Floorskimming

Floorskimming is a term with multiple meanings across different fields and does not have a single universally accepted definition. In flooring trades, floorskimming refers to applying a thin skim coat or leveling compound to a floor surface to reduce height variations and establish a flat, smooth base for subsequent finishes. The aim is to address high spots, dips, and minor irregularities without removing the existing substrate, distinguishing it from more extensive resurfacing.

In robotics and indoor mapping, floorskimming describes a rapid data-collection approach that models the floor plane by gathering a minimal set of elevation samples as a device moves along the surface. The resulting skim or flat-plane model assists with navigation, obstacle avoidance, and surface-change detection for autonomous cleaners, service robots, or augmented reality applications.

Etymology and usage vary by industry, and floorskimming is not a standardized term across disciplines. In practice, the concept is characterized by speed and minimal material use in flooring contexts, or by efficiency in representing the floor plane in sensing and mapping contexts.

Limitations and considerations: In flooring applications, success depends on substrate condition, humidity, temperature, and proper curing of the skim material. In sensing and robotics contexts, accuracy depends on sensor resolution, calibration, and data processing algorithms.

See also: floor leveling, skim coat, leveling compound, floor finishing, SLAM, 3D scanning.