Table of contents

• What is the LRTK Starter Kit? Introduction to components

• Why it works even outside coverage (Michibiki / CLAS corrections)

• Why it’s easy to use even for first-timers (smartphone integration and app)

• Use cases: mountain areas, disaster sites, as-built checks, stake-out, boundary confirmation, etc.

• Benefits and effects of introducing the starter kit (labor reduction / rapid response)

• The position of LRTK surveying and future prospects (democratization of surveying)

• Natural adoption into simple surveying using LRTK (conclusion)

• FAQ

What is the LRTK Starter Kit? Introduction to components

The LRTK Starter Kit is a state-of-the-art surveying kit that bundles a ultra-compact high-precision GNSS positioning device for attaching to a smartphone, the LRTK Phone, together with the accessories needed to operate it. Compared with traditional surveying instruments it is overwhelmingly compact: the LRTK Phone itself is smartphone-sized at about 165 g in weight and about 1 cm (0.4 in) thick, yet it achieves centimeter-level positioning accuracy (half-inch accuracy) of horizontal ±1–2 cm (±0.4–0.8 in) and vertical ±3 cm (±1.2 in). In addition to the LRTK Phone body, the starter kit includes an external antenna capable of working in areas without cellular coverage, and dedicated accessories for stable field surveying such as a monopod (pole) and a bipod stand, making it an all-in-one package that enables immediate high-precision positioning even where mobile phone signals do not reach.

The LRTK Phone is designed to be attached to the back of an iPhone or iPad and operates wirelessly with the smartphone. After installing the dedicated “LRTK” app on the smartphone, turning on the LRTK Phone and waiting a few dozen seconds completes initialization and you can start positioning immediately. If you attach the LRTK Phone to the included monopod, it can be used as a full-fledged survey pole, and height offset (instrument height) correction can be set with one tap in the app, so even beginners can obtain accurate survey points without confusion. With just the LRTK Starter Kit, you can perform point cloud measurements with position coordinates and stake-out operations using only a smartphone—this is a cutting-edge solution and truly a “surveying instrument that fits in your pocket,” ready to revolutionize field surveying styles.

Why it works even outside coverage (Michibiki / CLAS corrections)

One major feature of the LRTK Starter Kit is that it can provide centimeter-level positioning even when “out of cellular coverage.” The secret lies in utilizing CLAS (Centimeter-Level Augmentation Service) provided by Japan’s Quasi-Zenith Satellite System, Michibiki. CLAS distributes correction information generated from the Geospatial Information Authority of Japan’s Continuously Operating GNSS Reference Station network via satellite; it is a next-generation augmentation technology that can reduce GPS positioning errors that were previously several meters down to a few centimeters. The LRTK Phone is a receiver that supports this satellite augmentation signal (CLAS), and when used in combination with a smartphone, it enables real-time high-precision positioning anywhere in Japan.

Usually, performing high-precision RTK surveying required receiving correction information from a base station via the internet or maintaining communications with a reference station using dedicated radio equipment. But with LRTK you can receive correction data directly from the Michibiki satellites, so centimeter-level positioning can continue autonomously even in mountain areas or disaster sites where the cellular network is out of service. For example, in places that would traditionally lose RTK fix and become unpositionable—deep mountain valleys, for instance—the LRTK Starter Kit can still achieve high-precision positioning as long as it can receive the augmentation signals from the satellites. This means that even when communications infrastructure is down after a large-scale disaster, you can obtain position information on your own. Of course, when in cellular coverage the system also supports network RTK positioning using the Geospatial Information Authority’s reference station network, offering flexibility to choose the correction method according to the use case.

In short, the reason the LRTK Starter Kit “works even outside coverage” is that Michibiki (CLAS) provides error corrections without relying on the internet. If you mount the high-sensitivity antenna included in the kit on the tip of the monopod, it becomes easier to capture satellite signals even in places with poor sight lines, allowing stable positioning accuracy to be maintained in forested mountain areas. This eliminates the need to spend time establishing a base station or securing communications, enabling surveying to start quickly and flexibly at any site.

