Use Cases of AR in Construction Management: How LRTK’s Latest AR Technology Brings Innovation to the Field

Table of Contents

• New possibilities AR technology brings to construction management

• AR use cases in construction management - Pile-driving guidance (improving pile layout efficiency with AR) - As-built verification (instant confirmation of construction results with AR) - AR visualization of boundary lines (displaying invisible boundaries on site) - AR verification of design data (model comparison and validation on site) - Comparison with point cloud data (utilizing 3D scan data)

• Benefits of AR adoption

• What LRTK’s latest AR technology is

• Simple surveying with LRTK

• FAQ

In recent years, the use of AR (augmented reality) technology on construction and civil engineering sites has advanced, with initiatives to overlay 3D design models and construction information onto real-world scenes through smartphones and tablets attracting attention. By superimposing virtual objects on site conditions, AR makes construction progress and final appearance intuitively “visible,” bringing many benefits such as reduced construction errors, more efficient quality checks, and improved information sharing between clients and site teams.

However, conventional smartphone AR often produces positional errors of several meters (several ft), which was insufficient for construction management and surveying applications that require centimeter-level accuracy (half-inch accuracy). Attention has therefore turned to combining AR with satellite positioning using RTK (Real-Time Kinematic). By applying RTK technology to correct satellite positioning errors in real time, smartphone AR positional errors can be reduced to around a few centimeters (a few inches), enabling high-precision AR displays.

Such “RTK-enabled AR” technology is expected as a new solution supporting DX (digital transformation) in the construction industry. Amid initiatives like the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism-led *i-Construction* and the broader trend toward construction ICT, RTK AR is gaining attention as a promising tool for enhancing and streamlining on-site work. This article explains the transformative changes AR brings to construction management and provides concrete use cases, and concludes with an introduction to LRTK’s latest AR solution.

New possibilities AR technology brings to construction management

AR is beginning to significantly change construction management tasks that were previously done by mentally matching drawings to the site. Because digital design information can be overlaid and confirmed directly on the actual construction site, data-driven management is now possible without relying on experience or intuition. Layout marking and as-built checks, which traditionally depended heavily on skilled veterans, can be performed accurately by anyone with AR guidance. AR also contributes to early detection of surveying and construction mistakes that commonly occur during work, reducing rework. In practice, there have been reports where displaying design drawings in AR on site allowed defects to be corrected immediately, preventing later rework and material waste.

AR can also help address workforce shortages and skills transfer challenges in construction management. From large general contractors to regional small and medium-sized contractors, heavy equipment operators and site supervisors are beginning to use AR. For example, in earthworks, an operator can project the design’s final terrain model onto the real scene through a tablet and execute excavation or embankment while checking heights against the model. In foundation work, a supervisor can display foundation layout marks in AR so that structures can be placed accurately even without experienced staff. In these ways, AR raises on-site work quality and efficiency, and its potential impact on construction management is substantial.

AR use cases in construction management

Let’s look at the main examples of how AR is being used in construction management.

Pile-driving guidance (improving pile layout efficiency with AR)

To install piles at the correct positions for a structure’s foundation, it is essential before construction to mark pile locations on site based on coordinates from drawings. Traditionally, this marking work was performed by surveying teams using total stations or tape measures to measure distances from reference points and place stakes or batter boards on the ground. Manual marking required advanced skill, significant time, and effort. Surveying could be difficult depending on terrain or weather, and small errors could lead to later construction mistakes.

RTK-enabled AR can dramatically streamline such pile layout work. Through a smartphone or tablet screen, virtual piles or markers (AR markers) specified by the design can be displayed at the designated positions, so workers can locate the required points simply by moving toward the markers overlaid on the real scene. The screen shows real-time arrows and distance information, guiding users to the target pile position like a construction-site GPS. When approaching the correct location, fine distances such as “only ○ cm (○ in) to go” are displayed, and when the virtual pile and the real-world mark align exactly, it is clear the position is set. Even inexperienced staff can intuitively determine accurate pile positions, enabling marking in a short time without relying on veteran intuition.

