Turn your smartphone into a high-precision surveying instrument in no time! AR surveying and cloud sharing are simple with the compact survey device 'LRTK'

The era has arrived in which smartphones can act as compact surveying instruments. Until now, surveying meant work requiring specialized equipment and experienced operators, but recently, small devices attached to smartphones have made it possible for anyone to easily perform surveys with centimeter-level accuracy (half-inch accuracy). A prime example is 'LRTK'. With LRTK, a smartphone quickly transforms into a high-precision surveying instrument, effortlessly handling AR (augmented reality)-based surveying and cloud sharing. This article provides a detailed introduction—from the background of the construction and surveying industries to LRTK’s technology, features, usage, application scenarios, comparisons with traditional methods, and the changes it brings to the field.

Small Surveying Instrument Market and Background: Labor Shortages and the Trend Toward ICT Construction

In recent years, construction and civil engineering sites have faced a serious problem of labor shortages caused by a decline in the working-age population. Especially in the field of surveying, the aging of veteran technicians and the decrease in younger personnel have led to a shortage of "people who can perform surveying".

Traditionally, surveying work was carried out by two-person teams (one person operating the surveying instrument and the other holding the leveling rod), but maintaining such staffing has become difficult. In addition, public works and private development projects are numerous, increasing the need to manage work efficiently with a limited number of personnel.

Against this backdrop, expectations are growing for surveying that can be completed by a single person. If a "single-person surveying" approach becomes possible without assembling a surveying crew, it can help address labor shortages while boosting on-site productivity. In fact, technologies that reduce personnel for tasks that traditionally required two or more people—such as automatic-tracking total stations and drone surveying—have emerged. However, robotic total stations are expensive and difficult to handle, and drones are constrained by weather and no-fly zones. Although the trend of ICT construction（i-Construction）is promoting the use of three-dimensional data and automation, it does not mean they are universally applicable to every site.

Amid this, what is drawing attention is one-person surveying using GNSS satellite positioning with RTK surveying. RTK (real-time kinematic) is a technique that combines a rover (handheld receiver) and correction information from a base station to correct positions in real time with high accuracy 【ordinary GPS has errors of about 5-10 m (16.4-32.8 ft), but using RTK can reduce errors to within a few cm (within a few in)】. The pocket-sized surveying instrument "LRTK" realized this RTK technology in a highly portable compact device. With the advent of LRTK, the conventional wisdom that "surveying requires large equipment and multiple people" is being overturned.

The government is also promoting the introduction of ICT to construction sites for productivity improvement and labor savings. For example, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism's *i-Construction* has laid out a policy to fully utilize ICT to improve each individual's productivity and ensure safety 【an initiative to visualize construction site information in 3D and to aim for process efficiency and labor savings】. High-precision surveying tools that anyone can use, such as the compact surveying instrument LRTK, can be said to be solutions that precisely match this trend.

Why a Smartphone Becomes a Surveying Instrument and How It Works (The Power of GNSS + RTK + AR)

A smartphone becomes a surveying instrument――the key is GNSS+RTK technology and the fusion of smartphone sensors. Normally, the GPS built into smartphones has errors of several meters (several ft), so it cannot be used for precise surveying. However, by attaching a device like LRTK to a smartphone and positioning with a GNSS receiver using the RTK method, you can obtain latitude, longitude, and altitude in real time with an accuracy of a few centimeters (a few in). Specifically, a compact RTK-GNSS receiver attached to the smartphone receives signals from multiple satellites and combines them with correction information from reference stations obtained via the network to calculate high-precision coordinates (※ when outside of internet coverage, it is also possible to directly receive the augmentation signal CLAS from Japan’s Quasi-Zenith Satellite System "Michibiki" and apply corrections). This makes centimeter-level positioning (inch-level positioning)—which previously required expensive, stationary equipment—achievable with only a smartphone.

