On-site Earthwork Volume Management Revolutionizes Construction Workflow! Streamline Progress Management with DX

Table of Contents

• Why tools that can calculate earthwork volume on-site are needed

• Traditional methods of volume calculation and their challenges

• What is a smartphone-integrated earthwork volume calculation tool

• How fast, high-accuracy surveying that anyone can do works

• Advantages of sharing site data via cloud integration

• Effects smartphone surveying tools bring to the site

• Simple surveying with LRTK

• FAQ

Why tools that can calculate earthwork volume on-site are needed

In civil engineering and land development sites, accurately understanding the amount of excavated or filled soil—their earthwork volume (volume)—is extremely important. For as-built management and reporting to clients, it is necessary to always know how much soil has been moved and how much filling or cutting remains. However, traditionally it has not been easy to calculate volumes on-site immediately. The common practice was to commission surveying specialists to carry out detailed measurements, return to the office for analysis and calculation, and this process took time before results were available. As a result, even if a site supervisor wanted to know “the exact volume right here, right now,” they could not get an immediate answer and often had to rely on experience and intuition to make decisions.

In recent years, the construction industry has faced serious challenges such as labor shortages and the need to reform workstyles, making efficient construction management methods in high demand. The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism–led promotion of *i-Construction* has also served as a tailwind, accelerating the digitalization of sites, i.e., on-site DX. Against this backdrop, expectations are rising for tools that can perform real-time volume calculations (earthwork measurements) on-site. For example, if there is a tool that can calculate volumes on-site, site staff could verify as-built conditions without surveying specialists present, greatly improving construction progress management. Being able to immediately know soil volumes when needed helps prevent rework and enables rapid decision-making, contributing to overall productivity improvements on site.

Traditional methods of volume calculation and their challenges

Historically, the following methods have mainly been used to calculate earthwork volumes at civil engineering sites. Each has strengths, but they present many challenges for obtaining accurate volumes on the spot.

• Surveying with a total station (TS): This method places an electronic distance meter and measures the elevation and position of many points on site to create a terrain model and calculate volumes. It achieves high accuracy, but measuring many points over large areas takes time. It also requires skilled surveyors and assistants; the measurement and calculation process requires effort and days, making it difficult to produce immediate on-site results.

• Average cross-section method: A traditional technique long used in roadworks. Cross-sections of the terrain are measured at set intervals, and the earthwork volumes for each section are calculated from the cross-section drawings and summed. It is a conventional method for approximate estimation on drawings, but it cannot fully reflect fine terrain changes between sections and provides only an approximate value. Additionally, surveying and drafting calculations take time, so it is not suited for real-time volume awareness.

• Photogrammetry using drones: A method that has become popular recently: a drone (unmanned aerial vehicle) photographs the site from above, and photogrammetry software produces 3D models and contour lines to calculate volumes. It is effective for efficiently surveying wide areas, but it is affected by weather, requires flight permission procedures, and data processing requires specialized knowledge. It is difficult to perform shooting and analysis instantly, so a time lag before obtaining results is inevitable.

• Visual estimation based on experience: In some cases, heavy equipment operators or site supervisors roughly estimate volumes as “about how many truckloads” based on experience. However, such human judgment can have large errors and may lead to discrepancies with the client or disputes over progress assessment.

As described above, traditional volume calculation methods have issues such as being time-consuming and labor-intensive, requiring specialized skills, and lacking real-time capability. Even if you want to know the exact volume immediately when needed, the time lag from surveying to analysis makes it difficult to answer on-site. Also, explaining volumes using numbers alone is not intuitive, and it is cumbersome to communicate the situation to clients or other departments using paper drawings or tables.

What is a smartphone-integrated earthwork volume calculation tool

To solve these issues, smartphone-integrated earthwork volume calculation tools have emerged. This is a new measurement system that combines a compact positioning device attached to a smartphone, a dedicated app, and cloud services. By attaching a pocket-sized device to your smartphone, the smartphone you normally use instantly becomes a high-precision surveying instrument.

Typical components of a smartphone-integrated tool are as follows.

• High-precision GNSS receiver: A small GPS receiver that is externally attached to a smartphone. It supports RTK (Real Time Kinematic) GNSS and achieves positioning accuracy on the order of several centimeters by applying correction information to satellite positioning. While built-in smartphone GPS used to have errors on the order of several meters (several ft), using this GNSS unit provides survey-grade accuracy.

• Built-in smartphone sensors (LiDAR, camera): Modern smartphones are equipped with LiDAR (light-based distance sensors) and high-performance cameras that can scan surrounding terrain and structures to acquire 3D point cloud data. This records detailed terrain undulations as digital data, making it possible to grasp areas that were previously hard to see.