At sites that introduced RTK AR, pile-marking time was significantly reduced compared to traditional methods; tasks that used to require several people and half a day were completed quickly by a single person in some cases. This directly reduces manpower and costs, and centimeter-level positioning (half-inch accuracy) makes subsequent rework almost unnecessary. Safety also improves because positions can be confirmed from a safe distance via the screen, avoiding entry into dangerous heavy-equipment operating areas or unstable footing. AR can provide accurate positioning even on concrete pavements where physical stakes cannot be placed or on steep slopes.

As-built verification (instant confirmation of construction results with AR)

In civil engineering, as-built verification—confirming that completed structures or earthworks match the design shape and dimensions—is important. Traditionally, after work completion, surveyors measured heights and positions on site in detail, brought the data back, and compared it with drawings to confirm quality. This process took time and required effort to organize and analyze measurement data.

With AR, much of as-built verification can be performed in real time on site. For example, the design’s final model or reference height lines can be displayed in AR on the actual work and directly overlaid to check the result. In road embankment work, projecting the design final-line onto the ground lets workers add fill until the line disappears from view, intuitively guiding them to match the design. After finishing, the smartphone camera view can overlay the completed terrain with the design model so that minor depressions or shortages of just a few centimeters (a few inches) are not overlooked and can be checked. Errors of a few centimeters (a few inches) that were easy to miss before are immediately discernible in AR, allowing instructions for additional cutting or filling on the spot.

Furthermore, systems like LRTK can immediately capture high-accuracy 3D point cloud data on site using a smartphone’s built-in LiDAR scanner or photogrammetry and compare it to design data. Since the acquired point cloud has georeferenced coordinates, volume differences and cross-sectional differences can be automatically calculated in the cloud. Even for complex terrain as-built verification, detailed analysis results showing “how many centimeters to cut or fill in which areas” can be obtained quickly, dramatically improving the accuracy and speed of as-built management. Measurement data can also be used directly to create inspection drawings and reports, greatly improving efficiency.

AR visualization of boundary lines (displaying invisible boundaries on site)

Accurately understanding land boundaries and construction limits is an important duty for surveyors and construction managers. However, boundary lines are often shown only on drawings and are not visible on site. Existing boundary stakes or markers can be obscured by weeds or terrain and hard to find, and there are cases where boundary points were never explicitly marked. Confirming and sharing boundaries therefore takes time and carries the risk of disputes from misidentification.

RTK-enabled AR makes it possible to visualize map boundary lines directly on site. If land boundary coordinate data is pre-registered in the system, simply pointing a smartphone camera at the site will clearly draw the specified boundary line in space. Even on empty lots, the screen will show boundary lines that would otherwise be invisible, so you can instantly see “where the site begins and ends.” RTK’s centimeter-level accuracy (half-inch accuracy) allows boundary lines based on cadastral maps or design drawings to be displayed at their true positions, preventing on-site recognition discrepancies.

This AR boundary display is useful in many situations, such as land surveying, land acquisition site meetings, and pre-checking construction extents. For example, when planning a road widening, it is difficult to convey boundary concepts to local residents with paper drawings alone, but projecting boundary lines and planned road widths on site via AR enables intuitive understanding for anyone. As a result, consensus-building with residents becomes smoother. During construction, heavy equipment operators can refer to AR construction-area lines to avoid unnecessary excavation or encroachment. Visualizing these “invisible” boundaries thus greatly improves boundary confirmation efficiency and helps prevent disputes.

AR verification of design data (model comparison and validation on site)

One goal of using design data (3D CAD, BIM/CIM models, etc.) on construction sites is to eliminate discrepancies between design and construction. AR verification of design models means overlaying a 3D design model on the real scene and directly comparing it with the structure during or after construction. RTK-enabled AR ensures accurate model-to-reality alignment, allowing immediate on-site checks of “Is this being built according to the drawings?”