Smartphones are equipped with cameras, accelerometers and gyroscopes, and, in recent years, LiDAR scanners, providing advanced sensing capabilities. LRTK fully utilizes these smartphone functions, enabling not only positioning but also spatial understanding and visualization using AR technology. For example, it can overlay virtual stakes or 3D models on the smartphone's camera feed, and measure the distance and bearing to objects captured by the camera. By using a smartphone's LiDAR, you can scan nearby structures as 3D point clouds and, combined with LRTK's high-precision positioning, obtain point cloud data with position information.

In short, a smartphone is a compact powerhouse of computing and sensors, and by giving it the "eyes" of high-precision GNSS it instantly evolves into surveying equipment. The LRTK's slim, lightweight receiver has both a battery and an antenna built in, and by simply connecting to a smartphone via Bluetooth it ingests data from quasi-zenith satellites and GPS. By coordinating the high-precision positioning engine with the AR processing on the smartphone app, the entire surveying workflow — positioning→recording→display→sharing — can be completed on a single smartphone.

Main Features of LRTK: From Centimeter-Level Positioning to Point Clouds, AR, and Cloud Sharing

LRTK offers a variety of features that meet on-site surveying needs all in one. Compact yet comparable to professional-grade equipment, let's take a look at its main features.

• Centimeter-class high-precision positioning … With RTK, positional errors are kept to just a few centimeters (a few inches). It offers accuracy that sets it apart from conventional standalone GPS positioning and is precise enough for control point surveying and as-built management. Horizontal positions can be measured in real time with an accuracy of about ±1–2 cm (±0.4–0.8 in), and elevations with about ±3 cm (±1.2 in). A smartphone can now achieve full-fledged positioning comparable to professional GNSS surveying equipment.

• Pocket-sized portability … The LRTK receiver weighs about 165 g and is only about 13 mm (0.51 in) thick, so it won't get in the way even when attached to a smartphone. Since it has a built-in battery and requires no cables, workers can easily carry it in a pocket at all times. Surveying while walking around the site is effortless, and it allows agile movement in confined spaces or on highly uneven terrain. Because there is no need to lug heavy tripods or surveying instruments, a single person can safely take measurements even on slopes with poor footing.

• Intuitive operation and multifunctional all-in-one … With a simple UI via a dedicated smartphone app, surveying operations are extremely easy. By simply tapping a button on the screen at the point you want to measure, positioning and recording are completed, requiring no difficult procedures or specialized knowledge. With a single unit it supports a wide range from single-point surveying to continuous surveying and marking (positioning), and it features a variety of functions such as recording positions on captured photos and simulating plans in AR. Because distance, area, and volume (earthwork) calculations can be performed on-site from the measured data, there is no need to bring a separate PC for processing.

• 3D point cloud scanning … By combining the LiDAR scanner function built into iPhone and iPad with LRTK’s high-precision positioning information, you can easily perform 3D point cloud measurements with global coordinates. Even when scanning structures or terrain while walking, LRTK continuously corrects the device’s position with high precision, so the point cloud data stays undistorted and accurate. You can measure the distance between any two points on the acquired point cloud or calculate the volume of earth fill. Without bringing a dedicated laser scanner or PC to the site, you can complete on-site point cloud acquisition and analysis using only a smartphone and LRTK.

• AR surveying features (AR stake placement and design data overlay) … LRTK is also skilled at intuitive surveying and verification using AR. For example, it has a function to drive virtual AR stakes into the screen, allowing you to display virtual stakes at the positioned coordinate locations and mark them. Even on the tops of dangerous slopes that you cannot approach, you can obtain the coordinates of those points from a distance using the target-positioning function and mark them with AR stakes. It also offers robust capabilities for AR display of 3D design models such as BIM/CIM in the site space. By syncing 3D models of construction plans uploaded to the LRTK Cloud to a smartphone and overlaying them on site, you can share on-site the finished image that is difficult to grasp from paper drawings alone. Thanks to LRTK’s high-accuracy self-positioning, it achieves stable AR projection where the model’s displayed position does not shift even when the user moves, aiding construction review and consensus building.

