General Contractors and Local Governments Taking on Construction DX: Roadmap to On-site Efficiency

In the construction industry today, digital technology–driven construction DX (digital transformation) is regarded as a key to on-site reform. Faced with severe labor shortages, an aging workforce of technicians, and 3K (tough, dirty, dangerous) working conditions, it has become urgent for everyone from major general contractors to local governments to promote DX to improve on-site productivity. In fact, a survey by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry shows that only about 10% of construction firms are seriously engaged in DX, leaving the sector at a low level and making the economic loss risk from DX delays known as the “2025 cliff” feel realistic. Spurred by this sense of crisis and aided by initiatives such as the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism–led *i-Construction*, the adoption of cutting-edge technologies has begun to accelerate.

Against this background, this article explores specific challenges faced by general contractors and local governments and the DX solutions for improving on-site operations, focusing on on-site operational efficiency. In particular, we focus on “surveying” and “information sharing,” explaining professionally what problems traditional analog methods had, their background, and how digital technologies can improve them. We also detail implementation steps, on-site use cases, and the benefits gained through DX. Finally, as a practical solution that leverages the latest technology, we introduce LRTK and present a construction DX roadmap through simplified surveying and point cloud data acquisition, AR-based site visualization, and cloud sharing.

Challenges in Surveying Work and Efficiency Improvements through DX

Problems with Traditional Surveying

Surveying at civil engineering and construction sites is a critical task that affects the entire construction process. However, traditional surveying methods had several issues. First, surveying often required advanced skills and experience and tended to be a manpower-dependent task. Experienced surveyors carefully measure with transits and levels, but these tasks often take time and become scheduling constraints at sites with personnel shortages. When survey targets span wide areas or sites have steep slopes or collapse risks, the work itself is physically demanding and entails safety risks.

Second, there were limits to the accuracy and quantity of survey data. Conventional methods that read terrain from scattered survey points by hand may fail to fully capture complex terrain or structural details. On paper drawings or 2D CAD, subtle slopes or differences from post-construction shapes are easily overlooked, which can lead to construction mistakes and rework. Moreover, if surveying and as-built management take a long time, the scheduling of subsequent steps and information sharing with stakeholders also stall, reducing overall productivity.

Digital Approaches to Surveying DX

To address these surveying challenges, surveying DX through the introduction of digital technologies is bringing major transformation to sites. One key technology is photogrammetry. By aerial photography or imaging of the site using drones or smartphones equipped with high-performance cameras and generating 3D models from numerous photos, surveying work that once required craftsmen’s experience and time can be dramatically streamlined. For example, if a drone photographs the entire site from above and the images are processed with dedicated software, high-precision point cloud data (3D data consisting of countless measurement points) of terrain and structures can be obtained in a short time. This yields a precise digital terrain model “that virtually copies the entire site,” enabling recording and analysis of details that could not be captured by design drawings.

Point cloud data acquired by photogrammetry or 3D scanning can be used widely, from understanding current terrain to as-built management and quantity measurements. For instance, automatically calculating earthwork volumes from acquired point clouds can speed up quantity estimation. Also, overlaying a completed structure’s 3D model with design data for comparison makes it possible to detect dimensional excesses or deficiencies and finishing errors early, directly improving quality control accuracy. Digital methods also enable comprehensive capture of complex terrain and large structures, which was previously impossible. Additionally, applications such as infrastructure inspections—photographing bridges or slopes remotely to analyze cracks and deformations—and rapid scanning of disaster sites for swift situation assessment expand the scope of surveying and measurement through DX.

Steps for Introducing Surveying DX and Operational Examples

For implementing surveying DX on site, a small-start approach that trials digital surveying in part of a site is recommended. There is no need to purchase expensive specialized surveying equipment all at once. For example, using a small drone and photogrammetry software, try surveying the terrain of a trial construction section. If you can confirm that more detailed data than before is obtainable in a short time, stakeholder understanding will deepen and become a stepping stone for full-scale introduction. Recently, low-cost measurement tools such as LiDAR scanners built into commercial smartphones and small GNSS receivers that can be attached to phones have appeared. By mastering these familiar devices and verifying their effectiveness, you can expand investments step by step—this is a key point in roadmap formulation.

In practical cases, a mid-sized civil engineering company trialed drone photogrammetry for as-built surveying and completed tasks that previously took several days in less than half a day. Based on those results, they invested seriously in equipment and personnel training, and now fully utilize digital surveying from pre-construction terrain assessment to as-built management. Local governments are also increasingly adopting drone surveying—for example, in river improvement works to enable rapid situation assessment during disasters. Even locations that staff previously had to risk entering for on-site checks can now be surveyed from safe positions in a short time using DX technologies. These success stories ease on-site resistance and help drive DX promotion.

Effects Brought by Surveying DX

Introducing digital surveying brings a wide range of benefits to sites.

• Significant reduction in work time: Because drones and 3D scanning can measure wide areas at once, surveying tasks can often be completed in less than half the time compared to traditional methods. This creates slack in the overall schedule.

