Table of Contents

• Introduction

• Reason 1: Don’t miss anything on site with outstandingly visible 360-degree imagery

• Reason 2: Speedy information sharing enabled by easy cloud sharing

• Reason 3: Anyone can easily and accurately record the site

• Simple surveying unique to LRTK is also possible

• FAQ

Introduction

Recording construction sites is an indispensable task for construction company managers, site supervisors, and surveying technicians. “Construction records,” which capture progress and workmanship in photos and reports, help with quality control, preventing problems, and sharing information with stakeholders. However, conventional construction records rely on standard cameras that capture limited directions, so blind spots and information omissions often occur. Many people have experienced the frustration of looking back at photos and realizing “the necessary area isn’t captured…”

LRTK 360 construction records solve these problems. This is a new construction-recording system that combines a 360-degree camera, positioning technology, and cloud services to record the entire surroundings of a site at once and manage and share the data with location information on the cloud. By adopting LRTK 360 construction records, you can capture every corner of the site without omission and enable immersive site inspections remotely. It is gaining attention as a tool to promote digital transformation (DX) on construction sites and is being adopted in many projects.

This article explains in detail the three reasons LRTK 360 construction records are chosen. We will look at the benefits of the highly visible 360-degree imagery, the efficiency gained from cloud sharing, and the ease of use and high-precision measurement that allow anyone on site to handle it.

Reason 1: Don’t miss anything on site with outstandingly visible 360-degree imagery

The biggest feature of LRTK 360 construction records is, above all, the recording using 360-degree imagery. With a dedicated 360-degree camera, a single shutter press captures photos and video surrounding the entire site. This allows you to record every corner of the site that a normal camera cannot fully capture, ensuring there are no unphotographed areas.

The advantage of 360-degree imagery is the overwhelming amount of visual information and immersion. When viewing photos later, you can check every direction—up, down, left, and right—as if you were standing there looking around. For example, a construction company manager can overview the entire site from the office, and a site supervisor can check detailed construction conditions without overlooking anything. Because you can grasp the positional relationships of multiple objects and the surrounding environment at a glance, you gain intuitive understanding that drawings or fragmented photos cannot provide.

Also, recording with a 360-degree camera greatly reduces worries about “forgotten shots.” Normally you have to take many photos from various angles, and sometimes you realize afterward that “we don’t have a photo from that angle…” With 360-degree imagery, one shot captures the whole site, preventing missed important points. This is a major advantage for quality control and is especially effective for recording complex structures or narrow spaces.

Furthermore, the footage in LRTK 360 construction records is high-resolution and clear, so you can zoom in to check details. If an issue is found after construction, you can enlarge the saved 360-degree photo to inspect the condition of components and the finish. Because you can verify data without returning to the site, it reduces rework and enables speedy corrective actions.

In this way, the outstanding visibility of 360-degree imagery allows you to record site information comprehensively and immersively, which is one of the main reasons LRTK 360 construction records are chosen. When stakeholders review photos later, they can grasp the situation as if they were on site, helping to reduce communication loss and misunderstandings.

Reason 2: Speedy information sharing enabled by easy cloud sharing

The second reason is the efficiency of information transmission through cloud sharing. With LRTK 360 construction records, you can upload captured 360-degree images and measurement data to the cloud on the spot and share them with stakeholders immediately. This dramatically speeds up information sharing between the site and the office, and even with distant teams.

Storing data on the cloud makes it accessible from anywhere, which is a major advantage. The latest site conditions photographed by the site supervisor in the morning can be viewed immediately by managers and designers on office computers. There is no need to install special software; you can interactively view 360-degree imagery via a browser. By issuing a shareable link, you can also share the site view with owners or subcontractors who cannot enter the site with one click, making it easy to use as material for meetings or reports.

Cloud sharing eliminates the need to exchange large photo files via USB sticks or email attachments or to show photos around in meetings. Because it enables near-real-time information sharing, progress reporting, for example, becomes speedy. You could share morning records with headquarters by noon and explain progress to the owner in the afternoon—information circulates within a single day. This leads to faster decision-making and strengthens the ability to respond immediately in case of problems.

