.

He added that the district's flexible governance and talent policies not only supported the development of over 30 national breakthroughs – including pioneering RTK systems and glacier radars now meeting international standards – but also fostered the company's global expansion to more than 100 countries.

The company's geospatial industrial park opens in Tianhe Smart City in 2018. [Photo/WeChat account: tianhefabu]

The market-driven environment has further enabled the company's initiatives like the Huangpu Training Program, which has trained more than 5,000 professionals – creating a virtuous cycle of talent development and technological innovation.

From initial policy support to current ecosystem collaborations, the company's growth trajectory is said to mirror Tianhe's own transformation into a leading tech hub.

"Tianhe is where we began, grew and will achieve excellence," Ma said. "We anticipate its rise as China's premier innovation hub," he added.