Thorough Guide to the LRTK Starter Kit: Easy to Carry, Achieving High-Precision Positioning

High-precision positioning technology RTK-GNSS has in recent years become easily accessible to anyone through a combination of smartphones and compact devices. The LRTK Starter Kit is designed as a solution that makes centimeter-level surveying simple even for non-experts by bundling a pocket-sized GNSS receiver with convenient accessory tools. This article provides a thorough explanation of the features, benefits, and concrete use cases of the LRTK Starter Kit, and examines its innovation compared with traditional surveying equipment. At the end of the article there is an FAQ for those considering adoption, which we hope will help deepen your understanding of simple surveying with LRTK.

Table of contents

• [What is the LRTK Starter Kit](#lrtkスターターキットとは)

• [Features of the LRTK Starter Kit](#lrtkスターターキットの特徴) - [Easily achieve centimeter-level high-precision positioning](#センチメートル級の高精度測位を手軽に実現) - [Compact and lightweight for easy portability](#小型軽量で持ち運びラクラク) - [Simple smartphone integration with intuitive operation](#スマホと簡単連携直感的な操作) - [High-precision positioning even without network coverage](#通信圏外でも高精度測位を実現)

• [Use cases for the LRTK Starter Kit](#lrtkスターターキットの活用例)

• [Comparison with traditional surveying equipment](#従来の測量機器との比較)

• [What is simple surveying with LRTK](#lrtkによる簡易測量とは)

• [FAQ](#faq)

LRTKスターターキットとは

The LRTK Starter Kit is a starter package that combines the compact high-precision GNSS device “LRTK,” designed to be used with a smartphone, with a full set of accessory tools to support fieldwork. The LRTK device itself is a palm-sized GNSS receiver with an integrated antenna and battery that can be attached to a smartphone to perform real-time high-precision positioning. Its distinguishing feature is delivering performance comparable to large traditional surveying instruments as a truly “pocket-sized surveying instrument anyone can use.” In addition to the LRTK receiver unit, the starter kit includes a dedicated monopod (pole), smartphone holder, spirit level, shoulder bag, and other items designed to help even beginners perform stable and accurate surveying. The monopod plus holder let you hold the device vertical on site for accurate measurement, making it easier for a single person to capture a straight survey point, and the storage bag makes transport easy. In short, with the LRTK Starter Kit you immediately have a smartphone, a compact terminal, and a full set of auxiliary tools, enabling you to begin high-precision positioning from day one.

Features of the LRTK Starter Kit

The LRTK Starter Kit is a next-generation positioning system that balances portability and accuracy. Below we examine the main features in detail.

Easily achieve centimeter-level high-precision positioning

The LRTK device supports the RTK (Real-Time Kinematic) method and can determine positions with an accuracy of within a few centimeters (cm level accuracy (half-inch accuracy)) by applying real-time corrections to satellite positioning errors. Typical smartphone built-in GPS has errors on the order of 5–10 m, but LRTK greatly reduces that error by utilizing correction information from reference stations (network RTK) and Japan’s quasi-zenith satellite system “Michibiki,” specifically the centimeter-level positioning augmentation service (CLAS). When you attach the dedicated terminal to your smartphone and power it on, it automatically begins receiving correction information and reaches a centimeter-level “Fix solution” (cm level accuracy (half-inch accuracy)) in about 20–30 seconds. After that, by following on-screen instructions and pressing a button you can immediately record the latitude, longitude, and height of the point you want to measure. This automates and simplifies RTK surveying, which previously required specialized knowledge, allowing anyone to easily achieve high accuracy. Experiments have shown LRTK positioning results differ by only a few millimeters from high-performance GNSS equipment equivalent to Level 1 benchmarks of the Geospatial Information Authority of Japan, confirming pro-level accuracy despite the small size. By using a multi-observation averaging function as needed, you can push the error down to a few millimeters per point. Such centimeter-class high-precision positioning is achievable without special effort with the LRTK Starter Kit.

