What is the LRTK Starter Kit? The latest surveying tool that can be deployed immediately even outside network coverage

Table of Contents

• What is the LRTK Starter Kit? Introduction to its components

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

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

• Use cases: mountainous areas, disaster sites, as-built checks, stakeout, boundary confirmation, etc.

• Benefits and implementation effects of the starter kit (labor savings / rapid response)

• Positioning of LRTK surveying and future prospects (democratization of surveying)

• Natural adoption of simple surveying using LRTK (conclusion)

• FAQ

What is the LRTK Starter Kit? Introduction to its components

The LRTK Starter Kit is the latest surveying kit that bundles the ultra-compact high-precision GNSS positioning device for smartphones, the LRTK Phone, with the accessories required for its operation. Compared with conventional surveying instruments it is overwhelmingly compact: the LRTK Phone body is smartphone-sized, weighing approximately 165g and about 1 cm (0.4 in) thick, yet achieves centimeter-level positioning accuracy of horizontal ±1–2 cm (±0.4–0.8 in) and vertical ±3 cm (±1.2 in). In addition to the LRTK Phone itself, the starter kit includes an external antenna capable of working outside network coverage, and accessories for stable on-site surveying such as a dedicated monopod (pole) and bipod stand, forming an all-in-one package that enables immediate high-precision positioning even in environments where mobile phone signals do not reach.

The LRTK Phone is designed to attach to the back of an iPhone or iPad and operates wirelessly with the smartphone. After installing the dedicated app, the “LRTK App,” on the smartphone, turning on the LRTK Phone and waiting a few dozen seconds finishes initialization and allows positioning to begin immediately. If you mount the LRTK Phone on the included monopod, it can be used as a full-fledged surveying pole, and height offset (instrument height) correction can be set with a single tap in the app, so even beginners can obtain accurate survey points without confusion. With the LRTK Starter Kit you can, with only a smartphone, perform point cloud measurements with coordinate information and even stakeout positions—this latest solution is truly a “pocketable surveying instrument” that can revolutionize field surveying workflows.

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

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

Normally, high-precision RTK surveying requires receiving correction information via the internet from a base station or maintaining communication with a reference station using dedicated radio equipment. However, because LRTK can receive correction data directly from the Michibiki satellites, it can continue to provide centimeter-level positioning autonomously even in environments where mobile communication networks are out of service, such as mountainous areas or disaster sites. For example, in locations where conventional RTK would lose fix and become unusable, the LRTK Starter Kit can maintain high-precision positioning as long as it can receive the satellite augmentation signals. This means that even when communication infrastructure is down after a large-scale disaster, you can obtain position information on your own. Of course, when network coverage is available, LRTK also supports network RTK positioning using the Geospatial Information Authority’s reference station network, so you have flexibility to choose the correction method according to the use case.

In short, the reason the LRTK Starter Kit “works outside network coverage” is that Michibiki (CLAS) provides correction without relying on the internet. By attaching the kit’s high-sensitivity antenna to the tip of the monopod, you can more easily capture satellite signals even in locations with poor visibility, maintaining stable positioning accuracy in forested mountain areas and the like. This allows you to start surveying flexibly at any site without spending time setting up base stations or securing communication environments.

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

Conventional surveying instruments require specialized knowledge to operate and are large and heavy, so they typically require two or more people to operate. 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 handled within the dedicated app. By simply tapping the “Start Positioning” button on the smartphone screen, you can obtain real-time coordinates of your current position, and recording survey points or checking them on drawings is completed with a fingertip. There is no need for complicated initial device configuration or coordinate system setup, so you can start measuring as soon as you arrive on site, which is revolutionary.

The smartphone app also offers convenient features unique to mobile apps. For example, the app can automatically perform position averaging to increase accuracy: you can measure for several seconds and compute the average with one tap (averaging further improves accuracy). When using a monopod, as mentioned before, height offset correction is easily performed, eliminating the need to manually calculate and input pole length as with conventional equipment. Furthermore, the LRTK App includes AR (augmented reality) functionality, overlaying design target points and 3D models on the smartphone camera view to intuitively guide stakeout positions and as-built checks. It also integrates with iPhone LiDAR scanners, allowing you to scan surrounding terrain simply by pointing the phone, and obtain detailed 3D point cloud data within minutes. The acquired point clouds are automatically tagged with high-precision coordinates, eliminating the need for later registration and enabling on-site volume calculations and cross-section generation. In this way, tasks that previously required separate expensive devices and software—surveying, scanning, AR-guided stakeout—can be handled all-in-one with the smartphone and LRTK, which is another reason it is easy for beginners to use.