For example, in bridge work when installing bolts or posts, displaying guide positions from the design on the smartphone AR screen prevents installation misalignments. For rebar placement or piping layouts, projecting the finished 3D model in AR enables workers to always compare the model and the actual object while executing work accurately. If position or height is off by even a few centimeters (a few inches), the discrepancy between model and reality becomes evident on the spot. While RTK AR does not provide millimeter-level precision, it offers sufficient accuracy for determining whether installations are within acceptable tolerances for construction management.

Such AR verification enables early detection of construction errors and prevents rework. Discrepancies that previously only came to light through post-completion surveying can now be detected and corrected during construction, reducing the need to remove and rework components later. If clients or site supervisors review AR footage together, misunderstandings that lead to mistakes can also be avoided. Sharing a digital “finished state” among all stakeholders during construction enables data-driven management without relying on veteran intuition. Prior to work start, AR can also project completed models on site to check for clashes between structures or to preview the finished appearance—useful for building consensus and ensuring quality.

Comparison with point cloud data (utilizing 3D scan data)

Recently, 3D point cloud data obtained by drones and laser scanners has begun to be utilized in construction management. A point cloud is a set of innumerable measured points representing the shape of terrain or structures in detail. Using RTK-enabled AR, this point cloud data can be displayed in AR on site and overlaid with design models or the real scene for comparison.

For example, after an operator finishes excavation or embankment in earthworks, they can scan the site with a smartphone LiDAR to obtain point cloud data. Because RTK provides absolute coordinates to that point cloud, it can be handled in the same coordinate system as the design ground model. If the tablet screen simultaneously displays the design model and the acquired point cloud in AR, areas that are overfilled and protruding or areas still lacking become immediately visible as shape or color differences. The major advantage here is the ability to intuitively check as-built status on site rather than comparing point clouds and design data back at the office after completion.

Another application is overlaying point clouds acquired at different times via AR for periodic inspections of existing structures to observe time-dependent changes. While complex point clouds are usually analyzed with specialized software, overlaying them in AR makes differences understandable in the field. Acquired point cloud data can, of course, be used in the cloud for detailed analysis and earthwork volume calculations, but AR display complements these workflows with an intuitive verification method. Point cloud comparison using RTK AR is a powerful tool to rapidly detect discrepancies between design and actual conditions and to further improve the accuracy of quality control and as-built verification.

Benefits of AR adoption

• Improved surveying accuracy: By using centimeter-class high-precision GNSS (half-inch-class accuracy), the reliability of position information displayed in AR increases dramatically. Boundary lines and structure layout can be placed on site without error, enabling detailed construction management that was previously difficult. This allows accurate, data-backed work without relying on veteran intuition.

• Operational efficiency and labor saving: Time required for surveying, layout marking, and as-built checks can be drastically reduced. Following AR guidance enables work along the shortest path, so one person can efficiently accomplish tasks that previously required multiple people. For example, pile layout that used to take several people half a day could be completed by one person in a short time, yielding substantial efficiency gains and leading to reduced labor costs and shorter schedules.

• Improved safety: AR use reduces the risk of workers entering hazardous areas. As noted above, marking work inside heavy-equipment operating zones becomes unnecessary, allowing position guidance from a safe distance. Faster surveying and verification also reduce work in bad weather or at night, contributing to safety management.

• Smoother communication and consensus-building: Because digital information can be shared intuitively on site, communication among stakeholders becomes smoother. Presenting completed images or boundary lines via AR to clients, site staff, or local residents produces a “seeing is believing” effect. Spatial concepts that are hard to convey in drawings can be shared on site, preventing misunderstandings that lead to rework or complaints.

• Data utilization and promotion of on-site DX: Introducing RTK-enabled AR itself advances site digitalization. With positioning data, point clouds, and photo records centrally managed in the cloud, post-return data processing is reduced. Accumulated data can be used for analysis and reporting linked to BIM/CIM models, promoting DX across operations. Field use of 3D data compatible with i-Construction also meets future public-works requirements and contributes to strengthening corporate competitiveness.

