Automatic One-Stop Generation of Orthophotos and DXF Cross-Sections in the Cloud! The New Standard for Drone Point Cloud Generation

Table of Contents

• What is drone point cloud generation?

• Conventional point cloud processing methods and their challenges

• Point cloud generation services evolving in the cloud

• Main benefits of using the cloud

• One-stop automatic output from orthophotos to DXF cross-sections

• Why it’s easy for beginners to use

• Expanding uses of drone point clouds across many fields

• Conclusion

• Frequently Asked Questions

What is drone point cloud generation?

In recent years, surveying techniques using drones (unmanned aerial vehicles) have rapidly become widespread. This technology analyzes large numbers of aerial photographs and reconstructs terrain and structures as three-dimensional models called point cloud data. A point cloud is data that represents shape with countless points in space; what used to be acquired by ground surveying or laser scanners can now be automatically generated from drone photos. This drone point cloud generation enables efficient three-dimensional surveying of vast areas or hazardous locations without people having to enter them directly.

Drone point clouds are beginning to be used for various purposes such as site surveys for civil engineering projects, infrastructure inspections, and post-disaster condition assessment, and their accuracy has improved to levels suitable for professional use. Driven by the construction industry’s DX initiatives such as the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism–led “i-Construction,” the digitization of site 3D data has become an indispensable trend. Emerging from this environment is a new method: drone point cloud generation utilizing the cloud. By automatically processing large-scale photo analysis on cloud servers to produce high-accuracy point cloud models in a short time, this approach is truly an innovation worthy of being called the “new standard.”

Conventional point cloud processing methods and their challenges

First, let’s review the conventional methods before the cloud appeared. Generating point clouds from drone images generally involves using photogrammetry software (photogrammetry tools). These specialized programs are installed on one’s own high-performance PC, and flows typically involve importing and analyzing dozens to hundreds of photos. While the conventional method can produce high-accuracy point clouds and orthophotos, several major challenges existed.

• High-performance PCs and software required: Photo analysis demands large amounts of memory and GPU power, so processing point clouds consisting of hundreds of thousands to millions of points required high-spec PCs. Software was often specialized and expensive, making adoption difficult for small and medium-sized companies and local governments.

• Long processing times and effort: Loading large photo datasets and performing feature extraction and 3D reconstruction can take a long time. It was not uncommon to return to the office after field shooting and spend a whole night on a PC to get the point cloud the next day. There were many configuration options, and raising analysis accuracy required expertise.

• Data management burden: Generated point clouds and orthophotos can be very large (sometimes several GB), requiring appropriate storage and sharing environments. Even exchanging data among stakeholders could be a hassle, and many file formats required dedicated viewers or CAD software to open.

• Manual post-processing: To make use of point clouds, additional tasks such as removing redundant points, aligning positions, or creating cross-sections might be necessary. Traditionally, survey technicians manually plotted points in CAD to draw cross-sections or deleted unnecessary points in point cloud software, leading to human errors and increased workload.

Thus, traditional drone point cloud generation faced many issues in terms of cost, time, and effort, and there were cases where the full potential of the acquired drone photos could not be utilized.

Point cloud generation services evolving in the cloud

Attention has shifted to services that can complete point cloud generation entirely in the cloud. With a cloud service, users need only upload the photos taken by the drone to the web; the server then automatically performs the photo analysis. By using high-performance cloud servers over the internet, large-scale point cloud processing becomes possible even without a high-spec PC on hand.

The cloud point cloud service workflow is roughly as follows. First, the user creates a project in a browser and uploads multiple photos taken by a drone. Then the cloud runs photogrammetry algorithms, matching corresponding points between photos to reconstruct the 3D shape. Advanced parallel processing and optimization make it possible to process hundreds of photos in a short time. Once analysis is complete, a point cloud model is generated on the cloud, and users can view and download the results via a web browser.

The key point is that all intensive computation is performed on the cloud, so the user’s PC load is extremely small. It can be operated from a laptop or tablet at hand, allowing results to be checked from the office, on the go, or at home. There is no need to install specialized software; the convenience of completing everything in a web browser is a major attraction. Domestic cloud services also often provide Japanese-language support, making them reassuring for users with limited specialized knowledge.

Main benefits of using the cloud

Switching to cloud-based point cloud generation resolves the traditional method’s challenges and brings many benefits. The main advantages are summarized below.

• Significant time savings: Because powerful servers process in parallel, the time required to generate point clouds is reduced. For example, analysis that used to take half a day on a conventional PC may be completed in several tens of minutes to about an hour on the cloud. Obtaining analysis results on the same day as field shooting allows immediate progression to the next steps, improving overall project efficiency.