In summary, the LRTK Starter Kit was developed to be a “surveying instrument anyone can use,” and people familiar with smartphones can master it after a short lecture. In fact, during trial operations at a disaster site in Fukui City, non-surveyor staff were able to attach LRTK to an iPhone and complete the necessary surveying on site. Even without specialized knowledge, you can perform precise positioning with the “feel of operating a smartphone”—this ease of use is the primary reason the LRTK Starter Kit is well accepted by first-time users.

Use cases: mountainous areas, disaster sites, as-built checks, stakeout, boundary confirmation, etc.

The LRTK Starter Kit simplifies and streamlines surveying tasks across a variety of field situations. Below are five representative use cases—“mountainous areas,” “disaster sites,” “as-built management,” “stakeout work,” and “boundary confirmation”—and their benefits.

• Surveying in mountainous areas: Even in mountainous areas without mobile signal coverage, LRTK uses 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 maintains high accuracy by receiving correction information directly from the satellites. The lightweight, compact device can be carried in a backpack over steep trails, and the internal battery runs for about 6 hours, supporting long surveys. When confirming boundary stakes or performing topographic surveys deep in remote forests, the ability to complete surveying alone without base station setup or communication concerns is a major advantage.

• Surveying at disaster sites: Immediately after landslides or earthquakes, rapid situational awareness and safety assurance are required. The LRTK Starter Kit eliminates the need to carry heavy tripod equipment into hazardous zones and allows measurement from a distance, reducing the risk of secondary disasters while enabling swift response. For example, at a site where a mountainside collapsed due to heavy rain, staff walked around with an LRTK-equipped smartphone to perform a 3D point cloud scan, obtaining a detailed three-dimensional 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. Tasks that previously required surveying followed by days of office analysis were completed on-site, significantly accelerating restoration planning. Advanced analyses—such as measuring cross sections of severed roads from point clouds for temporary road design, or comparing pre- and post-collapse terrain to compute required fill/excavation volumes—can also be performed in real time on-site. Speed and safety are essential in disaster response, and the LRTK Starter Kit is expected to realize both at a high level.

• As-built management: As-built management in civil engineering verifies whether completed structures conform to design shapes and dimensions. Using the LRTK Starter Kit, you can quickly measure the finished shapes of roads, slopes, and other structures and verify deviations from design values on the spot. For example, measuring post-paving pavement elevation with LRTK immediately reveals deviations from the reference elevation, and scanning embankments or excavations as point clouds and overlaying them with the design 3D model allows intuitive assessment of surplus/deficit across the whole site. Where as-built checks previously involved extracting a few cross sections for estimation, LRTK provides immediate, high-precision, site-wide data, greatly accelerating quality assurance and corrective decisions. Furthermore, the acquired data are tagged with global positioning coordinates, so each point is recorded in a public coordinate system, facilitating the creation of as-built documentation and reports. When sharing as-built information among project stakeholders, uploading point clouds and photos to the LRTK cloud allows the office to review 3D models remotely, smoothing consensus-building.

• Stakeout work (batter boards / position setting): The LRTK Starter Kit is effective for stakeout and batter board positioning on construction sites. Traditionally, this work was done by surveyors using total stations with angle and distance measurements in two-person teams. With LRTK, the app provides on-screen guidance to the preset coordinates, so one person can accurately locate stakeout positions. The app or AR display shows instructions such as “X m to the target” or “Move Y cm in direction Z,” enabling even inexperienced workers to place stakes in the correct positions without hesitation. This streamlines the establishment of control points and position setting of structures, reducing personnel and time. Eliminating the traditional need for someone to look through an instrument while another holds a stake means one person can perform both surveying and stakeout, a significant on-site advantage.

• Boundary confirmation: The LRTK Starter Kit is powerful for boundary confirmation of land or construction sites. By preloading known boundary point coordinates into the app via the cloud, the app can guide you to those locations on site, allowing you to find boundary points without markers even in forests or wilderness. If an existing boundary stake is present, you can measure its coordinates with LRTK and instantly verify any discrepancies with its mapped position. In cases where municipal staff conduct boundary confirmation in the presence of interested parties, LRTK allows recording high-precision coordinates directly into an electronic field notebook on the spot, reducing later adjustments or re-surveys. Simple boundary confirmation tasks that previously required hiring a surveyor can be handled internally in a short time, making LRTK a contributor to greater efficiency and cost reduction in boundary work.

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

As described above, the LRTK Starter Kit reduces surveying effort and speeds up work across various scenarios. Summarizing these points, the primary advantages of implementation are especially noteworthy in two areas: “labor savings” and “rapid response.”