• Coordinate Navigation … If you pre-set the coordinates of a target location, the LRTK app will guide the user to the destination. The bearing and distance are displayed on-screen in real time, and as you get closer it switches to a guidance mode that allows fine-tuning to the centimeter level (half-inch level). When searching for boundary stakes or checking the position of buried objects—situations that require alignment within a few centimeters (a few inches)—this coordinate navigation can get you there pinpoint. Also, if you recall the data for a previously surveyed point and start "Go to this coordinate," even if a different person visits the site on another day they can revisit the exact same point reliably. After arriving at the target, AR arrow guidance can also be displayed to help take photos in the same orientation as before, improving the reproducibility of fixed-point observations.

• Positioned Photos and Report Output … In LRTK, when you take a photo with a smartphone, the photo automatically records the capture location coordinates and orientation with cm level accuracy (half-inch accuracy). Until now, it was necessary to paste photos taken with a digital camera onto a map later and handwrite the shooting direction, but with LRTK everything is automatically recorded just by taking the photo on site, so field surveys are dramatically streamlined. The capture locations are plotted on a map in the cloud, and arrows indicate the direction each photo was taken, making it clear at a glance. Furthermore, positions, notes, and photos recorded on site can be output as a report (form) PDF with a single button. Because inspection reports with date/time, coordinates, and comments can be generated automatically, you can avoid the work of pasting photos and creating reports after returning to the office. Documenting surveying results is completed instantly, greatly reducing the burden of reporting tasks.

• Cloud sharing and data management … All positioning data and photos acquired with the LRTK app can be synced to the cloud with a single tap on-site. Information uploaded from the field can be immediately viewed on an office PC by simply opening a web browser. Because survey results can be shared in real time with a remote head office and partner companies, progress tracking and issuing instructions become faster. On the cloud, measured points are plotted on a map, and the title, coordinates, and notes can be viewed. Additionally, measurement data can be downloaded in CSV or SIMA format or exported for other systems as needed. If you want to provide data externally, the cloud can issue a shareable URL so stakeholders can securely view the data with a password and an expiration date.

• Low-cost, one device per person operation … Traditional high-precision surveying equipment has been extremely expensive, and at best there could be "one unit on site." However, LRTK offers dedicated GNSS receivers and optional accessories at astonishingly low prices, making an era in which each worker can carry one device a reality. With the cost barrier lowered, high-precision surveying is no longer reserved for a limited few. Since everyone from newcomers to veterans can survey with their own terminal, it eliminates idle time for surveyors and prevents work from becoming person-dependent. This directly translates into faster overall site progress and cost savings.

As described above, LRTK condenses a full set of functions—positioning, measurement, recording, sharing, and AR—into a small surveying instrument. The developers also said, "We aimed for a one-per-person on-site tool that can be kept in a pocket and carried at all times, ready to be used whenever needed," and true to that statement, it is designed so that advanced surveying can be performed as a natural extension of everyday work without special qualifications or experience.

On-site usage: Easy surveying for anyone with a smartphone app

Now, let's imagine the workflow for carrying out an on-site survey using LRTK. Preparations and operations that used to be cumbersome with conventional surveying instruments can be completed within a smartphone app with LRTK, making it surprisingly simple. We'll introduce the basic usage step by step.

• Setup – When you arrive on site, attach the dedicated case to your smartphone and mount the LRTK receiver with one touch. Pair the smartphone via Bluetooth and launch the LRTK app, and you are ready to survey. Initial setup is largely unnecessary, and correction information (for network RTK this is an Ntrip connection; if outside radio coverage it will automatically receive CLAS) can be configured within the app. Within tens of seconds GNSS satellites are acquired and an RTK fixed solution (Fix) is obtained, and the current position is displayed on the smartphone screen with centimeter-level accuracy (cm level accuracy, half-inch accuracy).

