Table of Contents

• What is a tool that can calculate earthwork volumes on site?

• Situations requiring earthwork calculations and their importance

• Traditional earthwork calculation methods and challenges

• Evolution of earthwork calculation with 3D technologies (drones & laser scanners)

• Emergence and benefits of smartphone-integrated devices

• Why one tap can instantly calculate earthwork

• Convenience brought by cloud sharing

• Realizing high-accuracy surveying that anyone can do

• Simple surveying realized by LRTK

• FAQ

Are you looking for a tool that can quickly calculate the volume (earthwork) of excavated or filled soil on site? On construction sites, accurately understanding the amount of excavated soil or the volume of fill is critically important. Traditionally, this required specialized surveying equipment and experienced technicians, making it difficult to calculate earthwork instantly on site. In recent years, a new surveying method using a smartphone-integrated device has emerged. This combines a smartphone with a dedicated device and app to enable a revolutionary tool that can perform an instant earthwork calculation with one tap, allowing anyone to perform high-accuracy 3D surveying easily and share results to the cloud. This article explains what a “tool that can calculate earthwork on site” is, why it’s necessary, the challenges of traditional methods, solutions provided by the latest technologies, and finally introduces the features and uses of this innovative smartphone-integrated device.

What is a tool that can calculate earthwork volumes on site?

A tool that can calculate earthwork volumes on site is, as the name implies, equipment or a system that can measure and compute the volume of soil—such as excavated material or fill—directly at the construction site. Normally, to obtain earthwork volumes you measure terrain with surveying equipment, then take the data back to the office and calculate using drawings or software. This process takes time and effort, making it difficult to get immediate results on site. With a tool that can calculate earthwork on site, the entire process from measurement to calculation can be completed right there, greatly contributing to faster progress management and decision-making on the job.

Specifically, the system acquires 3D terrain data using surveying devices and a dedicated app, then automatically computes the volume of the target (fill or excavation) from that data. The key point is that the result is known immediately on site, allowing site personnel to grasp accurate earthwork volumes in real time.

Situations requiring earthwork calculations and their importance

Knowing earthwork volumes is important in various situations on civil engineering and construction sites. Rapid and accurate earthwork calculations are required in cases such as the following:

• Planning and managing excavation and fill: When excavating or placing fill on a construction site, you need to calculate in advance how much soil must be transported in or out. Accurate earthwork volumes allow precise arrangements for the number of dump trucks and realistic scheduling estimates.

• As-built management and quality verification: At completion, you check whether the volume matches the design by measuring fill/cut volumes (as-built management). If there is a shortage or excess, rework or additional work may be needed, so objective earthwork data is indispensable.

• Cost calculation and settlement: Earthwork volumes are used to calculate payments or invoices based on work done. Accurate measurements are necessary to align understanding between client and contractor.

• Safety management: From a safety perspective, it is important to know how much soil is present to assess landslide risk or manage temporary stockpiles. This information helps determine whether fill volume is sufficient to prevent failure or whether excavation depths pose collapse risks.

As shown, earthwork calculation is indispensable in planning, construction, and inspection stages. Whether you can obtain such information immediately on site greatly affects work efficiency and decision speed. A tool that can calculate earthwork on site provides this important data in real time and thus has high value.

Traditional earthwork calculation methods and challenges

Traditionally, earthwork has been calculated using mainly the following methods.

• Manual measurement and calculation: Site supervisors or technicians use tape measures or leveling rods (height-measuring surveying instruments) to measure fill heights and extents and estimate volumes. They measure several cross-sections and manually calculate volumes using the average cross-section method, or sometimes estimate roughly by the number of truckloads. These methods heavily rely on experience and intuition and tend to be subjective. Without seasoned personnel, achieving accuracy is difficult, and there is a risk of human error.

• Surveying with total stations, etc.: Surveyors use total stations or GPS surveying instruments to obtain coordinate points of the site terrain, then calculate volumes in the office using CAD software. While accurate, surveying requires multiple people and many days of work, and data processing takes time. For large development areas, a surveying team of two to three people may take several days to survey and calculate the volume.

• Estimation based on equipment bucket counts or truck loads: On site, approximate estimates are sometimes made using excavator bucket capacities or the number of dump truck loads—e.g., “we transported X trucks, so about Y cubic meters.” However, this too is a coarse estimate and not precise.

The challenges of these traditional methods include the time and effort required and the lack of real-time results. You often must wait for survey results and cannot make immediate decisions. Moreover, the accuracy and reliability of results tend to depend on the skill of the personnel. With worsening labor shortages, calling specialists to every site is costly. Additionally, measurements on steep or unstable soil can be dangerous, posing safety issues.