Why it’s easy to use even for first-timers (smartphone integration and app)

Traditional surveying equipment required specialized knowledge to operate, and the devices themselves were large and heavy, so operation by two or more people was common. In contrast, the LRTK Starter Kit is designed to be easy to handle even for non-specialists through intuitive operation via smartphone integration and simple setup. The LRTK Phone connects wirelessly to a smartphone via Bluetooth or similar, and all positioning operations and data management are performed within the dedicated app. By simply tapping the “Start Positioning” button on the smartphone screen you can acquire real-time coordinates of your current location, and point recording and plan verification on drawings are completed with the touch of a finger. Complex initial settings or coordinate system configuration are unnecessary, and the ease of “being able to start measuring as soon as you arrive on site” is revolutionary.

The smartphone app also provides convenient features unique to mobile apps. For example, high-precision results obtained by averaging positioning time can be automatically processed within the app: by measuring for a few seconds you can calculate an averaged value with one tap (averaging further improves accuracy). As mentioned earlier, height offset correction is easily performed when using a monopod, so you don’t need the manual pole-length calculations typical of older devices. Furthermore, the LRTK app includes AR (augmented reality) functionality that overlays design target points and 3D models on the smartphone camera view, enabling intuitive guidance for stake-out positions and as-built verification. It integrates with the iPhone’s LiDAR scanner as well, so by simply sweeping the site you can scan the surrounding terrain and obtain detailed 3D point cloud data in a matter of minutes. The acquired point clouds are automatically tagged with high-precision coordinates, eliminating the need for later alignment and allowing on-site volume calculations and cross-section creation. In this way, many surveying tasks that previously required separate expensive devices and software can be handled all-in-one with a smartphone and LRTK—another reason the system is easy for beginners to use.

In summary, the LRTK Starter Kit was developed with the goal of being a “surveying instrument anyone can use,” and people familiar with smartphones can master it with just a short lecture. In fact, during a field trial in Fukui City at a disaster site, it was reported that staff who were not surveyors were able to attach LRTK to an iPhone and complete the necessary surveying on site. The ability to perform precise positioning with the “feel of operating a smartphone” is the very simplicity that makes the LRTK Starter Kit accessible to first-time users.

Use cases: mountain areas, disaster sites, as-built checks, stake-out, boundary confirmation, etc.

The LRTK Starter Kit simplifies and speeds up surveying tasks across a variety of field situations. Below are five particularly expected use cases—“mountain areas,” “disaster sites,” “as-built management,” “stake-out (batter boards / positioning),” and “boundary confirmation”—and their usefulness.

• Mountain surveying: Even in mountain areas without cellular coverage, LRTK can use Michibiki’s satellite augmentation to achieve standalone centimeter-level positioning. For example, in forest surveys where GNSS positioning was previously difficult due to large errors, LRTK can maintain high accuracy by receiving correction information directly from the satellites. The lightweight, compact equipment can be carried in a backpack along steep mountain trails, and it operates for about 6 hours on the built-in battery, supporting long surveys. Even when checking boundary stakes or performing terrain surveys deep in remote woodlands, the ability to complete surveying alone without base station setup or communications concerns is a major advantage.

• Disaster site surveying: In the immediate aftermath of landslides or earthquakes, rapid situational assessment and safety assurance are required. The LRTK Starter Kit eliminates the need to carry heavy tripod equipment into hazardous zones and allows measurements from a distance, reducing the risk of secondary disasters while enabling fast response. For example, at a site where a mountainside collapsed after heavy rain, staff walked around the area with an LRTK-equipped smartphone to perform a 3D point cloud scan and obtained a detailed 3D model of the collapsed slope in just a few minutes. From this high-precision point cloud data they were able to perform on-site volume calculations of the collapsed material and immediately estimate the amount to be removed. Processes that previously took days—surveying followed by office analysis—were completed on-site, significantly accelerating recovery planning. High-level analyses such as measuring the cross-section of a severed road from point cloud data to assist temporary road design, or comparing pre- and post-collapse terrain to calculate required fill and cut volumes, can also be performed in real time on site. In disaster response, both “speed” and “safety” are paramount, and the LRTK Starter Kit is expected to be a tool that achieves both at a high level.

