Laser Scanning Surveys of Large Historical Structures and Comparison With Histrical Maps

This paper examines the geometric accuracy of two major historical maps of Rome by comparing high-precision terrestrial laser scanning (TLS) point clouds with Lanciani’s Forma Urbis Romae and Nolli’s Forma Urbis Romae. A 2-km section of the Aurelian Walls between Porta San Paolo and Porta San Sebastiano was surveyed, and wall alignments and tower spacing were compared with both maps. Results reveal systematic east–west compression in Lanciani’s plan, whereas Nolli’s map shows closer correspondence with TLS data, demonstrating the effectiveness of TLS for quantitative validation of historical cartography.