Compact and lightweight for easy portability

The LRTK receiver is comparable in size to a smartphone and is an ultra-lightweight design weighing just about 125 g. Its thickness is also about 1 cm (0.4 in), so it does not add bulk when attached to a phone and can be held easily in one hand, offering excellent portability on site. It is not an exaggeration to call it a surveying instrument you can carry in your pocket; you can quickly take it out and measure whenever needed. The built-in battery supports continuous operation for up to about 8 hours, and charging is possible via a USB Type-C port from a mobile battery, so it can handle a full day of surveying. It is also waterproof, dustproof, and shock-resistant, so it can be used reliably in harsh outdoor environments. The starter kit’s dedicated monopod (telescopic pole) is useful for quickly measuring fixed points on site. By placing the pole tip (metal spike) on the ground and attaching the LRTK + smartphone, a single person can suppress wobble and perform stable measurements. The pole includes a spirit level for horizontal verification, helping to keep the device vertical and ensuring accuracy. When not in use the monopod folds compactly and can be stored in the included shoulder bag, making movement between sites easy. Because you don’t need to transport and set up heavy tripods or stationary devices like traditional surveying equipment, you gain the agility to survey in tight sites and on slopes. Compact, lightweight, tough, and easy to carry—the LRTK Starter Kit significantly reduces the stress of fieldwork.

*(※Mass of the LRTK Phone 4C device itself.)*

Simple smartphone integration with intuitive operation

LRTK is designed to operate in conjunction with smartphones (mainly iPhone/iPad). Attachment is extremely simple: on iPhone you can attach it directly to the back of the device, and on Android devices you can secure it using the included magnetic ring. Data communication is via Bluetooth, so there are no complicated cables. After installing the dedicated LRTK app on your smartphone and pairing it with the device, you can start positioning and record data by simply tapping buttons on the app—an intuitive operation flow. At the measurement point, you can finish surveying with a single touch by pointing the smartphone, and the obtained coordinates (latitude, longitude, height) are immediately displayed and saved on the screen. No special machine operation training is required, and those familiar with smartphones can quickly master it. The app is available in Japanese and is user-friendly so even beginners can operate it without confusion. LRTK also offers a cloud service, and measurement data are automatically saved and synchronized to the cloud from the smartphone. Point cloud data and survey results obtained on site can be shared to the cloud and checked or coordinated with office colleagues in real time. The app also includes AR (augmented reality) guidance and photogrammetry and point cloud scan functions that leverage the smartphone camera and LiDAR sensor. For example, you can automatically tag photos taken at measurement points with precise coordinates or scan the surroundings with your phone to create 3D terrain models and perform volume calculations. Tasks that previously required multiple dedicated devices—such as stakeout navigation and point cloud acquisition for as-built management—can be completed with just a smartphone and LRTK, increasing field efficiency and convenience dramatically.

High-precision positioning even without network coverage

RTK positioning normally requires network communication to receive correction data via the internet, but the LRTK Starter Kit can continue high-precision positioning even in areas without network coverage. The key to this is Japan’s quasi-zenith satellite “Michibiki,” which broadcasts CLAS (centimeter-level augmentation service). LRTK terminals support CLAS signals, enabling reception of correction information directly from satellites and centimeter-level positioning even in mountainous areas or sites without cellular reception. For example, even in regions where communication infrastructure is down immediately after a disaster, LRTK can provide high-precision positioning as long as the Michibiki satellites are visible overhead (※). There are reports of local governments using small GNSS receivers to survey disaster areas and support initial response efforts. Traditionally, to perform RTK positioning in networkless areas you needed to set up your own base station and transmit corrections by radio, which required radio station licenses and complicated equipment. By using CLAS, the LRTK Starter Kit allows acquisition of correction data nationwide without additional equipment, dramatically expanding the usable area. Of course, in areas with network coverage you can also use commercial VRS services or carrier-provided GNSS correction services as network RTK. The system’s strength is the flexible use of both offline and online correction modes according to site conditions. If the internet connection drops during positioning, CLAS can act as a backup; conversely, in urban areas where satellite reception is unstable, network-based corrections can supplement accuracy. The LRTK Starter Kit therefore provides stable high-precision positioning regardless of communication environment, enabling truly mobile surveying anywhere.

*(※In environments where satellite signals themselves are difficult to receive—such as deep forests or tunnels—both CLAS and RTK may be unable to provide positioning. In such cases, it is necessary to either change the measurement time or supplement with other measurement methods.)*

Use cases for the LRTK Starter Kit

The LRTK Starter Kit is expected to be useful across a wide range of fields, from construction and civil engineering to surveying design and disaster response. Here are some representative scenarios where it is helpful.

