In the heart of Italy, a groundbreaking project is unfolding, one that could redefine how we approach urban accessibility and, by extension, urban planning. The ACROSS project, funded by the Italian Ministry of Education, University, and Research, is a collaborative effort involving the University of Brescia, Politecnico di Milano, and the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia. At the helm of this initiative is Dr. D. Treccani, affiliated with the UNESCO Research Lab at the Politecnico di Milano’s Mantova Campus.
The project’s core objective is to create static and dynamic databases that support inclusive urban planning by identifying both permanent and temporary physical barriers in historic urban centers. The team is leveraging Handheld Mobile Laser Scanners (HMLS) to acquire dense and accurate 3D point clouds of Mantua’s historic core. This technology allows for minimal urban disturbance, a crucial factor when dealing with sensitive historic sites.
“The use of HMLS has proven to be a game-changer,” says Dr. Treccani. “It enables us to capture detailed 3D data efficiently and accurately, which is instrumental in identifying accessibility-related elements such as sidewalks, pole-like structures, and covered areas.”
The data collected undergoes a semi-automated workflow for classification and feature extraction. The extracted geometric parameters are then converted into GIS-ready layers, which are integrated with municipal and open-source datasets into a comprehensive GIS platform. This platform supports multi-criteria analysis and accessible path planning, offering a robust tool for urban planners and policymakers.
The commercial implications of this research are significant, particularly for the energy sector. As cities become smarter and more interconnected, the need for accessible infrastructure becomes paramount. This research provides a framework for identifying and addressing physical barriers, ensuring that urban environments are inclusive and sustainable.
Moreover, the project’s findings reinforce the value of Geomatics in supporting inclusive urban planning. The team’s approach offers a replicable framework for other historic cities seeking to enhance accessibility through digital and spatial analysis.
Dr. Treccani emphasizes the importance of integrating manual refinement with algorithmic processing. “While automation is crucial, the human touch is irreplaceable, especially when dealing with class-specific segmentation,” he notes.
The ACROSS project’s preliminary results were recently published in ‘The International Archives of the Photogrammetry, Remote Sensing and Spatial Information Sciences’, known in English as ‘The International Archives of Photogrammetry, Remote Sensing and Spatial Information Sciences’. This research is set to shape future developments in urban planning, offering a blueprint for creating inclusive, accessible, and sustainable cities.
As we look to the future, the ACROSS project serves as a beacon of innovation, demonstrating how technology and data-driven approaches can be harnessed to create more inclusive urban environments. The implications for the energy sector are profound, as the drive towards smarter cities gains momentum. This research is not just about enhancing accessibility; it’s about reimagining our urban landscapes for the better.