What can you do with the LRTK Starter Kit? Complete summary of features and benefits

A new technology is emerging to make precise on-site surveying easier — responding to that need is the LRTK series. In recent years, easy 3D surveying and point cloud data acquisition using smartphones have been attracting attention in surveying and construction sites. One of the key technologies enabling this is the "LRTK series," which attaches a compact high-precision GNSS receiver device to a smartphone to turn the phone into a centimeter-level surveying instrument. This makes precision surveying, which previously required expensive dedicated equipment and specialist knowledge, increasingly possible for anyone with a smartphone.

Among these, the "LRTK Starter Kit" has attracted attention from many field personnel as an accessory set that further assists on-site surveying tasks. So what exactly becomes possible when you use this starter kit? This article provides a clear, comprehensive summary of the LRTK Starter Kit’s features, usable functions, and the benefits of adopting it.

Contents 1\. People involved in surveying work 2\. What is the LRTK Starter Kit? 3\. What you can do with the LRTK Starter Kit 4\. Benefits of introducing the LRTK Starter Kit 5\. FAQ

People involved in surveying work

For those engaged in surveying and site management, accurate understanding of current conditions and as-built management through surveying is indispensable. However, conventional 3D surveying has several major hurdles. For example, specialized 3D laser scanners and GNSS surveying instruments are extremely expensive, making them hard to afford for small- and mid-sized sites. Operation and data processing require advanced specialist knowledge, making adoption difficult without experienced staff in-house. In addition, chronic labor shortages leave little time to learn new technologies.

High-precision laser scanners and surveying drones in particular require initial investments of several million yen, making them difficult for small- and mid-sized sites to adopt. But with the advent of smartphone + LRTK, that cost barrier is rapidly coming down.

In this context, the concept of "simple surveying with a smartphone" is gaining attention on sites. By combining a smartphone with a compact device, anyone can easily perform high-precision surveying. The LRTK series is a prime example, simplifying complicated on-site surveying and providing an affordable surveying solution anyone can operate. For those involved in surveying work, the LRTK Starter Kit can become a strong new ally.

Also, with initiatives such as the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism–led i-Construction program, 3D surveying and management using point cloud data are becoming standardized on large-scale construction sites. It is expected that similar technology use will increasingly be required even for small- and mid-sized sites. For those who have felt that "3D utilization is too difficult for our company…", the affordable and easy-to-use LRTK makes adoption more feasible, helping you avoid falling behind in this wave of digitalization.

What is the LRTK Starter Kit?

To briefly explain the LRTK series again: it is a system that performs real-time kinematic (RTK) positioning with a smartphone using a palm-sized high-precision GNSS receiver (LRTK Phone) that can be attached to the phone. The smartphone and LRTK device connect via Bluetooth, enabling data linkage without troublesome cables. When combined with an iPhone or iPad, the smartphone instantly becomes a centimeter-level surveying instrument (cm level accuracy (half-inch accuracy)), allowing various measurements such as position coordinates and point cloud scanning. The LRTK Phone supports multi-band GNSS (L1/L2 bands and L6 band), and this multi-frequency positioning is designed to stably obtain RTK Fix solutions. Also, because it is an integrated device with an antenna and battery built in, it does not require an external power supply or cable connections, making it easy to carry and use on site.

The LRTK Starter Kit is an accessory set designed to make this LRTK device convenient to use in the field. Specifically, the kit typically includes the following tools:

• Telescopic monopod pole (a pole for holding the LRTK device or antenna aloft or fixing it stably)

• Spirit level (bubble level) (a tool to keep the monopod or device vertical and ensure accurate height/tilt)

• Smartphone mounting holder (a holder to attach the phone and LRTK device to the pole so you can operate hands-free)

• Shoulder bag (a storage bag to carry the device and accessories together)

With a starter kit that includes these items, smartphone + LRTK surveying can be carried out smoothly on site. Notably, the kit includes an out-of-coverage antenna. An out-of-coverage antenna is an antenna that can directly receive the signals of the centimeter-level positioning augmentation service (CLAS) broadcast by Japan’s Quasi-Zenith Satellite System (QZSS, "Michibiki") even in locations without mobile communication coverage. In other words, with the starter kit you can perform RTK positioning using augmentation signals from the satellites even at mountain or suburban sites without internet connection, enabling consistently centimeter-level high-precision positioning (cm-level high-precision positioning (half-inch-level)).

