New Tools for Urban Analysis: A SLAM-Based Research in Venice

This research proposes a detailed analysis of the potential of MMS (Mobile Mapping Systems), supported by SLAM (Simultaneous Localisation And Mapping) algorithms, performed on a multiscale test field in order to make a concrete contribution to the morphological study of cities. These systems, developed with the aim of acquiring a large number of points in a short time, are able to map the surrounding area and automatically localise themselves in real time in relation to a determined reference system. The analysed area, located in Venice, was divided into three different test fields characterised by typical elements potentially comparable to those of other urban realities. The data were acquired using the LiBackPack C50, Kaarta Stencil and Heron Lite systems and compared quantitatively and qualitatively with data obtained from more traditional surveying techniques. Specifically, the data obtained from TLS (Terrestrial Laser Scanning) surveys, supported by topographic measurements, were the most accurate basis on which to evaluate the accuracy and completeness of the three different MMS devices. The standard deviation values were initially analysed in the final 3D global models using the C2C (Cloud to Cloud) and C2M (Cloud to Mesh) distance calculation methods. Subsequently, the geometric differences were investigated through the extraction of horizontal profiles, and two more specific 2D analyses were carried out: the first inspecting the residual parameters calculated after the Helmert transformation from two sets of control points obtained from the profiles, followed by a local strain analysis. The study of the local deformation parameters allowed us to validate the results obtained and to identify the real limits of these survey instruments. The aim was to make a concrete contribution to the formalisation of an operative protocol for the morphological study of the city, exploiting the potential of these technologies to overcome the differences in scale and the gap between outdoor and indoor spaces.