Comparison of Cloud-Based Point Cloud Viewers That Require No Installation: New Possibilities Opened by LRTK

Table of Contents

• Expansion of point cloud data use and the importance of viewers

• Challenges of traditional point cloud viewers

• What is a cloud-based point cloud viewer

• Advantages of cloud-based point cloud viewers

• Comparison points for cloud-based point cloud viewers

• New possibilities opened by LRTK

• FAQ

Expansion of Point Cloud Data Use and the Importance of Viewers

In recent years, construction and civil engineering sites have increasingly acquired 3D point cloud data using drones, laser scanners, and smartphone LiDAR, and have been using it for construction management and surveying. Point cloud data are spatial coordinate data made up of countless measured points that can record terrain and structure shapes in detail, making them useful for a wide range of applications such as as-built management, earthwork volume calculations, and displacement monitoring. However, point cloud data also present challenges due to their large file sizes (ranging from millions to hundreds of millions of points, reaching several GB to several tens of GB), which complicates handling and sharing. A point cloud viewer (software for viewing point cloud data) is an indispensable tool for visualizing and measuring acquired point clouds in 3D space, but traditionally it has been common to install dedicated software on high-performance PCs. To make the valuable 3D information obtained on site useful in real work, it is important to provide an environment where anyone can easily view and analyze point clouds. One promising solution is the cloud-based point cloud viewer that can be used without any installation. This article organizes the current situation and issues surrounding point cloud viewers, explains the advantages of cloud-based solutions and the comparison points for various services, and finally introduces LRTK, which opens new possibilities for cloud point cloud viewers.

Challenges of Traditional Point Cloud Viewers

Traditional point cloud data workflows have several hurdles from data acquisition through processing and viewing. First, there is the issue of PC performance. Handling large point clouds requires high-spec workstations, and even loading point clouds of the order of millions of points on a typical office PC can be sluggish or cause freezes. Because CPU, GPU, and memory are heavily loaded, expensive hardware investment is often unavoidable for running dedicated software. Processing time also increases with data volume, and tasks such as point cloud registration (alignment) or analysis can sometimes take several hours to overnight. The inefficiency of “not being able to do other work until heavy processing finishes” was a factor that reduced productivity.

Next, data sharing and management complexity was also a problem. The conventional workflow was to bring point cloud data acquired on site back on a USB stick or external HDD, open and process it on a limited set of in-house PCs, and compile the results into drawings or reports. This process caused a time lag between acquiring 3D information on site and putting it to use. Additionally, repeatedly copying and distributing huge point cloud files to stakeholders often led to version control confusion. People would wonder “which is the latest version?” and updates required re-distribution, meaning valuable digital data were not sufficiently shared. There were also wasteful cases where on-site personnel could not check acquired data on the spot, returned to the office for processing, discovered missing data, and had to revisit the site. Such a workflow that separates the field and the office makes real-time collaboration difficult and leads to missed opportunities for point cloud utilization.

What Is a Cloud-Based Point Cloud Viewer

A solution that has emerged to address these issues is the cloud-based point cloud viewer. This system allows point cloud data to be displayed, shared, and analyzed via cloud servers on the Internet, and users can view 3D point clouds simply by accessing them from a Web browser on their PC, tablet, or smartphone. No dedicated software installation is required; all that is needed is a network connection and a compatible browser. High-performance servers are provided on the cloud side to store and render large point cloud datasets, enabling smooth viewing regardless of the user’s device specifications. For example, even a site-wide point cloud consisting of tens of millions of points can be uploaded to the cloud and then smoothly viewed and measured in 3D from a browser. Because the user’s device only streams resultant imagery and required data, common laptops and tablets are sufficient.

Cloud-based point cloud viewers typically use technologies such as WebGL to realize interactive 3D displays in the browser. By dragging or using pinch gestures on the screen, users can view point clouds from any angle and zoom in to inspect details. There is no need to launch heavy software; clicking a URL link received by email can immediately display a 3D point cloud in the browser. Because cloud viewers do not depend on the user’s environment, point cloud data can be viewed the same way on Windows, Mac, or an iPad carried on site. In short, the strength of cloud-based viewers is that “as long as you have a browser, you can view point clouds anywhere.”

Advantages of Cloud-Based Point Cloud Viewers

Cloud-based point cloud viewers offer various advantages that traditional operations do not. The main benefits are summarized below.

• No need for high-performance PCs: Since point cloud processing and rendering are performed on the cloud side, users can work with ordinary PCs or tablets. The cloud server optimizes and provides lightweight display, so even point clouds on the order of tens of GB can be handled without a dedicated GPU-equipped workstation.