• As-built management: As-built management in civil engineering is the quality-control process of confirming that completed structures conform to the design shapes and dimensions. Using the LRTK Starter Kit, you can quickly measure finished surfaces such as roads and slopes and verify deviations from design values on site. For example, measuring pavement elevation with LRTK allows immediate detection of deviations from reference elevations, and scanning fills or excavations as point clouds and overlaying them with the design 3D model makes it easy to assess overall excesses or shortages intuitively. Where as-built confirmation was previously done by extracting select cross-sections for estimation, LRTK enables immediate, high-precision checks based on comprehensive on-site data, dramatically improving the speed of quality assurance and corrective decisions. The acquired data is stamped with global positioning coordinates, so each point is recorded in a public coordinate system and directly applicable to as-built documentation and reporting. When sharing as-built information among project stakeholders, uploading point clouds and photos to the LRTK cloud allows the office to review 3D models, smoothing consensus building.

• Stake-out work (batter boards / positioning): The LRTK Starter Kit is also effective for stake-out and batter board positioning on construction sites. Traditionally, this work was typically done by two people using a total station to measure angles and distances, but with LRTK the app guides you to pre-set coordinate values on the smartphone screen, enabling one person to accurately identify stake-out positions. The app and AR display provide guidance such as “X m to target” or “move Y cm toward Z direction,” so even less experienced workers can place stakes accurately. This streamlines the placement of reference points and structural positioning tasks, reducing personnel needs and saving time. Eliminating the old requirement of one person looking through an instrument while another holds a stake, LRTK enables one person to perform both positioning and stake placement—an important advantage in site operations.

• Boundary confirmation: The LRTK Starter Kit is powerful for boundary confirmation of land or construction sites. If you preload known boundary point coordinates into the app via the cloud, the app will guide you to those locations on site, so you can reliably find boundary points without markers even in forests or fields. If existing boundary stakes are present, you can measure their coordinates with LRTK and immediately verify whether they match the positions on record. In cases where municipal staff conduct on-site boundary inspections, LRTK allows high-precision coordinates to be recorded directly in the electronic field notebook, reducing later adjustments or re-measurements. Tasks that previously required hiring a surveyor for simple boundary checks can be completed quickly in-house, and LRTK therefore contributes to improved efficiency and cost reduction in boundary-related work.

Benefits and effects of the starter kit (labor reduction / rapid response)

As described above, the LRTK Starter Kit reduces the effort involved in surveying and speeds up workflows in many situations. Summarizing those points, the main benefits from introduction are especially apparent in two areas: “labor reduction” and “rapid response.”

First, regarding labor reduction, the ability of LRTK to enable single-person operation is key. Survey tasks that usually required two people can often be completed by one person with LRTK, delivering significant benefits on sites struggling with staffing shortages. For example, in wide-scale disaster sites that must be covered by a limited surveying team, each member carrying an LRTK kit allows distributed, simultaneous surveying. With an aging workforce and shortages of young technicians, enabling on-site personnel to perform their own surveying without a professional surveyor supports organizational labor savings. Also, because LRTK is a receive-only device, special qualifications such as a radio operator’s license are not required—another aspect of labor reduction. Because anyone can operate it, effective use of personnel across departments becomes easier.

Second, regarding rapid response, the LRTK Starter Kit requires little time for setup or initialization, allowing work to begin immediately upon arrival. In disaster response, this immediacy directly supports early damage assessment and appropriate initial decisions. There are cases where introduction of LRTK has enabled immediate on-site volume calculations of collapsed slopes and dimensional measurements of severed roads, dramatically accelerating restoration planning. The kit also features cloud-based data sharing, so measurements can be shared with headquarters and stakeholders on the spot, accelerating decision-making. Moreover, LRTK provides measurement results in real time, enabling immediate follow-up actions. For example, if an as-built check reveals deviations, corrections can commence right away; if stake-out positions are off, re-measurement and correction can be performed immediately. This is a revolutionary time-saving improvement over the conventional flow of surveying → office calculation → result confirmation → correction, which involved significant delay.

Other effects include cost reduction and improved safety. Because the LRTK Starter Kit combines multiple measurement functions into one device, initial costs may be lower than procuring a total station or laser scanner individually (prices were not publicly disclosed at the time of writing, but the system is said to be favorable in running costs compared with some subscription-based services). Additionally, its lightweight equipment allows remote measurement without entering hazardous areas, contributing to worker safety. Especially in high-risk cases such as slope failure inspections or tunnel interiors, being able to assess conditions from a distance using the smartphone camera and LiDAR is reassuring. Overall, introducing the LRTK Starter Kit meets on-site needs of “fewer people, immediate measurement, and safer operation,” raising both efficiency and safety.