Evolution of earthwork calculation with 3D technologies (drones & laser scanners)

To overcome these traditional challenges, digital technologies for earthwork measurement have been spreading in recent years. A representative example is 3D surveying technology. Specifically, aerial photogrammetry with drones and 3D laser scanners acquire detailed 3D terrain data (point clouds) from which volumes are calculated.

• Drone surveying (photogrammetry): Small unmanned aerial vehicles equipped with cameras photograph the site from above, and software generates high-density 3D models (point clouds) from multiple images. Even large sites can be captured in a short time, and surveying of steep slopes or inaccessible areas can be done safely. Calculating volume from the resulting point cloud can reduce a process that used to take days to just a few hours. In practice, combinations of drones and dedicated cloud software have enabled cases where what previously took multiple people days to measure was accomplished by one person in a few dozen minutes of flight. However, drone operation requires compliance with aviation laws and specialist skills, and is constrained by weather and no-fly zones.

• 3D laser scanner surveying: Ground-based laser scanners emit lasers and collect high-precision point cloud data by reflection. They can capture building and terrain shapes with millimeter-level accuracy and are used in civil measurement. Volumes calculated from such point clouds provide high-accuracy earthwork figures. But laser scanners are very expensive and require skilled operators, making them less practical for routine use by site staff.

These technologies drastically improved the speed and accuracy of earthwork calculation. At the same time, there is growing demand for an even easier tool that anyone can use. While drones and stationary scanners are effective, many sites cannot adopt them due to the need for specialist knowledge, permissions, or cost. This led to the emergence of the smartphone-integrated surveying device discussed next.

Emergence and benefits of smartphone-integrated devices

A recently notable innovation is the smartphone-integrated surveying device that attaches to a smartphone. This combines the portability of smartphones with advanced positioning and measurement technologies, dramatically simplifying on-site surveying. Attach a dedicated small device to a handheld smartphone and use the corresponding app, and the smartphone becomes a high-precision surveying instrument.

Advantages of smartphone-integrated devices include:

• Ease and mobility: The compact device integrated with a smartphone removes the need for tripods or bulky equipment. Workers can simply walk around the site holding a smartphone to take measurements, making it effective in narrow sites or areas with elevation differences. It functions as a “one-per-person” surveying instrument that can be carried and used immediately when needed.

• High-accuracy positioning: Despite their small size, they include or connect to high-performance GNSS receivers (GPS, etc.) and, with RTK (real-time kinematic) corrections, achieve centimeter-level positioning accuracy (cm level accuracy (half-inch accuracy)). This enables extremely precise location data from a smartphone, allowing earthwork calculations with accuracy comparable to professional surveying equipment—a significant advancement since such precision used to require GNSS equipment costing several million yen.

• Advanced 3D measurement: Using the smartphone camera or built-in LiDAR sensor (on supported models), the device can 3D-scan local terrain and soil. High-accuracy positional coordinates are attached to the acquired point cloud data, so these can be treated as accurate 3D models with absolute coordinates. Calculating volume from this data allows earthwork estimations far more precise than manual methods. For example, even for an embankment covering tens of meters square and several meters in height, you can quickly scan the entire object and derive its volume in a short time.

• Lower cost and easier adoption: Because the device leverages existing smartphones, it is lower cost than buying dedicated instruments from scratch. Its intuitive smartphone operation means not only surveyors but also site staff can start using it after short training. No special licenses or preparations are required, making it easy to integrate into daily operations.

Thus, smartphone-integrated devices are easier to handle than drones or stationary laser scanners and contribute to site digital transformation as a “surveying tool you can keep nearby and use daily.” Next, let’s look at how earthwork calculation specifically changes when using this device.

Why one tap can instantly calculate earthwork

Using a smartphone-integrated device makes the previously complex earthwork calculation process literally completable with a single tap. This is because the processes from measurement to computation are highly automated and integrated.

First, launch the smartphone app on site and walk around the soil you want to measure while pointing the smartphone; 3D point cloud data is acquired in real time. Once the necessary area is scanned, you simply tap the “Calculate Volume” button on the app, and the volume is displayed instantly on the spot.

This one-tap calculation is enabled by automated data processing. Traditionally, you would need to import measurement point data to a PC, analyze it, create cross-sections in CAD, and so forth. In the smartphone-integrated system, such processes run rapidly in the background. From the acquired point cloud, the system recognizes the target object’s shape, computes height differences relative to a reference surface, and integrates to obtain volume—optimized to complete in seconds to tens of seconds.

Moreover, the scanning status is visualized on the smartphone screen during measurement, preventing omissions. You can specify a reference ground elevation or select the calculation area within the app, letting users obtain results without thinking about complex formulas. In short, the system is designed so that anyone can perform complex earthwork calculations with a single button press by following the app’s prompts.