• Surveying and as-built management on construction sites: High-precision positioning is essential on civil engineering sites for setting batter boards and measuring as-built shapes. With LRTK, a single person can walk a site, measure coordinates and heights for each point to compare with design drawings, and immediately share the data to the cloud with stakeholders. Tasks that used to require multiple people to operate a total station or to take results back to the office for drawing comparison can now be completed in real time on a smartphone, significantly reducing labor and time. Also, overlaying design models on the real world with the smartphone’s AR functionality allows intuitive directive work for excavation and embankment, enabling efficient quality control of construction.

• Land surveying and boundary confirmation: The LRTK Starter Kit is also effective for surveyors and cadastral surveyors. For example, you can accurately measure boundary point coordinates on site and have office colleagues immediately check the data via the cloud. You can calculate distances between boundary markers on the spot and compare them with drawing values, or use the navigation function to guide the installation of new boundary stakes—speeding and improving accuracy for boundary surveys. For condition surveys of properties, you can acquire continuous point cloud data while walking the site to quickly create 3D models of terrain and structures. Tasks that previously required expensive laser scanners can increasingly be performed with just a smartphone and LRTK.

• Situation recording at disaster sites: Immediately after disasters such as earthquakes or heavy rain, rapidly recording and sharing damage is crucial. Using the LRTK Starter Kit, photos taken at disaster sites with a smartphone can be automatically tagged with centimeter-level position information and uploaded to the cloud for immediate sharing with relevant agencies. Because CLAS enables positioning even when communications are down, LRTK is useful for accurately grasping damage in isolated areas. Some local governments have adopted LRTK to streamline on-site surveying during disasters, improving initial response speed and reducing costs. Thus, LRTK can be a valuable tool for emergency investigation and recovery planning.

• Improving accuracy of drone photogrammetry: LRTK also plays a supporting role in aerial photogrammetry and drone mapping. Using LRTK to position and measure ground GCPs (ground control points) improves alignment accuracy of aerial data. Whereas GCP surveying previously required costly GNSS devices, LRTK makes it easy to measure many points in a short time, efficiently preparing for detailed 3D models and precision mapping. Creative approaches—such as attaching an LRTK and smartphone to a helmet and walking to scan hazardous areas where people cannot safely enter—are also possible. Combining drones with ground surveying enables safe, accurate surveying at lower cost.

As shown above, the LRTK Starter Kit can be applied in many situations where “fast, solo, and accurate” measurements are required, contributing to innovation in business processes. App updates continue to add new features, so the range of applications will keep expanding.

Comparison with traditional surveying equipment

To better appreciate the benefits of the LRTK Starter Kit, let’s compare it with traditional surveying equipment from several perspectives.

• Equipment composition and ease of use: Traditional RTK-GNSS surveying required bringing a stationary base receiver + antenna, a rover receiver + controller terminal, and radios to connect them, among other devices. Because the equipment was large and heavy, transportation and setup were labor-intensive and preparing to start surveying took time. By contrast, LRTK operates with a simple configuration of smartphone + small receiver. No base station or dedicated controller is needed, and the convenience of being able to start measuring whenever needed is overwhelming. There is no need to set up a tripod and mount equipment, so you are freed from the burden of carrying heavy gear every time you move a measurement point.

• Accuracy and stability: Large high-performance GNSS receivers and total stations offer extremely high accuracy at the sub-millimeter to millimeter level and remain indispensable for public surveying and precision construction. However, as noted, LRTK can achieve horizontal accuracy of a few centimeters and vertical accuracy of a few centimeters when properly operated, which is sufficient for common surveying and construction uses. Experiments have confirmed that differences between LRTK results and total station measurements can be on the order of a few millimeters to 1 cm in some cases, making LRTK comparable in many practical situations. Considering real-time data sharing and ease of operation by anyone, LRTK may even outperform traditional approaches in terms of overall productivity and workflow efficiency.

• Cost and barriers to adoption: Traditional high-precision GNSS equipment sets cost hundreds of thousands to millions of yen, and sometimes much more. In addition, there were high initial barriers such as learning to operate the equipment and obtaining radio licenses for base stations. The LRTK Starter Kit is priced more affordably compared with those, making it accessible for those trying high-precision positioning for the first time (※pricing provided upon inquiry). Correction services for network RTK may require monthly subscriptions, but CLAS can be used without additional fees, reducing running costs. Moreover, LRTK uses communication methods that do not require licenses (Bluetooth and existing networks), so no special radio qualifications are necessary. With just the equipment and a smartphone environment, anyone can start centimeter-level positioning.