The position of LRTK surveying and future prospects (democratization of surveying)

The changes brought by the LRTK Starter Kit go beyond mere equipment replacement; they are reshaping the very nature of surveying work. High-precision surveying that was once entrusted to specialists can now be brought to the field with a level of ease that “anyone can use.” This trend can be described as the “democratization of surveying,” where not only licensed surveyors but also construction managers and municipal staff increasingly perform surveying tasks themselves. Underlying this trend are problems such as manpower shortages and an aging workforce in the surveying field, and smartphone-based surveying tools like LRTK are gaining attention as one solution. In fact, strengthened overtime regulations under 2024’s work-style reform have increased demand for surveying methods that deliver results with fewer people and in shorter timeframes. Responding to such needs, LRTK was developed with the concept of a “portable RTK positioning device anyone can use,” and adoption is beginning across both public and private surveying sites.

Looking ahead, smartphone surveying technologies represented by LRTK are expected to evolve and spread further. On the hardware side, as the Michibiki constellation expands (from the current four-satellite configuration to a projected seven-satellite configuration), CLAS accuracy and availability should improve, making satellite augmentation easier to receive even in urban areas. Improvements in smartphone performance (camera pixel counts, LiDAR range, faster CPUs, etc.) will also accelerate capabilities, enabling more detailed 3D scans and real-time processing. As part of the LRTK series, expansion into other platforms such as drone-mounted units and 360-degree camera integrations is also being considered. In fact, Lefixea (the developer of LRTK) has begun offering products such as LRTK LiDAR and LRTK Drone, building an ecosystem that delivers cm level accuracy (half-inch accuracy) positioning across a variety of devices—not just smartphones. This will help realize the environment of “measure whenever you want, wherever you want,” across ground and air.

These new technologies are not a threat to professional surveyors but rather powerful assistants. Routine as-built checks and material volume calculations can be handled by field staff using LRTK, allowing surveyors to focus on higher-difficulty tasks such as surveying design and verification. As a result, overall surveying productivity should rise, and limited personnel will be able to obtain highly precise spatial data faster than before. The LRTK Starter Kit is positioned as a pioneering tool for this new era of surveying. As accuracy and simplicity continue to improve, surveying itself may become a commonplace skill that many people perform regularly. LRTK is the first step toward that vision and symbolizes the DX (digital transformation) of the surveying world.

Natural adoption into simple surveying using LRTK (conclusion)

Finally, the value of introducing the LRTK Starter Kit to the field is summarized here. On small sites it has been common to rely on tape measures or simple GPS for “quick surveys,” but these methods leave doubts about accuracy. By adopting the LRTK Starter Kit, you can dramatically improve accuracy while keeping ease of use. In other words, high-precision surveying that used to require specialized equipment can now be naturally integrated into everyday workflows.

For instance, where it was previously difficult for a construction manager to perform surveying, LRTK makes it comfortable to try measurements. If height checks or boundary confirmations can be done quickly on your own smartphone, delays caused by waiting for surveying will decrease, and an on-site culture of self-checks may take root. This overturns the old assumption that “surveying is the job of a specialist department,” marking a shift toward an era in which anyone can perform surveying as needed. Of course, advanced tasks such as official baseline surveys or legal boundary determinations will still require professionals, but as the LRTK Starter Kit becomes the gateway to widespread simple surveying, overall industry productivity and data utilization are expected to rise dramatically.

For those encountering high-precision positioning for the first time, the LRTK Starter Kit is an ideal introductory tool. With a smartphone-friendly UI and minimal training required to get started, it lowers the barrier to “just try it.” Once used, users will be surprised by its accuracy and convenience and will appreciate the usefulness of on-site data. Those small successful experiences will help drive DX and operational improvements in the field. The LRTK Starter Kit is expected to act as a catalyst that naturally blends the latest technology into daily operations, ultimately supporting organizational innovation.