For example, some smartphone-integrated devices offer a “Calculate Fill Volume” menu where a single tap instantly computes the scanned soil’s volume. Even a large embankment exceeding 200 cubic meters can be handled in one scan, and results are displayed immediately. This directly meets the need to “know earthwork volumes immediately on site.”

Convenience brought by cloud sharing

Another major feature of smartphone-integrated surveying is the ability to manage and share acquired data and results on the cloud. Cloud sharing enables real-time use of information between site and office or among stakeholders, providing convenience not available before.

When measurement is complete, the smartphone automatically uploads measurement data (point cloud models, photos, coordinate information, etc.) to a cloud server. Through the internet, office PCs or remote bases can immediately view that data. Not only the earthwork figures measured on site but also the 3D models themselves can be viewed and checked on the cloud.

This makes it possible to “grasp site conditions without visiting the site.” For example, when a site worker measures earthwork and shares it to the cloud, the head office site manager or client can immediately review the results and issue additional instructions or approvals as needed. Eliminating data-sharing time lags greatly accelerates decision-making.

Accumulating data on the cloud also facilitates history management and integrated management of multiple projects. You can retrieve past survey data for comparison or overlay design data to analyze volume differences. For instance, overlaying the current terrain point cloud with the design model on the cloud instantly shows surplus/deficit volumes, making it easy to see how much more soil needs to be moved. Saving multiple surveys in a time series allows remote tracking of daily progress to verify whether construction is proceeding according to plan.

Furthermore, cloud sharing ensures the whole team shares the latest data, reducing misunderstandings and communication errors. Compared to relying on paper drawings or verbal communication, data-driven communication becomes possible, fostering unity between field and office.

Overall, cloud sharing moves you from “measure and be done” to an environment where “measured data is actively used by everyone,” significantly improving site management efficiency and accuracy. Cloud integration of earthwork calculation tools not only offers convenience but also speeds up and improves the quality of the entire construction PDCA cycle.

Realizing high-accuracy surveying that anyone can do

The new surveying style enabled by smartphone-integrated devices makes “high-accuracy surveying anyone can do” a reality, which brings major changes to working methods on construction sites.

Traditionally, precise surveying and earthwork calculation were tasks for a limited group of specialists such as surveyors. With this device, non-specialists like site workers or construction managers can perform surveys themselves when needed and obtain accurate figures. Intuitive smartphone apps and automated measurement and analysis functions eliminate the need to understand difficult theories or formulas.

For example, even veteran workers who seldom use smartphones can start measuring immediately after a roughly five-minute usage briefing; the operation is that simple. By following on-screen instructions, anyone can acquire high-accuracy point cloud data with one hand and compute earthwork volumes. This is highly beneficial in an industry facing severe labor and technician shortages. Since data quality does not rely solely on experienced personnel, younger or less experienced staff become viable contributors to site measurement, allowing seasoned staff to focus on higher-level decisions and supervision.

Improved safety is another key benefit. If anyone can use the device, fewer people need to enter dangerous areas to take measurements. For example, to measure the volume on top of a steep slope, you can scan from a safe distance by pointing the smartphone. Quick measurements also reduce exposure to harsh conditions like extreme heat or poor footing.

Additionally, user interfaces are designed to be approachable for people unfamiliar with digital devices, with simple button operations and clear displays minimizing confusion. This makes it easier for all employees to use regardless of IT literacy differences, supporting company-wide knowledge transfer and know-how sharing. In practice, sites that have used the device report feedback such as “we can survey by ourselves” and “immediate results make planning easier,” contributing to an overall increase in site capability.

Simple surveying realized by LRTK

Considering the latest trends in earthwork calculation tools, one concrete solution is LRTK. LRTK is a high-accuracy surveying system using smartphone-integrated devices, developed on the concept that anyone can perform simple surveying.

Attach LRTK to a smartphone, and the phone instantly becomes a centimeter-accurate surveying instrument. By combining high-accuracy GNSS positioning with the smartphone’s 3D scanning functions, the workflow of automatically calculating earthwork volumes from on-site point cloud data runs seamlessly. You can compute the volume of fills or excavations immediately on site, with results displayed instantly on the smartphone. Measurement data are stored on the LRTK cloud platform and can be shared with stakeholders or later analyzed in detail on a PC.

With LRTK, even large earthworks can be measured in a single pass. For example, a soil mound several meters high can be scanned quickly by walking around it, and a single button press yields an accurate volume. This immediacy lets you decide the next action on site right away and replaces the previous practice of interrupting work while waiting for results or relying on intuition; LRTK enables efficient, data-driven construction.