• Personnel and skill requirements: Traditional surveying often required teams of two or more (operator and staff to hold instruments) and the presence of licensed surveyors. After adopting the LRTK Starter Kit, many tasks can be completed by a single person without special qualifications (※official public-survey results still require oversight by a licensed surveyor). If every field technician can position with their own smartphone, surveying bottlenecks that delay construction can be eliminated, enabling immediate measurement and sharing when needed. The “one device per person” style can maintain productivity and high-precision work even on sites with labor shortages. As a tool usable by non-experts, the LRTK Starter Kit is beginning to change the very nature of surveying.

*(※Please check official sites for pricing. Also, when using results for public surveys, legal restrictions under the Survey Act may apply.)*

What is simple surveying with LRTK

So far we have explained the overview and appeal of the LRTK Starter Kit; finally, here is a summary of the significance of starting simple surveying with LRTK. LRTK was developed as a “pocket-sized surveying instrument anyone can use,” realizing both ease of use and high precision that were previously the exclusive domain of specialists. Attach the dedicated terminal to your smartphone and switch it on, and it automatically acquires correction information and begins centimeter-precision positioning within a few dozen seconds. There is no need for troublesome reference point setup or long preparation—its readiness to measure at any moment is revolutionary.

Moreover, LRTK is compact and lightweight, easy to carry, and resistant to water, dust, and shocks, so it can be used reliably in harsh outdoor environments. Measurement data are saved to the cloud and can be shared in real time among multiple people, making LRTK a trump card for field DX (digital transformation). The price is also lower than existing high-precision GNSS equipment, making it easier to adopt as a first high-precision positioning tool. In practice, those familiar with smartphone operation can intuitively use LRTK, allowing surveying beginners to be useful on site quickly.

The arrival of the LRTK Starter Kit brings us closer to an era where surveying on site is “done quickly with a smartphone.” Consider adopting LRTK for smarter surveying. Tasks that used to be complicated become surprisingly familiar, and even small teams can perform high-precision measurements, improving both productivity and quality on site. Simple surveying with LRTK can be the first step to significantly transforming your workflows.

FAQ

Q1. What is included in the starter kit? Is it necessary to buy the kit? A1. The LRTK Starter Kit includes the LRTK high-precision GNSS receiver along with accessories that support field surveying. Specifically, the kit contains a dedicated monopod (pole), a replaceable metal spike (pole tip), a smartphone holder that attaches to the pole, a spirit level for checking pole verticality, and a shoulder bag to store the equipment. These items are not strictly required but are highly useful for improving stability and convenience during surveying. For example, using the monopod + holder lets a single person securely fix the smartphone and LRTK to measure straight, contributing to accuracy. The bag makes it easy to carry equipment hands-free while moving. While you can survey with just the receiver and a smartphone, the starter kit accessories are particularly helpful for beginners or when you need to ensure accuracy. We recommend starting with the starter kit to assemble a basic set.

Q2. Can smartphone surveying really achieve centimeter-level precision? Is it comparable to professional equipment? A2. Yes—when the LRTK system is properly operated, it can achieve practically indistinguishable accuracy from professional equipment. For example, experiments comparing coordinates obtained with LRTK to those from total stations or Level-1 GNSS surveying equipment have shown differences at the same point on the order of a few millimeters. Compared with typical total station angle/distance accuracy (a few mm to 1 cm) and conventional RTK-GNSS accuracy (a few cm), LRTK smartphone positioning errors are within a few centimeters and are comparable for most field requirements. So there’s no need to worry that being compact implies inferior accuracy. However, satellite reception conditions and measurement environments can temporarily degrade accuracy, so for critical points it is advisable to observe multiple times and average, or measure in locations with fewer obstructions to obtain more stable high accuracy.