Additionally, LRTK’s cloud service includes robust data organization and management features. Uploaded 360-degree photos automatically have precise location information (latitude and longitude) attached, and on the cloud map you can see at a glance “which photo was taken at which point.” This makes it easy to organize photos by shooting points even on large sites, and to compare photos in chronological order taken at the same location. For example, if you set fixed observation points, you can display photos for that point in chronological order on the cloud and intuitively grasp progress and changes.

Because data is safely stored on the cloud, past records can be quickly searched and referenced. You no longer need to rummage through paper documents or folders on a local PC to find photos, allowing immediate access to necessary information, which improves work efficiency. Backups and permission management are also solid, so there is no worry about losing important construction records or unauthorized alterations.

Thus, the ease of cloud sharing greatly improves the efficiency of transmitting and managing site information, which is another reason LRTK 360 construction records are supported. By enabling all stakeholders to share the “now” of the site beyond geographic distances and time constraints, team coordination and productivity improve.

Reason 3: Anyone can easily and accurately record the site

The third reason is that LRTK 360 construction records combine ease of use that anyone on site can handle with high-precision data acquisition. LRTK 360 uses cutting-edge technology while keeping operations simple and intuitive. Even without special photography skills or surveying expertise, one person can quickly complete site recording.

On the equipment side, you only need the LRTK 360-degree camera, a dedicated device, and a smartphone. Traditionally, precise construction records and measurements required expensive surveying instruments and multiple personnel. But with LRTK’s system, a lightweight antenna/receiver-equipped 360-degree camera and a smartphone alone can capture centimeter-level, high-precision positioning (half-inch accuracy) while photographing the site. There is no need to carry bulky equipment; a site supervisor or technician can collect the necessary data simply by walking the site with a device that fits in a pouch.

The shooting procedure is extremely simple. Press the shutter button on the 360-degree camera to take an all-around photo, and use the LRTK app on your smartphone to record positioning data and point cloud data. Then sync to the cloud with a single button. Complex post-processing and conversion are handled automatically on the cloud side, so on site the flow is simply “shoot and send.” The system is designed to be intuitive enough that site workers can operate it after only a few minutes of instruction, so it does not burden busy sites.

Yet the data obtained is highly precise. LRTK 360 uses RTK-GNSS satellite positioning technology, and the positional error attached to photos and point clouds is contained within approximately a few centimeters (within about an inch). In other words, captured images can be accurately plotted in the correct location on maps and drawings, and data taken by different people on different days can be aligned precisely for comparison. This high level of accuracy means the data can be used not only for visual records but also for measurements and as-built management. In fact, on the LRTK cloud you can measure distance, area, and volume from uploaded point cloud data. For example, you can estimate the volume of excavated soil or check dimensions of structures while viewing photos and 3D data in the office, enabling part of the measurement work that used to take time on site to be shifted to desk work.

It is also noteworthy that LRTK 360’s positioning supports Japan’s quasi-zenith satellite system, so it can maintain stable high-precision positioning even in mountainous areas or sites where internet connectivity is difficult. This makes it powerful for recording construction sites in areas with limited infrastructure and for documenting site conditions during disasters. The high reliability of “accurate recording anywhere by anyone” is a major reassurance for site technicians.

As described above, LRTK 360 construction records satisfy the seemingly contradictory requirements of easy operation and high precision, lowering the barrier to on-site adoption while delivering high impact. In an industry facing labor and technician shortages, the ability for one person to complete site measurement and recording with LRTK has the potential to become the future standard. Moreover, this kind of automatic data linkage aligns with the direction promoted by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism’s “i-Construction 2.0.” Centralized management and utilization of on-site digital data can further improve productivity.

Simple surveying unique to LRTK is also possible

So far, we have introduced three benefits of LRTK 360 construction records using 360-degree imagery and cloud utilization, but LRTK’s appeal goes beyond that. LRTK actually offers a revolutionary solution in the field of simple surveying using smartphones.

The LRTK series includes a small device that attaches to smartphones such as iPhones, enabling anyone to easily acquire high-precision surveying data. Traditionally, surveying was performed by professional surveyors using total stations or GNSS equipment. But with LRTK, a smartphone turns into a surveying instrument, allowing quick acquisition of point cloud data and photos with position coordinates. This can be used not only for construction records but also for as-built management, quantity measurement, and progress confirmation.

For example, by scanning the site while walking with the LRTK app, you can generate a 3D point cloud model of terrain and structures on the spot. That data can be shared and analyzed on the cloud immediately, so tasks like creating survey drawings and calculating earthwork volumes can be done quickly. Because the interface is intuitive even for less-experienced technicians, one person can complete surveying and recording in labor-short sites—a major strength.