Beyond earthwork calculation, LRTK functions as an all-in-one surveying and construction support tool—measuring distances and areas, positioning control points, and projecting design data on site using AR. It supports the immediate acquisition of needed information on site and is a reliable ally for improving productivity and accuracy.

In this way, simple surveying using LRTK and a smartphone-integrated device will offer a major advantage in future site operations. If you are looking for a “tool that can calculate earthwork on site,” consider the latest solutions offered by LRTK. Embrace cutting-edge digital technology to carry out daily tasks safely and swiftly.

FAQ

Q. What types of tools are there that can calculate earthwork on site?

A. There are mainly three types. The first is the traditional manual plus formula-based method, which has issues with time and accuracy. The second uses drone surveying or laser scanners to derive volume from high-accuracy 3D data; this excels in accuracy and speed but requires expertise and cost. The third is the recently introduced smartphone-integrated surveying device, which combines a smartphone with a small positioning unit to allow anyone to easily calculate earthwork. It currently attracts attention for balancing ease of use and accuracy.

Q. Can a smartphone really perform high-accuracy surveying?

A. Yes. Standalone smartphones used to have position errors on the order of meters and were unsuitable for precision surveying, but mounting an RTK-capable GNSS receiver dramatically improves positioning accuracy. Combining 3D data from the smartphone camera or LiDAR achieves centimeter-order accuracy in terrain measurement. Reports comparing point clouds measured by smartphone-integrated devices with traditional surveying have found errors to be very small (within a few centimeters). In other words, with proper equipment setup, a smartphone can achieve surveying comparable to professional instruments.

Q. What are the advantages and disadvantages of smartphone-integrated devices compared to drone surveying?

A. Drone surveying’s advantage is covering wide areas at once, making it efficient for large development sites. However, drones require flight permissions and piloting skills and are affected by weather. Smartphone-integrated devices, by contrast, are usable on the ground without being affected by weather or flight restrictions and can be started by one person when needed. They are nimble and suitable for narrow sites or indoor use, and provide real-time results. The drawback is the measurement range is limited to where the operator can walk, so very large sites may require multiple measurements; in such cases, using both drones and smartphones appropriately is effective.

Q. Up to what scale of earthwork can be measured?

A. Smartphone-integrated devices can measure quite large fills and pits. Specific capacity depends on the model, but there are cases where a single scan handles volumes on the order of hundreds of cubic meters. For example, an embankment about 2–3 m (6.6–9.8 ft) high can be captured by walking a single circuit. If terrain is complex or the area is vast, you can divide the area and scan multiple times, then merge the scans to compute total volume. In any case, performance is generally sufficient for typical construction site earthwork measurements.

Q. How long do measurement and calculation take?

A. Measurement time depends on site conditions and the scale of the earthwork, but for a medium-sized embankment, data acquisition can be completed with a scan of a few minutes. Processing itself is very fast—after finishing a scan and pressing the calculation button in the app, volume results appear in a few seconds to a few tens of seconds. Considering that traditional surveying and calculation could take half a day to several days, this is a remarkable speed improvement. Measuring multiple locations simply involves moving and scanning again, so a series of measurements can be completed in a short time.

Q. How are measured data shared and stored?

A. Many smartphone-integrated surveying tools offer cloud integration. After measurement, data are automatically uploaded from the smartphone to the cloud, and office PCs or other team members can access it. For example, with LRTK, measured point clouds and photos are stored on a dedicated cloud platform where you can view 3D models in a web browser or download volume calculation reports. You can also save locally on the smartphone if you prefer; in that case the data remain on the device. Choose the appropriate method for your use case.

Q. Can a first-time user really handle it?

A. Yes, these systems are designed for first-time users. Interfaces are simple and basic operations involve only a few steps. With a brief initial training or by consulting the manual, you can start using it on site without special surveying knowledge. Many sites have non-specialist staff successfully performing smartphone surveying. Some products also offer support (help desks, training videos, etc.), so assistance is available when needed. Start experimentally and compare results with traditional methods to gain confidence. Once experienced, most users find the convenience indispensable.

Q. How will the site change by introducing smartphone-integrated devices?

A. The biggest change is being able to perform accurate surveying whenever needed. This greatly streamlines construction methods and management. For example, decisions that used to wait until survey results the next day can now be made on the spot, shortening schedules. In understaffed sites, each person can perform measurements independently, reducing reliance on specific individuals and raising team productivity. Data-driven communication improves reporting to clients and management. You can also expect reduced high-risk tasks and less heavy labor. Overall, introducing smartphone-integrated devices promotes site DX and enables faster, safer, and more reliable construction management.