First, regarding labor savings, the key is that LRTK enables single-person operation. Many surveying tasks traditionally performed by two-person teams can be completed by one person with LRTK, which is highly effective on sites suffering from personnel shortages. For example, limited surveying crews covering expansive disaster sites can each carry an LRTK kit and perform distributed, concurrent surveys. With an aging workforce and a shortage of young technicians, enabling site personnel to perform surveying without specialized surveyors contributes to organizational labor savings. Additionally, because LRTK is a receive-only device, special qualifications such as radio operator licenses are not required, which also supports labor savings. Because anyone can operate the device, cross-departmental support and efficient use of personnel become easier.

Next, the rapid response advantage: the LRTK Starter Kit requires minimal setup and initialization time, allowing work to start immediately upon arrival. In disaster response, this immediacy directly supports early situational assessment and timely initial decisions. In practice, LRTK adoption has enabled on-site volume calculations of collapsed slopes and measurements of severed road geometry, greatly accelerating restoration planning. The kit also supports cloud-based data sharing, allowing immediate sharing of measured data with headquarters and stakeholders, thus speeding decision-making. Furthermore, LRTK provides measurement results concurrently with data collection, enabling immediate follow-up actions. For instance, if an as-built check reveals deviations you can start corrections right away; if stakeout is off, you can remeasure and correct immediately. This is a revolutionary time-saving effect compared with the traditional flow of surveying → office processing → result confirmation → correction that involved significant lag.

Other effects include cost reduction and improved safety. Because the LRTK Starter Kit consolidates multiple measurement functions into one device, it can reduce total procurement cost compared with acquiring separate total stations and laser scanners (prices are not public at the time of writing, but it is said to be favorable regarding running costs compared with some subscription-based services). Also, the lightweight equipment enables remote measurement without entering hazardous zones, contributing to worker safety. In particularly risky situations such as landslide sites or tunnel inspections, assessing conditions from a distance with the smartphone camera and LiDAR provides significant reassurance. Overall, implementing the LRTK Starter Kit addresses on-site needs of “fewer people, immediate measurement, and safety”, and is expected to simultaneously raise operational efficiency and safety.

Positioning of LRTK surveying and future prospects (democratization of surveying)

The changes brought by the LRTK Starter Kit go beyond mere equipment upgrades; 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 makes it “available to everyone.” This trend can be called the “democratization of surveying,” where not only licensed surveyors but also construction management technicians and municipal staff can perform surveying themselves. The background includes labor shortages and the aging of surveying professionals, and smartphone-based surveying tools like LRTK are gaining attention as one solution. In fact, following the 2024 labor reforms and stricter overtime regulations, demand has increased for surveying methods that deliver results with fewer people and in shorter timeframes. LRTK, developed under the concept of a “portable RTK positioning device anyone can use,” is being adopted across a wide range of public and private surveying sites.

Looking ahead, smartphone surveying technologies represented by LRTK will continue to evolve and spread. On the hardware side, the augmentation of Michibiki satellites (from the current four-satellite configuration to a future seven-satellite configuration) is expected to improve CLAS accuracy and availability, making satellite augmentation easier to receive even in urban areas. Improvements in smartphone capabilities (camera resolution, expanded LiDAR range, faster CPUs, etc.) are also tailwinds, enabling more detailed 3D scanning and real-time processing. As an LRTK series, expansion into different platforms such as drone-mounted units and 360-degree camera integration is also being considered. In fact, Lefixea (the developer of LRTK) has begun offering products like LRTK LiDAR and LRTK Drone, building an ecosystem that realizes cm level accuracy (half-inch accuracy) positioning across a variety of devices, not just smartphones. This will help create an environment where you can “measure immediately whenever you need to, whether on the ground or in the air.”

These new technologies are not a threat to surveying professionals but rather a powerful assistant. Routine as-built checks and material volume calculations can be carried out by field staff using LRTK, allowing surveyors to focus on higher-difficulty survey design and verification. Ultimately, surveying productivity across the board will be raised, enabling highly precise and speedy spatial data acquisition even with limited personnel. The LRTK Starter Kit is positioned as a pioneer of this new era of surveying styles. As accuracy and convenience continue to improve, surveying itself may become a commonplace skill that many people perform regularly. LRTK is the first step and can be seen as a symbol of DX (digital transformation) in the surveying world.

Natural adoption of simple surveying using LRTK (conclusion)

Finally, to summarize the significance of introducing the LRTK Starter Kit to the field: in small-scale sites it has often been acceptable to perform “simple surveying” using tape measures or consumer GPS. By replacing these methods—which leave room for doubt in terms of accuracy—with the LRTK Starter Kit, you can dramatically improve accuracy while maintaining ease of use. In other words, high-precision surveying that was previously avoided because it required specialized equipment can now be incorporated naturally into daily operations.