Combining LRTK 360 construction records and simple surveying realizes both the “visualization” and “quantification” of site conditions. You can visually grasp conditions with 360-degree imagery and capture quantitative data with point clouds and positioning information, dramatically improving the accuracy and efficiency of construction management. If you are considering advancing DX from both site recording and surveying perspectives, these solutions offered by LRTK are an ideal choice.

If you are interested in LRTK’s simple surveying, please make use of our official information and inquiry contact. As a partner supporting site DX, we hope to contribute to your operational improvements.

FAQ

Q1. What is LRTK 360 construction records? A. LRTK 360 construction records is a construction site recording system that combines a 360-degree camera, high-precision positioning technology, and cloud services. A single capture obtains photos of the entire surroundings, attaches centimeter-level position information to those photos, and saves and shares them on the cloud. It enables what was difficult with conventional photo records: “recording the entire site without omission and sharing it immediately.”

Q2. What are the advantages compared to regular site photos? A. The biggest advantage is the ability to record site conditions without omission. A single 360-degree photo captures the entire surroundings, so there are no missed shots. Also, when viewing photos later you can freely change the viewpoint, so you can understand the situation without comparing multiple photos. Additionally, LRTK 360 attaches accurate position coordinates to photos, so it is clear where each photo was taken and photos can be organized by time and location.

Q3. Is the operation difficult? Can site staff handle it? A. Operation is very simple and can be handled without specialized knowledge. Just press the shutter on the 360-degree camera to capture an all-around photo, and upload it to the cloud with positioning data via the smartphone app. The on-screen guidance requires only tapping buttons, so site staff can master it with a short explanation. No complex settings or adjustments are necessary, and the equipment is easy to carry.

Q4. You mention high precision—how accurate is it? A. LRTK 360 construction records uses RTK-GNSS technology, achieving positional accuracy of approximately a few centimeters (within about an inch). This is far more precise than standard GPS, allowing objects in photos to be shown on maps almost at their actual locations. Thanks to this accuracy, photos taken on different dates can be precisely compared and approximate dimensions can be derived from images.

Q5. Can it be used in places without internet? A. Yes, it can be used. LRTK 360 supports Japan’s satellite positioning augmentation service (CLAS), so it can obtain high-precision positioning in mountainous areas or underground works where internet connectivity is difficult. Data can be synced to the cloud once a connection is available, and positioning itself works fine offline.

Q6. How can the acquired data be utilized? A. Acquired 360-degree photos can be managed on the cloud linked to a map. You can compare photos taken at fixed observation points in chronological order or check site conditions remotely. If point cloud data is obtained, you can measure distance, area, and volume on the cloud, making it useful for as-built management and quantity calculations. These data can be downloaded and used in CAD software as needed, so they support not only site records but also design and construction management more broadly.

Q7. I’d like to know more about simple surveying with LRTK. A. If you are interested in LRTK’s simple surveying, please visit our official website or contact us for detailed information. We can provide demonstrations and case studies to show what can be achieved with smartphone-based easy surveying. Feel free to consult with us.

Q8. What equipment and preparations are required to use it? A. To use LRTK 360 construction records, you need a dedicated LRTK 360 device integrated with a 360-degree camera and an iOS device such as an iPhone or iPad. The dedicated device includes a GNSS receiver for high-precision positioning and is attached to the 360-degree camera. Installation of the LRTK app, provided free on the App Store, and registration of an account for our cloud service completes the setup. With an internet connection, you can sync data to the cloud and view and share it from a PC browser. Please refer to the manual and support information for detailed setup instructions and recommended environments. Details on supported 360-degree cameras and recommended devices are posted on our website.

Q9. What kinds of sites and uses are suitable? A. LRTK 360 construction records can be used on any construction site, but it is particularly powerful for projects with large sites or complex structures. On large sites, leaving 360-degree photos at fixed points makes it easier to overview the whole area, and for complex structures you can record details for later verification. It is also well suited to projects with many remote stakeholders or long schedules, because cloud sharing ensures everyone always has the latest information and prevents delays in information transfer. Furthermore, in rapidly changing situations such as disaster recovery sites, periodic 360-degree recordings make it easier to track changes over time.