• Recording survey points – Move to the point you want to measure while holding your smartphone. If you are measuring a point on the ground, using the supplied monopod (pole) or attachment to place the LRTK on the target location will help stabilize it (the height offset is automatically corrected by the app). When you are ready, tap the app’s "Positioning" button. The latitude, longitude, and height will then be recorded as the RTK solution at that moment. At the same time, converted values to Japan’s Plane Rectangular Coordinate System and the geoid height are automatically calculated. You can assign sequential numbers or custom titles to points, and, if needed, enter notes on the spot. When measuring multiple points in succession, you can continuously acquire data simply by pressing the button. For critical points that require high accuracy, you can use the app’s "Average Positioning" feature to record the average of dozens of measurements as a single point.

• Photographing and AR overlay – If you want to record site conditions while surveying, launch the camera from the app and take a positioned photo. For example, if you photograph boundary stakes or the condition of structures, the photo will automatically have the capture position coordinates and the camera orientation attached. A photo icon will be displayed on the map at the photographed location, so you can later clearly see where and in what direction it was taken. Also, if you preload design data and reference point information from the cloud into the app, you can use the AR feature onsite to visually confirm them. For example, you can display "the position where the next stake will be driven" in the app, and when viewed through the camera a virtual stake model will appear standing at that location. You can also draw virtual lines between measured coordinates to visualize heights and distances, allowing you to intuitively grasp discrepancies between the drawings and the field on the spot.

• Cloud sync & sharing – Once field measurements are completed, tap the app's sync button to upload the data to the cloud. This ensures that all coordinate data and photos acquired on site are immediately reflected in the cloud. In the office, staff can access the LRTK cloud web page to view survey points, photos, and notes on the map in real time. For example, a technician at headquarters can measure distances between points on the cloud or cross-check them against drawing data simultaneously with the field. If necessary, they can issue additional measurement requests to the field on the spot and provide surveying instructions and validate data remotely. Also, by issuing a URL for data sharing on the cloud, you can share results with clients or other companies without requiring them to log in (password protection and viewing expiration can be set). Finally, generate a PDF report of the survey results with one button in the app and send it by email to complete the field report.

As described above, surveying work using LRTK is extremely smooth from preparation through recording and sharing. If you are familiar with smartphone operation, it is so simple that even newcomers can participate in surveying operations from the first day, and accurate surveys can be carried out without any special skills. Once you actually use it, you will find that surveying can be done with the same feeling as taking a photo with a smartphone, so you will realize how greatly the barriers to surveying work have been lowered.

Diverse use cases such as construction sites, land surveys, and disaster surveying

The compact surveying instrument LRTK is highly versatile and proves powerful in a wide range of situations, from construction and civil engineering to surveying and inspection. Here we introduce some representative use cases.

• Civil construction sites … On earthwork sites such as land development and foundation work, surveying is frequently performed to check ground elevations, measure excavation and embankment volumes, and inspect as-built (final shape). Traditionally, it was necessary to call a surveyor or stop heavy machinery and wait, but with LRTK onsite workers themselves can take measurements immediately, allowing the crew to obtain the needed data without interrupting the workflow. For example, an equipment operator can pull an LRTK out of their pocket during a break, quickly measure a few ground elevation points, and calculate embankment and excavation volumes on the spot. Even if a surveying specialist is not permanently stationed on site, one person can handle it, improving staffing efficiency and reducing costs. In addition, because data shared to the cloud in real time can be checked immediately by headquarters, the PDCA cycle for earthwork quantity control and schedule management can be run more quickly. Measure and share the previous day's progress in a short time before the morning meeting, or instantly verify discrepancies between the design drawings and actual conditions—enabling rapid, site-led decisions. Because the device is compact and lightweight, it is easy to handle even on highly uneven, poor-footing sites, and measurements on slopes can be performed safely, contributing to improved safety of onsite work.

• Land surveys and boundary surveying … LRTK is a powerful tool for land and property surveyors and right-of-way personnel as well. Cadastral surveys and the establishment and verification of boundary markers require millimeter-level accuracy (mm; 0.04 in), but LRTK's centimeter-class positioning (cm level accuracy, half-inch accuracy) provides sufficient accuracy for those foundational tasks. If you upload known boundary point coordinate data to the LRTK cloud in advance, it will guide you to those points on site via coordinate navigation, so you can find buried boundary stakes without losing them. Even markers hidden by vegetation can be reached reliably by following the arrows on your smartphone screen. When surveying multiple boundary points, you can efficiently patrol and measure them alone, greatly reducing work time. Measured boundary point data are plotted on maps in the cloud, making it easy to compare with land registry maps later or reuse them for report preparation. Even the fine stake-placement tasks that traditionally used transits and pins can be done using LRTK's AR stake display, allowing intuitive visual positioning and reducing work errors.