• No dedicated software required—anyone can view: Viewer functionality is provided on the web, so recipients can view point clouds without installing software. Simply sending a shared URL allows internal designers, site supervisors, and clients to access 3D data; recipients can view in the browser with no login or license required. Stakeholders without specialized software can understand site conditions in 3D, smoothing information sharing.

• Centralized data management and instant sharing: Aggregating point cloud data in the cloud lets multiple members access the same up-to-date data. If someone uploads additional measurement data, it is immediately integrated so everyone sees the latest 3D information. File transfer–related version mismatches are eliminated, enabling the team to share a single source of truth (Single Source of Truth). Because data uploaded at the site can be viewed immediately in the office, real-time coordination is also possible.

• Collaboration and remote presence: Sharing data on the cloud allows geographically separated teams to view the same 3D point cloud while discussing it. For example, headquarters technicians can immediately check the latest point cloud scanned on site and instruct additional measurements as needed—enabling remote support. Inspections and witnessings can be completed online, leading to faster decision-making. The barrier between on-site personnel and office managers is removed, dramatically improving team collaboration efficiency.

• Easy measurement and analysis tools: Many cloud viewers include simple analysis tools such as distance, area, and volume measurement. Operations like measuring the distance between two points on a 3D point cloud or specifying an arbitrary area to calculate earthwork volume can be completed in the browser. Without expensive surveying software, necessary figures can be obtained on the spot for quick site decisions and reporting.

• Extensions such as AR: Point cloud data on the cloud can be used for AR when linked with mobile devices. For example, overlaying cloud-based point clouds on a tablet’s camera feed enables an experience like seeing the “expected point cloud” through the device. It becomes easy to visualize the estimated positions of buried utilities through the ground or overlay a planned 3D model on the site scenery. Providing such advanced features on a cloud platform enables intuitive 3D communication not only among specialists but also with non-technical stakeholders and clients.

Comparison Points for Cloud-Based Point Cloud Viewers

There are various cloud-based point cloud viewers and related services on the market, each with different delivery methods and strengths. When considering adoption, it is useful to compare them based on the following points.

• Data capacity and rendering performance: Confirm whether the service can handle the scale of point clouds you need. Some services can smoothly display data at the scale of hundreds of millions of points using LOD (level-of-detail) techniques and tile partitioning. Conversely, free tools or lightweight viewers may have limits on data volume or require reduced resolution. For large projects, a key comparison axis is “how well can it display very heavy point clouds smoothly?”

• User interface and usability: A diverse range of users—from on-site workers to clients—may use the tool. Consider whether the operation is simple and intuitive, and whether Japanese localization and support are sufficient. A UI that lets even beginners move viewpoints and measure without confusion makes the tool more accessible to site managers and contractor staff without specialist knowledge.

• Feature set: There are differences between services not only in viewing but also in how much analysis and editing they support. Check whether desired functions such as distance and area measurement, cross-section creation, point cloud trimming (removing unnecessary parts), and overlaying other 3D models are included. If you only need viewing, a lightweight free viewer may suffice, but if you want to expand future use cases, choosing a multifunctional platform has advantages.

• Data import/export and integration: Compare supported upload file formats (LAS, PLY, E57, PTX, etc.), file size limits, and whether processed data can be exported (download results). If you need to pass cloud-processed results to other CAD software, the ability to export in common formats is convenient. Also consider integration with other systems (availability of APIs) and whether the platform can manage and display non–point-cloud data (drawings, photos, etc.) as an integrated solution.

• Cost and licensing: Pricing models vary: monthly subscriptions based on users or storage, project-based contracts, free and paid tiers, etc. Check whether costs match project scale and usage frequency and what can be done with a free plan. If you have in-house IT infrastructure, using open-source web viewer libraries and self-hosting on your own servers is an option. Although this requires initial setup effort, it can reduce running costs and keep data on-premises.

• Security and access control: When handling sensitive data such as bridges or plants, cloud security measures are important. In addition to encrypted communication, confirm whether you can set viewing permissions by project, issue password-protected share links, and similar controls. Trusted services often disclose data center certifications and confidentiality clauses in contracts, providing reassurance.

New Possibilities Opened by LRTK

To maximize the advantages of cloud-based point cloud viewers, it is important to adopt an operation that assumes cloud integration from the data acquisition stage. One solution to watch here is LRTK, a new surveying solution that uses smartphones. LRTK is a system consisting of a smartphone-mounted small GNSS receiver and a dedicated app that enables anyone to easily perform high-precision point cloud measurements and cloud sharing.

