Towards geometric 3D mapping of outdoor environments using mobile robots

This paper presents an approach to generating compact 3D maps of urban environments using mobile robots and laser range finders. Our algorithm extracts planar information from 3D point cloud maps. The planar representation is very efficient for representing building structures in urban environments when a high level of detail is not required. We also present preliminary results on 3D geometric mapping with incomplete data. Based on previously known models and incomplete data, our system is able to estimate parts of buildings which have never been seen before. As validation, we present experimental results using a Segway RMP vehicle in two environments, both approximately the size of a city block.