Cloud × Smartphone Realized! Next-Generation Drone Surveying That Eliminates the Need for High-Spec PCs

Table of Contents

• Conventional drone surveying required high-spec PCs

• Cloud processing removes the need for high-spec PCs

• Drone surveying completed on a smartphone

• Benefits of not requiring high-spec PCs

• Realizing simple smartphone surveying with LRTK

• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Conventional drone surveying required high-spec PCs

Drone surveying (photogrammetry) is a revolutionary method that can efficiently acquire wide-area terrain data. However, one factor that hindered its widespread adoption was the need for a high-performance computer. In the traditional workflow, numerous photos taken by flying a drone at the site had to be taken back to the office and processed with specialized software. This photo analysis (photogrammetry) requires enormous computational resources, and high-spec PCs with robust CPUs, GPUs, and memory were effectively indispensable.

Processing hundreds or more high-resolution aerial images to generate accurate 3D models and maps is beyond the capability of a typical notebook PC. For example, when handling point cloud data on the order of billions of points, a low-spec PC could cause software to freeze or take days to complete processing. As a result, many companies and municipalities were forced to invest in expensive workstations, creating a cost barrier for small businesses. Additionally, forcing analysis on underpowered PCs could affect result quality, and the long processing times hindered rapid decision-making on site.

Moreover, it is impractical to bring heavy PCs to the field, making it difficult to check results immediately after shooting. In most cases, data is simply collected on site and the analysis is performed back at the office. In other words, the traditional drone surveying model commonly involved “data acquisition on site, heavy processing in the office,” making real-time feedback unattainable. This dependence on high-spec PCs posed challenges not only in terms of upfront costs but also in terms of work speed and flexibility.

These hurdles were particularly obstructive in the construction industry, which suffers chronic labor shortages and an aging skilled workforce. As a result, advanced drone surveying was limited to a few companies with expensive equipment, and small contractors often had no choice but to rely on traditional methods.

Cloud processing removes the need for high-spec PCs

In recent years, the use of cloud processing has been dramatically changing this situation. If photos taken by a drone are uploaded to servers in the cloud via the internet, photo analysis is automatically executed there and outputs such as orthophotos and 3D point cloud models are generated. Since all the computation required for processing is handled by high-performance servers on the cloud side, the performance of the local PC does not matter. In extreme cases, you can simply upload from a tablet or smartphone on site and obtain a high-precision terrain model.

The greatest benefit of using cloud processing is that you do not need to make costly equipment investments. Users can rent server resources as needed, eliminating the need to maintain state-of-the-art PCs in-house. Furthermore, cloud providers optimize parallel processing and GPU usage, so they can often produce results faster than local PCs even for large volumes of photos. It is not uncommon for processes that used to take an entire night to be completed in a few hours, leading to a speed-up of operations. The cloud also continuously improves analysis algorithms and leverages AI, meaning users can enjoy high-precision analysis using the latest technology without having to update software themselves.

Because outputs are stored in the cloud, they can be accessed and reviewed from anywhere. For example, if you send data from the field, the analysis results may already be available on the cloud by the time you return to the office. The ability to share data instantly among team members is another strength of the cloud. The hassle of carrying USB sticks or external HDDs is eliminated, and everyone can reference the latest data. Many cloud services also offer web-based viewers that can display 3D models and point clouds, allowing results to be easily checked on tablets without dedicated software. With the advent of cloud processing, the drone surveying workflow is shifting to “acquire and send on site, analyze on the cloud, view anywhere,” resulting in flexible working styles not tied to high-spec PCs.

Drone surveying completed on a smartphone

Alongside cloud utilization, another major change in drone surveying is the use of smartphones. Recently, many drones can be planned and flown automatically not only with dedicated controllers but also from apps on smartphones and tablets. With just a smartphone on site, you can specify the area to survey on a map and start automatic image capture by the drone. Once shooting is complete, you can upload the data to the cloud via the smartphone and begin analysis. In other words, you can complete everything from data acquisition to upload with only a smartphone, without the notebook PC that was traditionally required.

