Fast survey methods and tools for historical city center: a review

Abstract. This paper presents a critical review of fast survey methods and tools applied to the documentation of historical city centers, with a focus on Pavia. Within the framework of the DORIAN project, which aims to create a Digital Twin of the city, the research evaluates different Mobile Laser Scanner (MLS) and SLAM-based technologies, along with kinematic terrestrial laser scanners, to achieve metric accuracy in reduced acquisition times. The experimentation was conducted on the Cairoli University College and its adjoining square, providing diverse conditions for testing both indoor and outdoor environments. The study demonstrates the potential of these methods to support the conservation and valorization of architectural heritage while enabling sustainable urban planning. Ultimately, the developed 3D database represents the foundation for the future Digital Twin of Pavia’s historical city center, serving as an interoperable infrastructure for research, management, and resilience strategies.