• No need for high-performance PCs: Since the cloud provides the resources, users can work with PCs of ordinary specifications. There is no need to purchase expensive workstations or GPU-equipped machines, reducing capital expenditure. Anyone in the company can access the service from their own PC, enabling flexible operation without being tied to a specific workstation.

• Labor saving through automation: Processing after upload is automated, so there is no need for users to fiddle with detailed settings. Version management and updates of the software are handled by the service provider, ensuring always up-to-date and optimized operation. Users simply wait for the analysis results, reducing the burden on specialized operators.

• Centralized management of large data volumes: Point clouds and orthophotos are stored in the cloud, enabling centralized management of project data. Some services offer virtually unlimited storage, allowing safe accumulation of past survey data. Access rights can be shared with stakeholders as needed, enabling remote viewing and use of the same data.

• Reliable backup and security: Cloud services typically provide backups and redundancy, so data loss due to a PC failure is not a concern. Communication encryption and access control measures are usually in place, allowing even sensitive survey data to be entrusted safely.

In this way, cloud utilization achieves time and cost reductions, improved work efficiency, and secure data management. Compared to conventional methods, the benefits are substantial, making cloud adoption highly valuable.

One-stop automatic output from orthophotos to DXF cross-sections

What makes cloud services outstanding is that they deliver not only point cloud data itself but also related deliverables in one package. Typical examples are orthophotos and cross-section drawings (DXF format). An orthophoto is a high-resolution image created by stitching multiple drone photos and correcting distortion to produce an orthographic projection as if viewed directly from above. Because dimensions are accurate like a map, it can be used as a planar background. A cross-section drawing shows the sectional shape cut through a 3D point cloud or terrain model at an arbitrary section and is essential for civil engineering design and quality control.

Some cloud services automatically create orthomosaic images when generating point clouds from photo analysis. Since a detailed orthophoto of the ground surface that served as the basis for the point cloud is output simultaneously, you can obtain an overhead map without additional processing or separate software. Orthophotos can be used in survey drawings and reports and imported into GIS systems or CAD software for situational awareness. High-quality orthophotos enable stakeholders to easily share realistic overhead maps of the site.

Notably, some cloud point cloud viewers can directly export cross-section DXF data. Traditionally, obtaining required cross-sections from point clouds sometimes involved manually drawing lines in CAD while referencing the point cloud. With cloud services, you can simply specify two points for the line of the desired section on the browser screen, and the service automatically generates the cross-section along that line. For example, you can extract longitudinal slopes of embankments or road cross-sections at arbitrary positions and angles. The generated cross-section is displayed immediately in the browser and can be downloaded in DXF format. Since DXF is a generic CAD data format, it can be easily imported into your design drawings or other CAD software.

Having both orthophotos and cross-sections available in one stop means you obtain deliverables immediately usable in practice from drone-acquired data. It is revolutionary that you can get orthomaps and cross-sections shortly after shooting without relying on additional field surveys or hand-drawing. This greatly reduces the burden on survey technicians and speeds up report preparation and design review.

Why it’s easy for beginners to use

When introducing new technology, a common concern is “Can we really use it ourselves?” Cloud-based drone point cloud generation services are designed to be easy for beginners to handle. Here are several reasons why.

First, the operation is simple and intuitive. Many services provide a Japanese-language web interface, and analysis begins once you upload images according to the steps. Specialized parameter settings are automatically adjusted behind the scenes, so users can obtain results without understanding complex theory. The convenience of “just throw in the photos you took and get a point cloud” offers peace of mind for those starting drone surveying.

Second, support systems are robust. Domestic cloud services often provide phone and email support, operation manuals, and training videos to help beginners. Having a point of contact to consult in case of trouble alleviates on-site concerns. Some services also offer professional onboarding support or comprehensive follow-up during trial periods, enabling technicians unfamiliar with IT or drones to adopt the new technology smoothly.

Furthermore, the cloud service itself is continually updated and improved, which should not be overlooked. Users don’t have to perform complicated version upgrades; they automatically benefit from new features and accuracy improvements. For example, cases that were difficult previously may become supported through a later update, creating an environment where “the more you use it, the more convenient it becomes.”

Overall, cloud-based drone point cloud services achieve a low barrier to entry through simple operations and solid support. This makes them suitable for a wide range of users—from field surveying staff to local government personnel—who can adopt them with confidence.

Expanding uses of drone point clouds across many fields

As cloud-based point cloud generation has become easier, its range of applications has been expanding. Drone point clouds are attracting attention as a key tool for improving operational efficiency in civil engineering and construction, as well as in various administrative and private-sector contexts.

For example, in civil construction sites, site surveys that previously took several days can be completed quickly with drone flights and cloud analysis. Using point clouds and cross-sections for pre- and post-earthworks terrain comparison or quantity calculations for embankment and excavation enables accurate quantity estimation and quality control. For construction managers, on-site surveying tasks decrease, safety improves, and objective decisions based on data become possible.