The benefits of using a smartphone go beyond portability. Operating specialized surveying software used to require expertise, but smartphone apps enable intuitive operation. You simply specify the flight area with the touchscreen and follow on-screen prompts, so non-specialist staff can handle it easily. For example, site supervisors or engineers who were not previously familiar with drones can follow the app interface to fly the drone and collect data. Lowering the operational barrier transforms drone surveying from a tool for a few specialists into a tool anyone on site can use.

Moreover, smartphone–cloud integration makes real-time information sharing easy. Data uploaded from a smartphone is saved to the cloud immediately, so remote colleagues and stakeholders can almost instantly grasp site conditions. You can check photos taken on site and perform additional shooting right away if necessary, all on the smartphone. This removes the traditional frustration of “not knowing results until returning to the office for PC analysis” and significantly shortens the on-site decision-making cycle.

There are also efforts to capture 3D data on site using smartphone cameras and LiDAR scanners and visualize models on the spot. New applications—such as overlaying designs on live site imagery via AR on a smartphone—are emerging by combining captured high-precision data. These technological advances mean the potential for smartphone-based surveying will continue to grow. In addition, UAVs themselves are improving markedly; RTK-GNSS–equipped drones and high-resolution cameras enhance the quality of data collected. The combined evolution of hardware and software will further expand the scope of drone surveying.

Benefits of not requiring high-spec PCs

A cloud- and smartphone-centric drone surveying workflow that does not rely on high-performance PCs offers various benefits. First and foremost, cost reduction. Previously, purchasing and maintaining high-spec PCs and software costing tens to hundreds of thousands of yen was necessary; these expenses can now be significantly reduced. While there are fees for cloud services, they are pay-as-you-go, which lowers the initial adoption barrier compared to owning in-house equipment. Eliminating the need to maintain high-performance PCs also reduces the effort spent on updates and troubleshooting.

Second, improved work efficiency and speed. Since cloud analysis can begin immediately after data acquisition, lead time to final deliverables is shortened. For example, if you survey with a drone in the morning and send the data, you may be able to review the terrain maps by the afternoon. Also, because you can proceed with other tasks while waiting for heavy processing, human resources can be used more effectively.

Third, location-independent flexibility. Not being tied to high-performance PCs means you can continue necessary work not only in the office but also remotely or from home. Even a tablet or smartphone is sufficient for project monitoring and management if there is internet access. In disaster zones or remote areas, you can process and share data directly from the field, overcoming constraints of time and distance.

Another advantage is strengthened team collaboration. Centralizing data in the cloud makes it easy for multiple personnel to view, analyze, and comment on data simultaneously. Projects that previously suffered delays from data handoffs between staff can now proceed with smooth collaboration. Improved information sharing leads to earlier error detection and faster decision-making.

Finally, lowering the barrier to skill acquisition is a major benefit. The burden of learning specialized PC software is reduced, and tasks can be handled on familiar smartphones, enabling newcomers and personnel from other fields to participate in drone surveying. This helps alleviate labor shortages and prevents knowledge from being concentrated in a few individuals. In summary, the cloud-and-smartphone approach that eliminates the need for high-spec PCs offers superior advantages in cost, time, location, and human resources compared to traditional methods.

Realizing simple smartphone surveying with LRTK

Finally, as a concrete solution supporting this next-generation drone surveying with cloud × smartphone, we introduce LRTK. LRTK (pronounced 'El-Ar-Tee-Kay') is the name of a compact RTK-GNSS receiver device and cloud service developed by a venture company originating from Tokyo Institute of Technology. By attaching a pocket-sized receiver weighing approximately 125 g and about 1 cm (0.4 in) thick to a smartphone and connecting via Bluetooth or Lightning, your everyday smartphone instantly becomes a centimeter-level accuracy (half-inch accuracy) surveying instrument.

Starting the dedicated LRTK smartphone app allows high-precision positioning without complex settings. Coordinate recording and elevation calculation for measured points are automated, and you can save and share to the cloud with a single tap. For example, position-tagged photos and survey point data captured on site are immediately uploaded to the cloud and shared in real time with office PCs and other team members. Conversely, you can sync design drawings or benchmark coordinates prepared in the cloud to your smartphone for on-site reference. This kind of smartphone + cloud integration is a major feature that enables data use without regard to the boundary between site and office.