As centimeter-level positioning accuracy becomes more accessible, previously unseen problems will come into view and new solutions will emerge. Introducing the LRTK Starter Kit is the first step. Why not take this opportunity to try the latest surveying tool and experience an update to your fieldwork? LRTK will support that moment when the surveying world takes a step forward.

FAQ

Q: What does “LRTK” in the LRTK Starter Kit stand for? A: “LRTK” is used as a product name and functions more as a brand referring to a “smartphone RTK positioning system” rather than a strict acronym. Among the letters, “RTK” stands for Real Time Kinematic, the GNSS high-precision positioning method. The name LRTK conveys the concept of realizing RTK positioning on a smartphone—think of it as “portable RTK” (there is no official explanation that “L” denotes a specific word, though some associate it with the developer’s name or with “Lite” to suggest lightweight).

Q: How does it differ from conventional RTK surveying equipment? A: The biggest difference is that a base station or communications are not required. Conventional RTK equipment needed a nearby reference station or network corrections via the internet, but LRTK receives CLAS augmentation signals from the Michibiki satellites directly and can operate autonomously. Conventional devices often weighed several kilograms and required two or more people to set up and operate, whereas LRTK is a smartphone-mounted device weighing on the order of several hundred grams, enabling one-person operation. LRTK also provides multi-functional capabilities such as point cloud measurement and AR by leveraging the smartphone’s camera and LiDAR, so it is not limited to mere GNSS reception. In short, the LRTK Starter Kit breaks down the barriers of specialization, weight, and limited functionality of traditional equipment to become a portable, all-in-one surveying device anyone can carry.

Q: Can it really achieve centimeter-level positioning in areas without cellular coverage? A: Yes, it can. The LRTK Starter Kit supports the Michibiki satellite CLAS signals and can obtain correction information directly from satellites to maintain high-precision positioning even in regions out of cellular coverage. For example, in forested mountain areas or regions where communications infrastructure is down after a major disaster, as long as Michibiki satellites are visible in the sky you can measure positions in real time with centimeter-level accuracy. The starter kit includes an external antenna that is effective in weak-signal environments, making it easier to capture satellite signals even where the sky is not fully open. These features make LRTK a “RTK that works anywhere.”

Q: How accurate is the positioning? Is it sufficient for civil engineering surveying? A: The LRTK Phone’s positioning accuracy is reported as approximately ±1–2 cm horizontally and about ±3 cm vertically. Field verification has shown that height differences compared with a first-order leveling instrument fall within 5 mm (5 mm (0.20 in)), demonstrating a level comparable to high-end GNSS equipment and optical surveying instruments. This accuracy is generally adequate for typical civil engineering surveying tasks such as as-built management and stake-out. To achieve the best accuracy you need to maintain a “Fix solution” status obtained from satellite corrections, but by monitoring solution status in the LRTK app you can secure stable accuracy.

Q: What do I need to get started? Anything required beyond the kit contents? A: Basically, the LRTK Starter Kit and a compatible smartphone (or tablet) are all you need to start using it. The LRTK app is currently provided for iOS (iPhone, iPad), so please prepare an iPhone or iPad. The starter kit includes the LRTK Phone body, external antenna, monopod, bipod, mounting brackets, charging cable, and other necessary equipment. Download the free “LRTK” app from the App Store, follow the instructions for user registration and initial setup, attach the LRTK Phone to your smartphone, power it on, and connect to the app—positioning begins immediately. No special calibration or base station setup is required; it is literally “ready to use out of the box.”

Q: Can I really operate it without surveying expertise or qualifications? A: Yes, you can operate it without specialist qualifications. The LRTK Starter Kit is designed so that even inexperienced users can handle it intuitively, and there are cases where field operation began after only a short tutorial. Basic operation centers on button taps and checking screen displays on the smartphone, while the app automatically performs complex calculations and settings. Height correction and averaged positioning are accomplished with one tap, and measurement results are automatically converted to map coordinates. As a receive-only device, it does not require establishing a radio station, so radio operator qualifications are unnecessary. Although basic knowledge of coordinate systems and surveying methods is helpful for correctly interpreting results, at least on the operational side the device can be used effectively without specialized training. The manufacturer also provides comprehensive manuals and support channels to help users become proficient.