Q3. Can LRTK be used where there is no internet or cellular signal? A3. Yes—provided certain conditions are met, LRTK can continue high-precision positioning even without communications infrastructure. The key is to use the CLAS service mentioned earlier. If you have a CLAS-capable LRTK terminal, you can receive correction data directly from Michibiki satellites and perform centimeter-level positioning even outside cellular coverage. There are reports of CLAS-capable small GNSS receivers being used to survey damage at disaster sites where mobile networks were down. Of course, in deep forests or dense urban canyons where satellite signals are largely blocked, positioning becomes difficult; except for such extreme cases, LRTK can be used offline. Conversely, when using network RTK (such as VRS), internet connectivity is required, but as long as you can receive data via a mobile connection you can use it nationwide. In short, use CLAS in offline environments and VRS/other network services when online to achieve high-precision positioning regardless of location.

Q4. Are special contracts or licenses required to perform high-precision positioning? A4. Basically, no special licenses or qualifications are required. To achieve centimeter-level positioning with LRTK you do need to use some correction information service, but once you have configured or subscribed to that, anyone can technically use it. For network RTK corrections you would register a monthly subscription with a commercial high-precision positioning service (e.g., VRS or carrier RTK) and enter the account information into the app to use it. In some regions, municipal free correction services may be available. For CLAS no contract is required and anyone in Japan can receive it with a compatible terminal. Regarding radio station licenses, LRTK uses the smartphone’s internet or satellite reception for communication, so additional radio equipment licenses are not required (unlike traditional base-station UHF radio setups). No qualification is needed to operate the surveying equipment itself, so in principle a layperson can buy and start using LRTK immediately (however, official public-survey outputs must still be produced under the supervision of a licensed surveyor). In short, with the necessary equipment and correction service prepared, anyone can start smartphone RTK surveying without special permits.

Q5. Are there restrictions on smartphone models or OS? A5. Currently LRTK is primarily designed for use with iPhone and iPad (iOS/iPadOS). The usual workflow is attaching it to an iPhone and using the dedicated app available on the App Store. Android devices can be physically attached using the included magnetic ring and can connect via Bluetooth, but you should check the latest information to confirm whether an official Android app is provided. For iPhone, iPhone 12 Pro and later Pro models are especially recommended because they include high-performance LiDAR scanners and cameras that fully leverage LRTK app features such as point cloud scanning and camera-based distant target positioning. The latest iPhone 15 Pro in particular offers improved sensor accuracy and processing speed for more stable measurements. Standard iPhone models and other smartphones can still use basic positioning functions, but Pro models enable fuller use of advanced features. If you are unsure whether your phone is supported, check the manufacturer’s compatibility information before purchase.

Q6. Can it accurately position in urban canyons or forests? A6. In downtown areas with many high-rise buildings or in dense forests, GNSS satellite signals are often blocked by structures or foliage. As a result, positioning can take longer or accuracy can degrade even when correction services are used. This is a general challenge for high-precision GNSS, not unique to LRTK. In such environments, it is advisable to measure at points with the best sky view possible—choose open spots, wide intersections between buildings, or clearings in forests, or measure at times when satellite geometry is favorable. If centimeter accuracy cannot be maintained at a specific point, consider measuring that point temporarily with a total station or other method—apply method selection according to conditions. In open locations, smartphone RTK systems like LRTK perform best, so adapt usage according to site conditions. Note that GNSS cannot be used indoors where satellite reception is impossible, but the LRTK app includes AR-based indoor position supplementation and relative measurement functions from pre-acquired external reference points, which can be used to measure indoor relationships approximately when needed.

Q7. What is battery life? Can it be used all day on site? A7. The LRTK device’s internal battery supports up to about 8 hours of continuous operation on a full charge (actual duration varies with usage and environment). For typical surveying tasks it can operate more than half a day without charging. For long-duration work, you can recharge via USB-C using a mobile battery or vehicle charger, so running out of power on site is rarely a concern. The compact device has limited battery capacity but also charges quickly. The smartphone consumes power for display and communication, so carrying spare batteries is advisable. Storing a mobile battery in the included shoulder bag and charging during breaks will allow full-day surveying. The app also offers power-saving modes and adjustable log intervals to reduce battery consumption. With proper operation, the LRTK Starter Kit has sufficient battery endurance for surveying from morning until evening, and with a little planning it can be used for long-duration tasks even where power is hard to secure.

Above are common questions and answers about the LRTK Starter Kit. We hope this has clarified the appeal of LRTK as a high-precision yet easy-to-use smartphone surveying system and serves as a useful reference when considering adoption.