• Disaster-site surveying and recording … LRTK is also highly effective in disaster response situations such as earthquakes and heavy rains. In the immediate aftermath of a disaster, large equipment may not be able to be brought in and communication infrastructure may be down, but with an offline-capable LRTK high-precision positioning is possible even in mountainous areas or outside of coverage. In fact, LRTK was used in field surveys after the Noto Peninsula earthquake and helped document disaster conditions in an environment where cellular base stations were down. Being small and lightweight, rescue personnel can carry it into landslide sites or rubble to conduct surveys and record and share conditions with accurate location information. For example, if you photograph ground cracks or damaged areas with an LRTK, it will be clear later where the photos were taken, which is useful for arranging relief supplies and planning restoration work. Even for repeated surveys, it can navigate to previous measurement points, making time-series comparison easy and enabling accurate quantification of changes over time. Disaster response is a race against time, and with a single LRTK unit you can quickly record damage and share it with stakeholders, significantly speeding up everything from initial response to recovery planning.

• Infrastructure inspection and maintenance … LRTK is also useful for maintenance work on roads, bridges, river facilities, and the like. When photographing abnormalities found during patrol inspections, LRTK can store them in the cloud as high-precision geotagged photos. For example, if you photograph a crack in a bridge pier, its exact location and orientation are digitized, making it easy to take photos from the same spot and the same angle for comparison at the next inspection. The LRTK app includes a time-series comparison display function that can show past and current photos taken at the same location side by side. This makes it possible to quantitatively grasp the progression of deterioration and use the information as a basis for repair decisions. Conventionally, inspection points were managed with paper ledgers or Excel, requiring the effort of finding and comparing past photos, but on the LRTK cloud you can centrally manage the history for each location like an electronic medical record, contributing to DX (digital transformation) of infrastructure management. In addition, for managing underground buried assets, you can, for example, upload plan data of water and sewer pipes as geoJSON to the cloud, take it to the field, and use an AR see-through function to visualize the positions of underground pipes from the surface. When municipal technical staff check buried pipes or sign locations under a road, checking discrepancies between drawings and the actual conditions with AR can help prevent excavation mistakes.

• Training for surveying beginners … The simple operation of LRTK also offers advantages for new-employee training. Until now, experienced surveyors had to teach instrument operation one-on-one, but with LRTK, new employees can be put into practical use from the first day they handle it. Because even older workers can use it without resistance as long as they are not unfamiliar with smartphones, an environment is created in which everyone on site can take on surveying tasks. For example, by giving a newly hired employee an LRTK and assigning them site as-built measurements and photo documentation, they can become an immediate asset. Thanks to an intuitive, easy-to-understand UI, they can learn how to use it with only a brief explanation, which also leads to reduction of training costs. The introduction of LRTK overturns the conventional belief that "surveying is only the job of specialized staff," and by enabling the whole team to handle site data, it helps eliminate task dependence on specific individuals.

In this way, LRTK is a versatile surveying tool that can be used in a wide range of use cases, from construction management to surveys and inspections to disaster response. Its mobility and versatility, which allow measurements to be taken immediately when needed, should help resolve on-site problems such as "we want to measure but don't have enough personnel or equipment" and "we want to digitize data but it's too time-consuming."

Comparison with Conventional Methods: How Do Equipment, Effort, Accuracy, and Record-Keeping Change?

Although innovative, some people may still wonder, "Is smartphone surveying really okay?" Here, let's compare the differences between traditional surveying methods and the use of LRTK. From equipment to accuracy, required personnel, and recording methods, the differences are clear.