What you can do with the LRTK Starter Kit

Now let’s look at the main functions and what kinds of measurements and records you can specifically perform by using the LRTK Starter Kit.

• High-precision coordinate acquisition: You can acquire coordinates of arbitrary points on the smartphone screen with centimeter-level accuracy (cm level accuracy (half-inch accuracy)). For example, you can measure control points or output coordinates for as-built checkpoints and check accurate latitude, longitude, and elevation in real time. Averaging measurements taken over several seconds can also record more stable coordinates.

• Photo records with high-precision location information: When taking site photos with your smartphone camera, you can save the images with highly accurate coordinate data and orientation information of the shooting location. When reviewing photos later, you can precisely know "where and from where each photo was taken," improving the accuracy of construction records and reporting materials.

• Acquisition of 3D point cloud data: If you use an iPhone/iPad with a LiDAR scanner (Pro models), you can capture surrounding structures and terrain as 3D point cloud data on the spot. Simply walk around the target with the smartphone and point clouds are generated in real time. Because the LRTK device assigns absolute coordinates to each point, the resulting point cloud can be used as surveying deliverables aligned to a reference coordinate system.

• On-site distance, area, and volume measurement: From acquired point cloud data or high-precision photo data, you can calculate the required dimensions and quantities on-site. In the dedicated app you can measure the distance between two points, calculate the area of an enclosed region, or instantly compute the volume of embankment or spoil with one touch. Processes that previously required returning to the office for PC analysis can now be completed on-site in real time, greatly reducing rework and waiting time.

• Cloud data sharing and utilization: After surveying, you can upload acquired data to the cloud service (LRTK Cloud) for use. Uploaded point cloud and photo data can be viewed from an office PC via a web browser, allowing 3D display and measurements without dedicated software. You can instantly share data within the company, review results with stakeholders, and use them in reports, making information sharing smoother. If necessary, you can download point cloud data and import it into your company’s CAD software for design or as-built drawing creation.

For example, consider a case where you want to measure the volume of an embankment. Traditionally, a surveyor would measure many distances and heights to estimate volume, or use an expensive 3D scanner on site and then analyze the data in the office. With the LRTK Starter Kit, you can obtain 3D point cloud data by simply scanning around the embankment with a smartphone in hand. You can then use the volume calculation function on the spot to compute the embankment volume and, if needed, share that data within your company via the cloud with a single tap. The efficiency of completing such tasks by one person in a matter of minutes makes a significant contribution to on-site productivity.

Thus, by utilizing the LRTK Starter Kit, you can quickly realize "measure → visualize → quantify → share" with just a smartphone. This new surveying experience is changing conventional wisdom at worksites.

Also, for example, when trial excavation is performed to confirm the location of buried underground pipes, scanning the exposed pipes with LRTK allows you to record their exact position and depth as 3D data. Even after backfilling, the data can be used to visualize underground pipe routes on drawings or in AR, which is useful for future construction planning and maintenance.

Benefits of introducing the LRTK Starter Kit

Finally, let’s organize the main benefits you gain by introducing the LRTK Starter Kit.

• Low-cost introduction: Compared to conventional surveying equipment and 3D scanners, you can start with a significantly lower initial investment. Without purchasing expensive laser scanners or RTK drones, a smartphone and the LRTK Starter Kit are sufficient for on-site surveying with adequate precision. This makes it affordable for small companies and sole proprietors to adopt the latest surveying technology.

• Ease of use for anyone: Intuitive smartphone app operation allows use without specialist surveying knowledge. Setup and measurement procedures are simple, and with short training, site personnel can perform surveying themselves. The ability to obtain high-precision data without dealing with complex CAD software or difficult calculations is a major advantage.

• Greatly improved work efficiency: It is easy to carry and set up by one person, and because you can measure and check results on the spot, work time is greatly reduced. Tasks that previously required a specialized surveying team can often be completed quickly by your own staff. Immediate on-site data verification reduces the need for return visits for remeasurement or additional measurements.

• High-precision and reliable deliverables: GNSS centimeter-level positioning combined with smartphone sensor technology enables highly accurate digital records of site conditions. The point cloud data and survey results obtained are generally precise enough for as-built management and quality control. Even if there are parts where the error is slightly larger than with conventional instruments, in many cases the error remains within practically acceptable ranges and the results are sufficient for routine surveying tasks.

• Improved safety: Measurements at high places or on slopes that were previously dangerous can be taken from a safe position using the monopod pole. Remote surveying is possible even in areas where people cannot enter or where footing is poor, reducing risk to workers. Also, because a single person can complete the work, the number of people required on site is minimized, contributing to the prevention of third-party accidents.