• Response to labor shortages: High-precision surveying becomes possible by having on-site staff operate devices without relying on experienced surveyors, mitigating personnel shortages. From a skills succession perspective, younger staff can close skill gaps by learning digital tools.

• Improved safety: Replacing dangerous high-place or slope surveying with drones reduces worker risk. Remote measurement is possible even in disaster sites where people cannot enter.

• Dramatic improvement in accuracy and quality: Point cloud data enables millimeter-level (mm, 0.04 in) understanding of current conditions, preventing construction mistakes and oversights. Deviations in as-built shapes can be detected early, allowing rapid correction of quality issues.

• Data assetization: Digitally acquired 3D data can be used for future repairs and maintenance. Accumulating past survey data helps analyze aging changes and plan future works.

Challenges in On-site Information Sharing and Efficiency Improvements through DX

Inefficiencies from Analog Information Sharing

Construction sites involve many stakeholders—construction managers, craftsmen, subcontractors, and clients (such as local governments)—who exchange information. However, in many traditional sites, information sharing relies on paper or verbal communication. For example, if drawing revision instructions are distributed by fax or printed drawings, there will be a time lag before the latest information reaches the site. Daily work reports submitted on paper or Excel and manually entered by staff in the office lack real-time capabilities, delaying progress awareness. These analog exchanges are also a breeding ground for human error. Miscommunications through verbal transmission or overlooking paper materials increase the risk of rework and construction mistakes.

Another issue is siloing, where information becomes closed within departments or individuals. If only the site representative knows the latest construction status or changes and that information is not adequately shared with other departments or subcontractors, work can stall due to person-dependence—“work cannot proceed without that person.” Communication with remote clients or designers also often depends on meetings or on-site attendance, incurring travel time and coordination costs that lower productivity.

Information Sharing DX with Cloud and Real-time Integration

To eliminate these inefficiencies, on-site information-sharing DX leveraging cloud technologies and digital platforms is being advanced. The basic policy is to build a centralized cloud-based information-sharing system where all stakeholders can always access the same latest data. Specifically, drawings, schedules, submission documents, and the like are managed not on paper but in cloud-shared folders or dedicated systems. As a result, photos and reports taken and uploaded from the site via tablet can be viewed immediately by headquarters or municipal staff, enabling decision-making regardless of time or place. When design changes occur, managing drawings in conjunction with 3D data such as BIM/CIM allows unified updates of revised sections that synchronize between site and office. Stakeholders can hold meetings while viewing the latest information, reducing rework due to recognition gaps.

Attention is also being paid to AR (augmented reality) and VR (virtual reality) technologies. For example, by overlaying design models on site images via tablets or smart glasses, the finalized image that is hard to grasp on drawings can be shared intuitively on the spot. This greatly contributes to preventing construction errors and reducing rework because everyone can visually confirm the construction area together. Major general contractors have already started developing proprietary systems that project design data on site for inspection and apply them to construction management. Remote attendance using teleconference systems and wearable cameras is also part of information-sharing DX; being able to communicate with video and audio as if on-site reduces travel time while enabling on-site situation assessment and instructions.

Steps for Introducing Information Sharing DX and Operational Points

When digitizing information sharing, first identify the documents and processes currently exchanged and prioritize electronic and online conversion from the most important items. For example, frequently updated information such as construction photos, daily reports, and meeting materials should be moved to the cloud first so anyone can view and input them. At the same time, distribute tablets or mobile on-site devices to all stakeholders and shift to an operation where data is entered directly from the site without paper forms. Early on, support for IT-unfamiliar workers, such as older employees, is essential. Conduct operation training and place staff who can provide on-site follow-up so the system does not fail to penetrate the field due to lack of support.

Operationally, “centralized management and open sharing” are key. Some may be reluctant to share data beyond departmental or corporate boundaries, but it is important to foster a culture of lowering barriers between clients, prime contractors, and subcontractors and disclosing necessary information in real time. For example, one municipality mandated electronic delivery of construction data at bidding and contracting, and required contractors and staff to share documents and drawings on a common cloud construction information system. As a result, visits to the municipal office for document submission or confirmation were drastically reduced, easing workloads on both sides. In joint ventures (JVs) involving multiple construction companies, introducing information-sharing platforms among member firms to share drawings, schedules, and safety information led to substantial reductions in meeting time and transmission errors. Through DX tool utilization, moves to use data across regions have also emerged. Some local governments have established “digital promotion centers” or “information-sharing networks,” where local construction companies jointly hold seminars and work on data standardization, raising DX across the industry.

Effects of Information Sharing DX

Key benefits of digitizing on-site information sharing include:

• Faster decision-making: Because the latest information is always shared in the cloud, wait times for inquiries and approvals are reduced and the decision cycle for construction shortens. Communication loss between site, headquarters, and clients is resolved.

• Reduction of mistakes and rework: Construction errors due to misaligned drawings or instructions are greatly reduced. When everyone works from the same information, troubles like “I was not told” or “I didn’t know” are prevented.

• Improved productivity and quality: Digitizing daily reports and submission documents significantly streamlines office work (there are cases where administrative burden decreased by 30% after introducing site management software). This frees up time for on-site safety management and quality checks—tasks that deserve focus.