• Dedicated surveying app: An app that runs on the smartphone, obtaining position information from the high-precision positioning device while processing point clouds and image data obtained by the phone’s LiDAR and camera in real time. It includes analysis functions such as volume calculation, enabling immediate on-site volume computation. The user interface is designed to be intuitive, so anyone can perform measurements by following prompts and moving the smartphone as instructed.

• Cloud integration service: A service that saves and shares data obtained by the surveying app via the Internet. If you upload 3D models and numerical data from the survey to the cloud, office PCs and other team members can instantly share information. Since point cloud data and volumes can be viewed in a browser without special software, reporting and coordination become smooth.

Using such smartphone-integrated tools brings highly accurate surveying—previously requiring large equipment and specialized knowledge—within easy reach. There is no need to carry heavy tripods or total stations around the site; a smartphone and a compact device can cover a wide area. It is truly an innovative solution that makes “anyone able to easily calculate earthwork volumes” possible.

How fast, high-accuracy surveying that anyone can do works

The reason measurements using smartphone-integrated tools are both fast and highly accurate lies in their technical mechanisms. Here we explain the key points that make high accuracy possible with simple on-site operations that anyone can handle.

First, RTK-capable GNSS is the key to high accuracy. The small GNSS receiver connected to the smartphone receives correction information from a base station (or augmentation signals from satellites), enabling centimeter-level positioning. Because positioning accuracy is high, the acquired point cloud data and each measurement point are assigned absolute coordinates, allowing on-site measurements to be directly compared with design drawings or reference planes. Whereas conventional workflows required separate coordinate alignment after laser scanning, smartphone-integrated tools complete coordinate determination simultaneously with measurement.

Next, the smartphone’s LiDAR sensor and camera contribute to speed through 3D scanning. Simply walking around the soil pile or excavation with the smartphone in hand allows the LiDAR to acquire hundreds of thousands of range points per second and instantly generate a point cloud. Combining this high-density point cloud data with high-precision position information enables on-the-spot calculation of dimensions and volumes. Normally, processing point cloud data from 3D scans required time on a PC, but smartphone-integrated tools perform automatic processing in the app, so you can obtain results simultaneously with measurement.

Furthermore, AR (augmented reality) technology is also utilized. Because the smartphone screen can overlay virtual measurement results on the real-world view, understanding results becomes highly intuitive. For example, by overlaying a color-coded heat map or numerical indications on the site image to show “which areas need to be excavated how many centimeters to meet the design plane” based on acquired volume data, excesses and shortages become immediately apparent. Even inexperienced workers can visually grasp the situation and make appropriate on-site decisions.

A carefully designed, easy-to-use app UI is another important point. By selecting a surveying mode and following on-screen instructions to move the phone, data acquisition and analysis are performed automatically. Real-time display of positioning status and accuracy lets first-time users confirm that measurements are proceeding correctly. The interface minimizes technical jargon and uses simple button operations, so even those who are not good with machinery can use it without confusion.

Advantages of sharing site data via cloud integration

Smartphone-integrated tools are not only fast at measurement; their value is further enhanced by cloud integration. Uploading data acquired on site to the cloud enables all stakeholders to share information without geographic constraints.

For example, if you upload the results of an on-site volume measurement to a company shared site via the cloud immediately after measurement, headquarters and staff at other sites can view that data instantly. Because 3D point cloud models, photos of measurement locations, and calculated volume figures can be checked on the cloud, stakeholders can grasp the situation remotely with a strong sense of presence. This makes reporting to the site manager and requesting instructions from supervisors faster, enabling prompt additional decisions when necessary.

Also, storing data on the cloud makes it easy to manage daily progress data in a time series. For example, if you scan the day’s excavation at the end of each day and record the volume, you can review the progress of as-built conditions on the cloud. Later verification—such as “when and how much soil was removed” or “how far along we are relative to the design quantity”—is smooth because the cloud keeps well-organized historical data.

Of course, uploading is optional based on needs. Sensitive data can be kept locally, while only information that needs sharing can be securely uploaded to the cloud with a single click. This eliminates the hassle of handing over paper drawings or USB drives and makes “measure on-site and share immediately” a new normal. This is another major advantage supporting on-site DX.

Effects smartphone surveying tools bring to the site

Introducing smartphone-integrated surveying tools yields various effects in civil construction management. Below are the main effects summarized.

• Optimization of construction planning: Because volume data can be obtained instantly, construction plans and heavy equipment deployment can be adjusted on the spot. For example, if excavation is found to be greater than planned, additional truck arrangements can be made early.