• Flexible and wide-ranging applications: With a complete LRTK Starter Kit, you can meet a variety of measurement needs: earthwork volume calculations, topographic condition surveys, as-built confirmation of structures, recording the positions of buried objects, and construction photo documentation, among others. Moreover, by using Michibiki’s CLAS, you can operate in mountainous areas as well, so you are not limited by the survey location.

• Effective data utilization and DX promotion: Since all data are digitized, survey results are easier to reuse within the company or integrate with other software. Point clouds and photos uploaded to the cloud can be shared with stakeholders immediately, reducing duplicated work and communication errors. Keeping records electronically also reduces the exchange of paper drawings and reports, enabling company-wide DX (digital transformation) and supporting smart workflows aligned with national initiatives such as i-Construction.

On-site surveying work is beginning to shift dramatically toward high-precision and efficient simple surveying. By using the LRTK Starter Kit, anyone can ride this wave with just a smartphone. With ease that overturns conventional wisdom, why not introduce simple surveying with LRTK at your site? The new era of high-precision surveying, which can be started as soon as tomorrow with only a smartphone, is dawning.

FAQ

Q: Do I need any additional service contracts for high-precision positioning? A: To achieve centimeter-level positioning with the LRTK series, you need to receive real-time correction information (RTK corrections). Specifically, you can use a network RTK service via mobile data (Ntrip service) or use Japan’s free CLAS (centimeter-level augmentation service) provided by Michibiki. The LRTK device is compatible with various commercial RTK services, including NTT Docomo’s high-precision positioning services (such as Ichimill), but at sites without mobile signal coverage you can receive correction information without additional cost by directly receiving the CLAS signal with the out-of-coverage antenna included in the starter kit.

Q: What is included in the LRTK Starter Kit? A: The starter kit bundles accessories that make field surveying more convenient. A typical set includes a telescopic monopod pole, a spirit level (bubble level), a smartphone mounting holder, and a storage shoulder bag (contents may vary slightly depending on model or plan). In addition, the kit includes an out-of-coverage antenna, which can be attached to the LRTK device to receive CLAS satellite signals.

Q: Does the smartphone used for surveying need to be a Pro model? A: It is not mandatory, but using an iPhone or iPad Pro series model equipped with a LiDAR scanner allows you to maximize LRTK functionality. Pro models enable advanced features such as 3D point cloud scanning and AR-based distance measurement to subjects. However, normal models can still use basic functions such as acquiring high-precision coordinates and embedding coordinates in photos without issue. If possible, using a recent phone with high sensor performance, such as the iPhone 15 Pro, can yield more accurate results.

Q: Can surveying be performed in locations without mobile signal coverage? A: Yes. Using the out-of-coverage antenna included in the starter kit, you can directly receive the CLAS signal from Michibiki (the Quasi-Zenith Satellite System), enabling centimeter-level positioning even at remote sites such as mountainous areas or underground spaces where mobile networks do not reach. This allows stable, accurate surveying across Japan without relying on mobile networks.

Q: What level of accuracy can actually be achieved? A: Positioning accuracy depends on environmental conditions, but high precision on the order of several centimeters can be expected. If sufficient satellites are being tracked and an RTK fixed solution (Fix) is maintained, accuracy is far superior to standalone GNSS positioning (errors of several meters). However, for applications requiring millimeter-level precision as with high-precision laser scanners, conventional instruments still have the advantage. For typical civil engineering tasks such as as-built management and earthwork volume calculations, measurements with LRTK often remain within a few percent error and are practically acceptable.

Q: Do I have to use LRTK Cloud to store and share survey data? A: LRTK Cloud is a service for online storage, viewing, and sharing of acquired data. It is very convenient because it allows 3D point clouds to be displayed and measured online, but its use is not mandatory. Data collected with the LRTK app can be exported directly from the device to a PC as needed, and can be imported into your company’s existing CAD software or other cloud services. You can manage data flexibly according to your company’s workflow, using the cloud as needed.

Q: Can I use the system without being a licensed surveyor? A: Yes, the LRTK is designed so that site personnel can operate it themselves. You only need to follow the setup and measurement steps in the dedicated app, so special qualifications or skills are not required. However, for legal boundary determinations or other official surveying tasks that require national qualifications, certified surveyors may be required for the work or approval. It is advisable to consult experts as necessary while using data obtained with LRTK.