PTAM (Parallel Tracking and Mapping)

PTAM (Parallel Tracking and Mapping) is a computer system that helps a camera understand and navigate its environment in real-time. It works by simultaneously tracking the camera’s position while building a 3D map of the surroundings. This parallel process allows the system to quickly determine where the camera is and map what it sees, enabling applications like augmented reality and robotic navigation. Essentially, PTAM acts like a virtual awareness system, continuously updating its understanding of the environment as the camera moves.