• Equipment used … Traditionally, it was necessary to carry many pieces of equipment such as total stations, heavy GNSS receivers, tripods, prism poles, and even paper field notebooks and digital cameras. With LRTK, everything can be completed with a smartphone and a palm-sized receiver, and in some cases a slim monopod is sufficient. The amount of gear is overwhelmingly reduced, and both the time to unload equipment from the vehicle and the time required for setup can be reduced.

• Necessary personnel … With optical distance meters and manual surveying, the standard was two people: one to operate the surveying instrument and one to hold the staff (staff). When using RTK-GNSS, a two-person setup—one to install and monitor the base station and one to handle the rover—was also common. With LRTK, you can perform both positioning and observation alone, enabling completely solo work. There is no need to allocate other workers, which creates leeway in personnel planning.

• Difficulty of operation … Traditional surveying instruments each had their own dedicated control panels and procedures, and required time to become proficient. In particular, setting up a total station and processing its data require specialized knowledge. With LRTK, operations are performed through a smartphone app with clear menus, and button operations are intuitive. Even without learning technical terminology or complex settings, anyone who has used a smartphone can learn to operate it in a short time. This means new hires and employees reassigned from other industries can be made effective more easily.

• Positioning accuracy … Regarding accuracy, you might worry, "Is it inferior because it's small?" However, LRTK has demonstrated accuracy comparable to higher-class GNSS surveying receivers. In comparative experiments, the difference when measuring the same point with a GNSS receiver equivalent to the Geospatial Information Authority of Japan's Class 1 level was found to be less than 5 mm (0.20 in). Compared with conventional total station surveying (accuracy on the order of several millimeters to about 1 cm (0.4 in)) and RTK-GNSS surveying (several-centimeter accuracy (cm level accuracy (half-inch accuracy))), LRTK's accuracy, with errors within several centimeters (cm level accuracy (half-inch accuracy)), is not inferior. It fully meets the accuracy required for typical field surveying and as-built verification, and can be used with confidence.

• Method of recording data … Previously, measurement point values were handwritten in paper field notebooks and matched with digital camera photo file names, so recording was mainly analog. Later, entering those records into a computer caused duplicate work. With LRTK, data are digitally saved at the time of measurement, eliminating the need for handwriting and concerns about human error or omissions. Photos are automatically organized together with coordinates, and notes are electronically linked, making data organization drastically easier. Transcribing to paper or Excel is no longer necessary, and the efficiency and accuracy of recording work are greatly improved.

• Real-time sharing … Traditionally, data measured on-site had to be taken back, and there was a time lag until reports were submitted to supervisors or clients. Sometimes re-measurements or additional measurements were required for confirmation. With LRTK, the field and the office are constantly connected through real-time sharing via the cloud. Because data reaches stakeholders as soon as it is measured, they can confirm and give instructions on the spot, allowing immediate corrective action. The lead time for communication is shortened, reducing the occurrence of rework.

• Work Time and Cost … As described above, because equipment preparation, personnel, rework labor, and similar tasks can all be reduced across the board, total work time is greatly shortened. Waste time caused by other trades being halted while waiting for surveying is also reduced, and secondary benefits such as shorter construction schedules and improved heavy equipment utilization can be expected. In addition, LRTK has a lower acquisition cost compared to conventional instruments. In many cases, it is cheaper to equip personnel with LRTK devices than to purchase multiple expensive surveying instruments. There are also subscription-based usage plans, offering the flexibility to introduce the system while keeping initial costs down.

• Safety … The frequency of carrying heavy objects is reduced, and tasks can be completed by a single person, which lowers the risk of accidents during transportation and the risk of heatstroke. Because LRTK's AR function can measure hazardous locations from a distance, there is less need to approach cliff edges or climb to high places. People's safety and work comfort are improved, contributing to on-site risk management.

When compared this way, the benefits of introducing LRTK are clear. Not only does it simplify workflows and improve efficiency, but it also outperforms conventional methods in terms of data utilization and safety. Of course, for control point surveys and large-scale surveys that require exceptionally high precision, the judgment of experienced technicians will still be necessary, but LRTK should be sufficient to cover most field operations.