For example, tasks that were previously difficult for construction managers to survey themselves can be attempted without hesitation with LRTK. If checking heights or boundary locations can be done quickly on your own smartphone, delays caused by waiting for surveying will decrease and a culture of on-site self-inspection will take hold. This overturns the conventional notion that “surveying is only for a specialized department” and ushers in an era where anyone can perform surveying as needed. Of course, advanced tasks such as official control surveys or definitive boundary establishment still require specialists, but if the LRTK Starter Kit serves as an entry point and becomes widely adopted for simple field surveys, the industry’s overall productivity and data utilization will substantially increase.

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 give it a try.” Once used, you will be impressed by its accuracy and convenience and experience firsthand the usefulness of the data obtained in the field. Those small successes will fuel motivation for DX and operational improvement on site. The LRTK Starter Kit acts as a catalyst that naturally blends the latest technology into the field, and is expected to support organizational innovation as a result.

As centimeter-level positioning becomes more accessible, previously unseen issues will become visible 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 the update to your field operations? LRTK will support the moment surveying takes a step forward.

FAQ

Q: What does the “LRTK” in LRTK Starter Kit stand for? A: “LRTK” is used as a product name and more than representing a specific acronym, it is a brand name that conveys the idea of a “smartphone RTK positioning system.” “RTK” itself stands for Real Time Kinematic, a GNSS high-precision positioning method. The name LRTK encapsulates the concept of enabling RTK positioning on a smartphone, and it’s easy to think of it as meaning “portable RTK” (there is no official explanation that the “L” denotes a specific word, although some associate it with the developer’s name or with “Lite” suggesting lightness).

Q: How does it differ from conventional RTK surveying equipment? A: The biggest difference is that base stations and communications are not required. Conventional RTK equipment needed a nearby reference station or network connectivity to obtain correction information, whereas LRTK receives CLAS augmentation signals from Michibiki satellites directly and thus can operate standalone. Conventional devices also weighed several kilograms and typically required two or more people for setup and operation, but LRTK is a smartphone-mounted device weighing only a few hundred grams and can be operated easily by one person. In addition, LRTK offers multi-functional capabilities such as point cloud measurement and AR using the smartphone camera and LiDAR, so its use is not limited to being a simple GNSS receiver. In short, the LRTK Starter Kit breaks through the conventional device limitations of specialization, weight, and limited functionality, offering an all-in-one, portable surveying solution.

Q: Can it really achieve centimeter-level positioning at sites outside mobile coverage? A: Yes. The LRTK Starter Kit supports the Michibiki CLAS signal, and can obtain correction information directly from the satellites to maintain high-precision positioning even in areas without mobile phone coverage. For example, in forested mountainous areas or regions where communication infrastructure has been disrupted by a large-scale disaster, as long as Michibiki satellites are visible overhead you can measure positions in real time with an accuracy of a few centimeters. The starter kit also includes an external antenna that is effective in weak-signal environments, making it easier to capture satellite signals even where the sky is obscured. These capabilities enable LRTK to realize “RTK that works anywhere.”

Q: What is the measurement accuracy? Is it sufficient for civil engineering surveying? A: Positioning accuracy with the LRTK Phone is published as approximately horizontal ±1–2 cm (±0.4–0.8 in) and vertical ±3 cm (±1.2 in). Field validation has shown vertical differences within 5 mm when compared with first-order leveling instruments, demonstrating performance comparable to conventional optical surveying instruments and high-end GNSS equipment. This level of accuracy is generally sufficient for typical civil engineering surveying tasks such as as-built management and batter board placement. To achieve the highest accuracy you need to maintain a solution known as a “Fix” using satellite augmentation, but by monitoring solution status in the LRTK app you can ensure stable accuracy.

Q: What is required to start using it? Do I need anything beyond the kit contents? A: Basically, you can start using it immediately with the LRTK Starter Kit and a compatible smartphone (or tablet). 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 cables, and other necessary equipment. Download the free “LRTK” app from the App Store, perform user registration and initial setup as guided, attach the LRTK Phone to your smartphone, turn it on, and connect via the app to begin positioning. No special calibration or base station setup is required—you can literally “unbox and use it on site”.

Q: Can people without surveying expertise or qualifications really operate it? A: Yes, operation is possible without specialist qualifications. The LRTK Starter Kit is designed for intuitive use by surveying novices, and in practice some sites have begun operations after only a short on-site lecture. Basic operation is centered on button taps and on-screen indicators, and complex calculations and settings are handled automatically by the app. For example, height correction and averaged positioning can be done with one tap, and measurement results are automatically converted to map coordinates. Because it is a receive-only device, you do not need radio operation licenses. While foundational knowledge of coordinate systems and surveying principles is helpful for correctly interpreting results, you can operate the device without specialized training. Manufacturer manuals and support channels are also available to help users gain proficiency.