Topological Mapping

Topological mapping focuses on creating simplified representations of environments, emphasizing connectivity and spatial relationships rather than precise geometric details. Current research emphasizes efficient algorithms for constructing these maps from various sensor data (LiDAR, cameras, GPS), often incorporating techniques like graph-based representations, binary neural networks, and persistent homology for improved accuracy and reduced computational cost. These advancements are driving progress in autonomous navigation for robots in diverse settings (off-road, crowded environments, indoor/outdoor spaces), as well as enabling applications such as improved colonoscopy procedures and analysis of social media data for understanding online hate speech and misinformation.