• Prevention of mistakes and rework: Being able to visually confirm discrepancies between design drawings and actual conditions on the spot prevents over-excavation or overfilling. Discrepancies that previously were only discovered during as-built inspections can be corrected immediately with real-time measurements. As a result, rework is reduced, lowering costs and shortening schedules.

• Improved communication: Sharing digital 3D data and AR views speeds information exchange among the site, the office, and clients. Seeing is believing: visual data accelerates consensus more than textual or numeric reports. Having objective data during progress assessment or inspections smooths discussions.

• Technical succession and human resource development: Because surveying can be done with simple smartphone-based operations, younger and new staff can be entrusted with on-site measurements. The tool supplements areas that used to rely on veteran experience, helping eliminate dependence on specific individuals. Even without experienced personnel, surveys can be performed to a consistent quality, helping address labor shortages.

• Improved safety: Measurements can be done remotely and non-contact from a safe distance even on steep slopes or deep excavations. Surveying in locations with poor footing used to carry risks, but smartphone surveying removes the need for awkward postures. AR can be used to visualize restricted areas, offering benefits for site safety management as well.

Thus, smartphone-integrated tools that can instantly calculate earthwork volumes on site not only make measurement tasks more efficient but also have positive ripple effects across construction management. Real-time, accurate data increases on-site decision speed, improving overall productivity and safety. They are truly the trump card of on-site DX and a DX tool that will profoundly transform traditional construction workflows.

Simple surveying with LRTK

As an example of such an innovative smartphone surveying tool, there is a simple surveying solution using LRTK (L-R-T-K). LRTK is a system developed by Refyxia Inc., a startup originating from Tokyo Institute of Technology, consisting of a smartphone-integrated high-precision GNSS receiver and cloud services. It is a compact device attached to iPhone or Android smartphones; using the dedicated LRTK app to perform 3D scanning and positioning on site enables anyone to perform precise earthwork volume calculations in a short time.

With LRTK, there is no need to transport heavy total stations; surveying can be completed with a palm-sized device. For example, if you want to measure the volume of an embankment or backfill, simply walk around the target with a smartphone equipped with LRTK and scan the area to obtain the cubic meter volume on the spot. Measurement results can be checked immediately on the phone screen and synchronized to the cloud for company-wide sharing with a single tap. The ability for site personnel to obtain and utilize necessary data without waiting for a specialized surveying team is a major strength.

In addition, LRTK surveying is designed to be easy even for first-time users. The app displays Japanese and is user-friendly, with guides for each surveying mode, so those who are not good with machinery can use it with confidence. If you encounter problems on site, you can share cloud data with distant supervisors or engineers and receive advice, ensuring solid support.

If you are looking for a “tool that can calculate earthwork volumes on-site,” simple surveying with LRTK is a promising option. For sites aiming to improve efficiency and reduce labor in earthworks, smartphone surveying using the latest technology is now indispensable. Please consider trying it out on site.

FAQ

Q: What exactly is a smartphone-integrated earthwork volume calculation tool? A: It is a system where a small high-precision positioning device is attached to a smartphone and a dedicated app performs volume calculations. It dramatically improves the smartphone’s GPS accuracy and automatically computes volumes from 3D data of the site acquired by the camera or LiDAR. In short, the smartphone becomes a precise surveying instrument.

Q: Can someone without surveying expertise use it? A: Yes. It is designed for anyone to use. Measurements are completed simply by following the app’s on-screen prompts, so even those with little experience need not worry. The tool automates difficult settings and calculations, so users only need to check the results. You can start using it intuitively without long training.

Q: What level of measurement accuracy can be expected? A: With the GNSS RTK method, under ideal conditions, horizontal positioning of ±2～3 cm (±0.8～1.2 in) and vertical accuracy on the order of a few centimeters (a few inches) can be expected. In actual sites, you can grasp earthwork volumes with centimeter-level accuracy (half-inch accuracy), making measurements comparable to conventional surveying instruments.

Q: Compared to drone surveying, what are the advantages? A: Smartphone-integrated tools are more lightweight and allow anyone on site to measure immediately. They do not require flight permissions or depend on weather, making them usable daily even on small sites. They also provide real-time results that can be reflected in construction immediately. On the other hand, drones can be more efficient for surveying very large areas, so it is desirable to choose according to use case.

Q: How are measurement data stored and shared? A: Post-measurement data is stored on the smartphone and can be uploaded to the cloud as needed. If saved on the cloud, point cloud data and results can be viewed from an office PC via a browser, and you can send shared links to stakeholders. Data can also be exported in formats such as 3D models or CSV, making it useful for internal reports and for analysis in other software.