What LRTK’s latest AR technology is

Finally, as a practical solution for easily introducing RTK-enabled AR on site, we introduce LRTK. LRTK is an all-in-one site DX tool that delivers high-precision positioning and AR display using just a smartphone. By attaching a dedicated ultra-compact RTK-GNSS receiver (palm-sized) to a smartphone and launching a supported app, an ordinary phone is quickly transformed into a centimeter-accurate surveying device. No complex initial calibration or marker placement is required—turning on the power makes high-precision AR immediately available.

LRTK lets you upload design coordinates and survey data to the cloud in advance and sync them to on-site devices. For example, if you register a coordinate list for pile locations, selecting it on site starts AR navigation, allowing anyone to display virtual piles and receive coordinate guidance as described above. Likewise, importing linear data from drawings enables AR display of boundary or planned lines, and uploading point cloud data enables on-site comparison with existing conditions. These operations are provided via an intuitive UI designed so that even non-surveying specialists can use them.

With LRTK, surveying measurement and AR visualization can be completed with one smartphone per person on site. Tasks that previously required separate equipment or software—surveying, layout marking, as-built scanning, photo records, design verification, etc.—can be linked on a single platform with LRTK, delivering dramatic efficiency gains. Feedback from sites that adopted LRTK includes comments such as “young staff were able to perform surveying and pile layout without problems” and “real-time cloud recording made reporting much easier.” Its ease of adoption without expensive dedicated equipment makes it attractive for small contractors and municipalities that had been distant from ICT-enabled construction.

To maximize the potential of RTK-enabled AR, choosing tools that are easy to use on site is key. LRTK is a representative example, providing a practical solution that balances simple surveying with high-precision AR display. If you are considering RTK AR adoption, include LRTK in your evaluation and experience the next generation of smart construction.

Simple surveying with LRTK

LRTK’s simple surveying redefines traditional surveying tasks. Because anyone can handle centimeter-accurate positioning with only a smartphone and a compact GNSS device, on-site surveying accuracy and work efficiency are dramatically improved. Without reliance on specialized personnel or expensive equipment, one smartphone per person can handle coordinate measurement, pile guidance, and as-built verification, enabling advanced construction management even with a small team. This easy surveying solution from LRTK will surely advance on-site DX and open the way to next-generation smart construction.

FAQ

Q: What equipment is needed to introduce AR? A: Basically, you can start with a smartphone or tablet capable of AR display. GPS functionality is important for accurate outdoor alignment, but RTK-GNSS-compatible devices are useful for higher-precision AR. For example, using a compact GNSS receiver that attaches to a smartphone (such as LRTK-type devices) enables AR with centimeter-class accuracy (half-inch-class accuracy). Note that advanced AR apps or software are also required, so choose tools that match your intended use.

Q: Is specialized knowledge required to use AR on site? A: No—tools designed to be usable without extensive expertise are increasingly available. Solutions like LRTK offer intuitive operation screens, so site staff with basic smartphone skills can perform surveying and AR display. They can be deployed on site with minimal training and do not require experienced surveyors or CAD software experts for routine use.

Q: What is the difference between normal smartphone AR and RTK AR? A: Normal smartphone AR (using only GPS and gyros) can result in position errors of several meters (several ft). That is acceptable for games or simple uses but too inaccurate for construction management. RTK AR reduces errors to a few centimeters (a few inches) by correcting satellite positioning, making digital-to-real alignment much more reliable for professional tasks like drawing verification and pile layout.

Q: Can small sites or companies adopt AR technology? A: Yes; smaller teams often benefit more from AR. Modern AR solutions do not require expensive dedicated equipment and can be used with familiar devices such as smartphones and tablets. Systems that leverage smartphones, like LRTK, allow low initial investment, making them accessible for small construction companies and municipalities. AR directly addresses labor shortages and efficiency, so small teams can effectively capitalize on its benefits.

Q: Will AR make traditional surveying and construction management unnecessary? A: AR is a support tool for on-site operations and does not eliminate the need for traditional surveying and construction management expertise. Interpreting AR-provided data and judging quality still require technical knowledge and experienced oversight. However, AR automates and streamlines many manual measurements and drawing comparisons, allowing technicians to focus on higher-level decisions and overall optimization. In other words, AR complements and strengthens existing practices rather than replacing them.