How LRTK Implementation Will Change Job Sites: Time Savings, Reduced Errors, Improved Inspection Efficiency, and Increased Safety

Finally, let's organize concretely what specific changes will occur when LRTK is introduced on-site. The keywords are "faster, more reliable, and easier".

• Significant reduction in surveying time … because each person can measure with their own device, "waiting in line for surveying" will disappear. Idle time for heavy equipment waiting on surveying will also decrease, improving productivity across the entire construction project. Because you can measure immediately when the need arises, losses from waiting for setup disappear, and a world where real-time surveying is the norm will emerge. Also, because cloud sharing reduces data transfer time between site⇔office to zero, you can immediately begin the next arrangements or reviews based on the survey results.

• Reduction of rework and mistakes … High-precision positioning and on-site verification with AR reduce human errors such as measurement mistakes and placement errors. For example, when laying out pile locations, pinpoint guidance using LRTK coordinates is more accurate than relying solely on dimensions on paper drawings. As a result, it prevents rework caused by noticing positional deviations later. Also, because interference checks and as-built verification can be performed on-site in advance based on survey data, it helps deter construction mistakes themselves. Automatic recording also eliminates forgotten notes and communication omissions, greatly reducing data-related troubles.

• Inspection and reporting efficiency … Traditionally, preparing materials for completion inspections and interim inspections took a lot of time, but with LRTK, daily survey data is accumulated in the cloud, so report creation is one click. Survey result reports with photos can also be automatically generated, dramatically shortening the time required to prepare inspection documents. Also, during client on-site inspections, measurement data and point cloud models can be viewed together on the cloud, making explanations smoother and consensus building is speedy. In inspection operations as well, the hassle of creating paper record ledgers and organizing photos is eliminated, reducing the workload of staff. Because data is managed digitally, searching and analyzing historical records becomes easy, positively affecting incident response and quality control.

• Improved safety … The use of LRTK also contributes to workplace safety. It can reduce the number of surveying operations at height or on slopes, and its non-contact target positioning function allows data from hazardous locations to be captured from a distance, so it reduces opportunities for workers to enter high-risk areas. Also, because the equipment is lightweight, the physical burden during movement is small, and there is is no need to set up or carry equipment for long periods in the heat. Since a single person can complete the work, stress from coordinating timing with others is also reduced, giving workers more mental breathing room. By realizing a safe, more relaxed working environment, mistakes are reduced as a result and a positive cycle begins.

These effects will not only elevate on-site productivity and quality, but also contribute to creating a worker-friendly workplace. LRTK, which saves labor while improving accuracy and recordability, is truly the trump card for on-site DX.

Summary: Experience next-generation surveying you can start with your smartphone

LRTK, which turns a smartphone into a compact surveying instrument, is an innovative solution that alleviates labor shortages at worksites and transforms conventional surveying practices. With features such as centimeter-level (0.4 in) high-precision positioning, intuitive AR integration, and real-time cloud sharing, surveying work has become simpler and faster than ever. It is a tool that benefits everyone regardless of role—site supervisors, ICT engineers, land and house surveyors, surveying beginners, and municipal technical staff.

As labor shortages and calls for work-style reform grow, compact surveying instruments such as LRTK that enable "one device per person" measurements will become increasingly widespread. From an era that relied on expensive equipment and specialized skills to one in which necessary surveying can be performed with a smartphone and affordable devices — a true new era of surveying is beginning. Considering the many benefits — shorter on-site working time, fewer mistakes, increased efficiency, and improved safety — there is no reason not to adopt LRTK.

If at your site you feel that "surveying is taking too much time and effort" or "you want to digitize data management," please consider using this compact surveying instrument 'LRTK'. Once you experience the convenience of performing high-precision surveying with just a smartphone, you may never want to return to the old ways. Why not achieve both productivity and quality with the next-generation surveying style that LRTK brings? It is sure to transform the scene on your site and open up new possibilities for how work is carried out. Please take advantage of this innovation that quickly turns a smartphone into a high-precision surveying instrument at your site.