With LRTK, point cloud measurement that previously required expensive 3D laser scanners or surveyors with specialized knowledge can be performed easily by on-site personnel themselves. While scanning the surroundings with a smartphone’s LiDAR function, the LRTK device applies real-time centimeter-level position corrections (half-inch accuracy), so all acquired point clouds are assigned high-precision absolute coordinates. The resulting point cloud data can be uploaded from the smartphone to the cloud on site, allowing immediate confirmation of the 3D model and ad-hoc measurements. For example, even embankments or upper slope areas that are difficult to measure for earthwork volume can be quickly converted into point clouds and have volume automatically calculated with LRTK. Distance, height, and area can also be measured within the app, enabling rapid on-site quantity estimation; tasks that once required contractors for simple surveying can increasingly be handled in-house.

Point clouds uploaded to the cloud are automatically given lightweight display in the LRTK cloud viewer. Sharing a URL link lets supervisors and partner companies view 3D data in real time without requiring dedicated software, creating a seamless flow of “acquire with LRTK → immediately share via the cloud” that connects field and office. As a result, even on sites without surveying specialists, site managers can proactively handle 3D data for decision-making and reporting. LRTK is innovative not only because it provides a cloud-based viewer, but because it offers one-stop support from smartphone point cloud acquisition to cloud utilization, integrating high-precision RTK positioning with cloud workflows to open new possibilities for “anyone, immediately, anywhere” 3D surveying and sharing.

Point cloud data are no longer reserved for a limited set of specialists; they are becoming usable by everyone on site. Combining installation-free cloud-based point cloud viewers with solutions like LRTK makes it realistic for heavy equipment operators to perform their own as-built 3D checks or for site agents to routinely record progress with point clouds. Lowering the barriers to data acquisition and sharing accelerates on-site digital transformation (DX), promising dramatic improvements in efficiency and accuracy. When considering adoption of cloud-based point cloud viewers, also consider the new possibilities LRTK brings—making 3D utilization on site more accessible and driving projects forward with unprecedented speed and flexibility.

FAQ

Q: What environment is required to use a cloud-based point cloud viewer?

A: No special software or high-performance machines are required. You can use a connected PC, tablet, or smartphone with a modern Web browser. Major browsers such as Chrome, Edge, and Safari support WebGL, so typical devices that run these browsers can view 3D point clouds without issue. The convenience of being able to use tablets on site and laptops in the office makes it usable across locations with devices you already have.

Q: Can very large point cloud datasets really be viewed smoothly?

A: Yes. Cloud services optimize data and provide streaming visualization, so datasets on the order of tens to hundreds of millions of points can be handled surprisingly smoothly. Techniques that load only necessary portions sequentially and automatically adjust point density by viewing distance reduce communication and rendering loads. Initial uploads may take time, but once on the cloud, normal PCs and tablets can perform smooth 3D viewing and interaction.

Q: Can I measure distances and volumes on point cloud data?

A: Many cloud viewers include distance measurement and area/volume calculation tools. Clicking two points on the screen displays the distance, and specifying an arbitrary polygon area can automatically calculate earthwork volume. For example, LRTK Cloud allows you to check coordinate values of acquired point clouds and calculate distance, area, and volume entirely within the browser. Even without specialized CAD software, measurements for quick on-site dimension checks or approximate as-built quantities can be performed with sufficient accuracy.

Q: I’m worried about entrusting sensitive point cloud data to the cloud. Is security ensured?

A: Cloud providers pay close attention to security. Communications are encrypted with HTTPS and data centers are managed in secure environments. Many services offer robust access control features, enabling project-level viewing permissions and password-protected shared links for third-party access. LRTK Cloud also provides password-protected URL sharing so you can safely publish data to the necessary audience. If you prefer to operate entirely within your organization, some services offer on-premises deployment options that can be considered based on your needs.

Q: Can non-technical users or people who are not good with IT use it effectively?

A: Cloud-based point cloud viewers are generally intuitive for “view-only” use. Basic operations—dragging the 3D view, zooming with mouse wheel or pinch gestures—are similar to 3D games or map apps. Interfaces are designed so that non-specialist site personnel and clients can obtain necessary information by following simple guides and clicking. For example, LRTK’s app and cloud viewer emphasize a simple UI so even new staff without site training can start using them quickly. When needed, more experienced technicians can support others via shared cloud data. Allowing non-technical users to comfortably handle 3D data is one of the major benefits of cloud adoption.