• Ensured traceability: With data accumulated in the cloud, records remain of who made what decisions or changes and when. Digital records can be used later for verification, improving transparency.

• Contribution to workstyle reform: Remote meetings and remote attendance reduce travel burdens and help correct long working hours. Site support becomes possible from home or office, contributing to better work-life balance.

Ripple Effects on Schedule Management, Quality Control, and Safety Measures

Surveying and information-sharing DX also positively affect other on-site management tasks. For example, in schedule management, construction simulation based on digitized surveying data and progress information enables schedule optimization and risk visualization. Comparing plans and actuals on a 4D model allows early identification of tasks likely to be delayed and countermeasures to be taken. In quality control, initiatives are beginning to use AI to analyze point cloud data and construction photos to automatically detect concrete placement conditions and finishing accuracy. By analyzing the vast amount of field data collected through DX, defects that human eyes might have missed can be detected early and corrections or future construction guidelines can be informed. DX is also applied to safety measures. Systems that monitor the movement of heavy equipment and workers in real time with IoT sensors and alert for entry into hazardous areas or near-miss events, and attempts to use AI to analyze footage from helmet-mounted cameras to detect dangerous behavior, are helping create workplaces aiming for zero disasters.

Thus, DX is realizing efficiency and sophistication across all areas of the site. The key is not to end digitalization efforts in each field as one-off projects but to establish a system where data can be used consistently from surveying to construction and maintenance. Doing so allows data collected in one phase to be utilized in the next phase or for future maintenance, completing a waste-free, cyclical site DX.

Roadmap to On-site Efficiency and Use of LRTK

Finally, we summarize a roadmap to steadily implement the construction DX discussed so far on site. The most important strategy is “start small and grow big.” Rather than introducing all the latest technologies at once, begin pilot projects in areas where effects are easy to see, accumulate success experiences, and expand DX gradually. In doing so, it is crucial to share the purpose and benefits of DX with both the field and management and invest in human resource development. Introducing new tools without education and support for on-site staff may result in failure to adopt them. By iterating improvements while listening to the field, DX will take root as a business reform rather than mere IT adoption.

One practical solution that strongly supports DX promotion is LRTK. LRTK is a pocket-sized RTK-GNSS device that attaches to a smartphone and enables centimeter-level (cm level accuracy (half-inch accuracy)) high-precision positioning that anyone can easily achieve. With the dedicated app and a smartphone connected by Bluetooth, you can instantly measure your positional coordinates by simply holding the phone up on site and tapping once. For example, if you take photos of structures or terrain with a smartphone equipped with LRTK, highly accurate latitude, longitude, and elevation information are automatically attached to the photos at the time of shooting, and the site’s 3D records are immediately saved to the cloud. Tasks that used to be cumbersome—such as geotagging as-built photos or locating crack points—are completed simultaneously with shooting after LRTK introduction, greatly reducing work time.

Key functions LRTK provides include:

• Simplified surveying: With a compact device and a smartphone alone, position measurement equivalent to surveying equipment is possible. Because it is easy to operate without specialized knowledge, on-site supervisors or technicians can perform necessary measurements even when survey specialists are absent.

• Point cloud data acquisition: High-precision location tags are added to multiple images taken by the smartphone camera, making point cloud generation by photogrammetry easier. By utilizing LRTK, small sites and municipal surveys can start 3D surveying at low cost, expanding the reach of on-site DX.

• AR display: Acquired survey data and design models can be displayed in AR on smartphones or tablets to overlay and confirm them with the actual site. This allows discovery of discrepancies between drawings and the real object on the spot and intuitively grasping the completion image of construction areas. It is an effective means of bridging recognition gaps between site and design.

• Cloud sharing: Coordinates and point cloud data obtained with LRTK are automatically uploaded to the cloud, enabling real-time data sharing with office engineers and clients. There is no need to hand over USBs or paper between site and office, and collaboration can proceed based on always up-to-date data.

By introducing tools like LRTK, an environment where everyone can benefit from DX is established. On sites using LRTK, a “one device per person” style of carrying a positioning device and measuring and sharing data as needed is becoming the norm. Tasks that previously waited for the surveying team’s arrival can now be measured and data transmitted independently, dramatically improving on-site responsiveness. In the roadmap for construction DX promoted by general contractors and local governments, LRTK—with its combination of ease of use and high accuracy—can be a powerful practical measure.

Conclusion

The construction DX initiatives undertaken by general contractors and local governments are increasingly important as practical solutions to industry crises such as labor shortages and stagnant productivity. By digitizing the core on-site functions of surveying and information sharing, the way construction is conducted itself is being transformed, and new site models that balance efficiency and quality are emerging. DX promotion requires organizational mindset reform as well, but the key is to start by digitizing familiar tasks one by one and propagating those successes.

Now, a tide of “changing the site through digital” is surely rolling in. By fusing the latest technologies with on-site capabilities, and with general contractors and local governments working together to build the construction sites of the future, not only productivity improvements but also safe and attractive workplaces and sustainable social infrastructure await at the end of that roadmap. The challenge of construction DX has only just begun. Start DX at your site with a small step and let’s build the next-generation standard together.