LRTK can also link with services that automatically analyze drone-captured photos in the cloud to generate orthomaps and 3D point cloud models. By combining high-precision reference point information (GCP) and RTK positioning data, precision drone surveying that used to require expensive equipment can be achieved at a low cost. For example, if you survey site control points with LRTK and use those coordinates to correct drone photos in the cloud, you can generate highly accurate terrain models with smaller errors in a short time compared to conventional methods. In other words, with LRTK you can obtain advanced surveying outputs using only a smartphone and the cloud, without dedicated high-spec PCs or special surveying equipment. LRTK, which reconciles improved efficiency and reduced labor with high accuracy, truly embodies a next-generation surveying style. Please pay attention to LRTK as it overcomes conventional constraints and opens an era where anyone can survey anywhere.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can drone surveying really be processed without a high-spec PC? A: Yes. By using cloud services, you can perform processing without a high-performance PC on hand. Upload large numbers of photos and powerful servers in the cloud will automatically analyze them. Results can be downloaded or viewed over the internet, so you can obtain high-quality outputs without depending on your PC’s performance.

Q: Can cloud processing be used at sites without internet access? A: Cloud processing requires an internet connection, so it is generally intended for use where communication environments are available. However, data acquisition by drone is possible even at offline sites. It is common practice to store data on a smartphone or PC at the site and upload it later from a location with internet access. Increasingly, mobile Wi‑Fi routers and satellite communications provide ways to connect directly from the field. Even if connectivity is unstable at the site, you can still bring data back and upload it later to obtain results, so surveying work itself can be conducted in fully offline environments.

Q: I’m worried about the cost of cloud services. Won’t it be more expensive than traditional methods? A: Cloud services typically incur monthly fees or pay-as-you-go charges, but they often reduce initial costs compared to purchasing dedicated PCs and software licenses. You can adjust usage according to project volume, enabling efficient cost management. Over the long term, considering depreciation and update costs for equipment, the cost benefits of cloud utilization are expected to be substantial.

Q: Is it difficult to operate drones and surveying systems with only a smartphone? A: Smartphone apps are designed with simple interfaces for intuitive operation. Specifying a flight area is as easy as tapping a map, and surveying apps guide you with Japanese menus and clear icons. Some practice is needed, but even those without specialist knowledge can operate them by following the manual. If you’re unsure about field operation, we recommend performing simulated flights in the office first.

Q: Should I be concerned about security when storing data in the cloud? A: Many cloud services provide mechanisms to ensure data safety, such as encrypted communications and access control settings. Compared to storing data only on in-house PCs, cloud services often offer better backup systems and lower risk of data loss. While careful handling of confidential information is always necessary, choosing a trusted cloud service should mitigate excessive security concerns.

Q: What should I be careful about when introducing cloud × smartphone drone surveying? A: There are several points to note when adopting a new workflow. First, ensure communication infrastructure: large photo files require stable mobile connections or mobile Wi‑Fi routers at the site. Also verify that the cloud service’s features and supported formats meet your needs—for example, confirm that generated drawings and point clouds can be exported in formats compatible with your CAD software. Training field staff is also essential. Start with small-scale projects to become familiar with upload procedures and app operation before full-scale adoption. Preparing these aspects will help you maximize the benefits of cloud × smartphone surveying.

Q: I will upload large volumes of data to the cloud—are storage capacity and retention limits a concern? A: Cloud services impose certain limits on storage capacity and retention periods, but in many cases they provide sufficient space for several hundred photos and generated output files. You can also download and store important outputs locally to avoid cloud capacity issues. Deleting unnecessary data after project completion or purchasing additional storage are straightforward ways to address capacity limits. Regarding retention periods, keeping backups of critical data ensures safety in case the service applies deletion policies.

Q: Is this cloud-based drone surveying approach common overseas as well? A: Yes. The adoption of cloud-based drone surveying is spreading overseas. In Europe and North America, workflows that upload captured data to the cloud for analysis and enable real-time information sharing between field and office are already becoming common. In Japan, the *i-Construction* (ICT utilization in construction) initiative by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism is expected to further promote efficient surveying methods using cloud × smartphone, and their use is likely to expand in the future.