Local governments also benefit from drone point clouds. For river and road maintenance, there is a move to incorporate regular monitoring by drone aerial photography. Situations that once required staff to descend to dangerous slopes or riverbeds for surveying can now be handled safely and quickly from the air. The obtained orthophotos help update GIS ledgers, and cross-sections derived from point clouds assist in measuring sediment accumulation or estimating disaster damage. With limited personnel, efficient infrastructure inspection supports the DX (digital transformation) efforts of municipalities.

For corporate construction DX personnel, drone×cloud is an easy-to-start digital reform tool. Even without deep in-house 3D expertise, companies can obtain deliverables by using external services, and many start with trial deployments. Converting on-site records from drones into point clouds and automatically checking progress by overlaying them with design drawings may become standard practice in construction management. There is also a trend to integrate vast amounts of field data in the cloud for management decisions and future design and planning, making drone point clouds central to data utilization in construction.

Thus, cloud-generated drone point cloud data contributes widely across industries and organizations. Even if use begins with partial applications, sharing data internally and externally or integrating it with other systems will gradually create greater value. As a technology that changes on-site norms, the use of drone point clouds is expected to continue expanding.

Conclusion

Cloud services that generate high-accuracy point cloud models from drone photos and automatically provide orthophotos and DXF cross-sections are becoming the new standard in surveying and construction. This approach allows anyone to obtain reliable three-dimensional data in a short time without high-performance PCs or advanced expertise, fundamentally changing conventional surveying practices. Survey and civil engineers, local government staff, and construction DX promoters—all who work with surveying—can benefit.

By removing traditional burdens and constraints, cloud-based point cloud generation services make it possible to dramatically improve both operational efficiency and deliverable quality. In particular, simple surveying with LRTK can automatically generate point cloud data with absolute coordinates and produce orthophotos and cross-sections simply by uploading drone photos to the cloud. With ease of use that doesn’t require specialists and comprehensive support from domestic providers, beginners can adopt these services quickly. Embrace advanced technology and take a step forward in the DX of surveying by adopting drone point cloud generation as the new standard.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What equipment or software is required for generating drone point clouds? A: Basically, all you need is a drone equipped with a high-resolution camera and an internet connection. After aerially photographing the target area with a drone and uploading the photo data to a cloud service, point cloud generation can be performed without preparing specialized software yourself. For higher-precision surveying, a drone with RTK (real-time kinematic) capability is preferable, but even without it, accuracy can be improved by placing a few known ground control points (GCPs). A standard PC capable of running a web browser is sufficient; no installation of dedicated software is necessary.

Q: What level of accuracy can point cloud data achieve? A: The accuracy of point clouds generated from drone photos depends on flight altitude, camera performance, and surveying methods. With sufficient image overlap and the use of RTK-enabled drones or ground control points, you can expect high-precision results with planar and vertical errors on the order of a few centimeters (cm level accuracy (half-inch accuracy)). Even with non-RTK drones, photogrammetry algorithms can produce models with high relative accuracy; however, if absolute coordinate accuracy is required, correction with control points is recommended. In any case, accuracies comparable to conventional ground surveys can be achieved, and operations can be managed to meet required accuracy levels depending on the application.

Q: Is it safe to entrust confidential data to the cloud? A: Many cloud services take great care to ensure data security. Communication is encrypted, and server-side measures such as access control and intrusion prevention are implemented. Data centers operate under strict physical security, allowing confidential survey data to be entrusted with confidence. Backups are performed automatically, so data remains safe even in the event of a user PC failure. When contracting with a service provider, review the privacy policy and terms of use regarding data handling and choose a trustworthy provider.

Q: Can beginners really operate it? Is specialized knowledge unnecessary? A: Yes—operations are simple, so you can rest assured. Many cloud point cloud services have UIs designed for non-specialists; processing proceeds simply by following on-screen instructions to upload photos. There is little need to be aware of technical terminology or detailed settings. Choosing a service that provides Japanese manuals and support will allow you to resolve questions via inquiries. In practice, users from novices to veterans in drones and surveying have adopted these services successfully. It’s possible to start with a small-scale project to get familiar, then scale up.

Q: How can generated point clouds and orthophotos be used? A: The range of uses for point clouds and orthophotos is very broad. From point clouds, you can understand site elevations, create cross-sections at arbitrary locations for comparing with design drawings, and use them for verification. Orthophotos can serve as background maps in CAD drawings to check whether as-built conditions match design. You can measure distances, areas, and volumes on point clouds for earthwork quantity calculations and progress management, and monitor terrain changes over time. Additionally, importing 3D models into CG software for visualization can produce explanatory materials for stakeholders. These data provide value across surveying, design, construction management, and maintenance, so please make active use of them.