How to Start Solo Surveying: One-Stop "Measure · Record · Share" with LRTK

Recently, the style of surveying known as "solo surveying" has been attracting attention on job sites. This method—completing surveying work alone without relying on additional personnel—is spreading thanks to technological advances and the need to solve on-site challenges. In this article, we explain the basic concept of solo surveying and the background that has brought it into focus, the necessary preparations, the concrete flow of "Measure · Record · Share", and the advantages and disadvantages. We also provide an easy-to-understand introduction to the technical overview and benefits of the new surveying solution LRTK, guiding beginners on how to start efficient on-site work using solo surveying.

Background: Why Solo Surveying Is Gaining Attention

Traditionally, surveying was typically carried out by a team of multiple people. A common arrangement involved one person operating surveying equipment (such as a total station) while another held a staff or prism at the target point. However, in recent years, challenges such as population decline and a shortage of experienced surveyors have made it necessary to perform tasks efficiently with fewer personnel. In such circumstances, solo surveying has begun to attract attention.

The feasibility of solo surveying is rooted in major advances in surveying technology. For example, the advent of robotic total stations, which automatically track targets, has made it easier for one person to conduct surveys. The development of GNSS (satellite positioning such as GPS) technology is also notable. In particular, RTK-GNSS (real-time kinematic positioning) is a technology that combines data from a rover and a base station to achieve centimeter-level positioning accuracy in real time, enabling one person to perform high-precision location measurements. Government-led initiatives like i-Construction and the construction industry's DX (digital transformation) are further accelerating the move to streamline on-site surveying with ICT. These technological innovations and growing industry needs are fostering the view that "if one person can measure accurately, that's preferable," and that perspective is starting to spread.

Preparations for Solo Surveying (Equipment, Apps, Communication)

To practice solo surveying, you need to prepare certain equipment and environments. Below are the basic preparation items.

• Surveying equipment capable of high-precision positioning: For solo surveying, portable devices that can obtain high-precision position information are essential. A representative example is an RTK-GNSS receiver. For instance, the pocket-sized high-precision GNSS device LRTK can be attached to a smartphone and strongly supports solo surveying.

• Smartphone/tablet and dedicated app: You need a device to display, record, and operate the data obtained from the positioning device. An ordinary smartphone or tablet will suffice. For LRTK, dedicated smartphone apps (iOS/Android) are provided, allowing start/stop of positioning, data saving, and cloud integration with a single tap. Because a familiar smartphone can be used as the controller, the operation is intuitive even without specialized knowledge.

• Communication environment (network connection): To achieve RTK positioning accuracy, you need to receive correction information from the base station in real time. Therefore, an internet connection on site (such as a mobile phone 4G/5G line) is often required. Devices like LRTK support network-type RTK correction services known as Ntrip, allowing correction data to be obtained via the smartphone. In locations outside network coverage, some devices support receiving correction information via satellite augmentation signals provided by regional systems—e.g., the QZSS-provided CLAS augmentation signal from Japan’s "Michibiki"—so corrections can still be obtained in those cases.

• Other preparations: For more accurate measurements, tools such as a stabilizing monopod or pole (or tripod) are convenient. For example, optional poles are available for LRTK, which help when placing the device at a specific ground point for measurement. Also, it’s wise to carry spare batteries for your smartphone and positioning device to prepare for long working periods.

The One-Stop Flow of "Measure · Record · Share"

In solo surveying, the entire sequence from "measuring" to "recording" to "sharing" is completed end-to-end. Here is a concrete flow using LRTK.

• Survey preparation: Before starting surveying on site, attach the positioning device (LRTK) to your smartphone and launch the dedicated app. On the app, check the current positioning mode and the reception status of correction data, and confirm that centimeter-level accuracy (RTK FIX solution) has been achieved.

• Point measurement (Measure): Move to the point you want to measure with the device and press the app’s measurement button at that point. For example, when measuring a position on the ground, place the pole tip at that point and tap the button on the smartphone screen. This acquires high-precision latitude, longitude, and elevation data at that moment.

• Data recording (Record): When you press the measurement button, the positioning data is automatically recorded on the smartphone. The recorded data includes date/time, point number, and positioning status (e.g., fixed or float solution). The LRTK app also performs conversions to Japan's plane rectangular coordinate system and automatically calculates geoid height, allowing you to obtain practical coordinate values on site. You can name points or add notes as needed, enabling detailed record management without paper notebooks. When measuring multiple points consecutively, simply repeat the button operation to accumulate data.

• Upload and share to the cloud (Share): After measuring a set of points, you can upload the data to the cloud with one tap from the app. Integrated with web services like the LRTK cloud, the positioning information acquired on site is immediately plotted on an online map. Colleagues in the office and other stakeholders can check the latest survey results from a browser. This enables seamless sharing between the field and the office without having to bring data back via USB or transcribe handwritten notes.

• Data utilization: Shared survey data can be used directly for drawing creation, volume calculations, and report preparation. For example, you can measure the distance between two points or the area of an enclosed region on the cloud, or download point cloud data for import into design software—making handover to downstream processes smooth. If you save photos taken on site tagged with high-precision location information, you can later refer to photos and point details together.

In this way, solo surveying completes the whole sequence of measure → record → share on site. Because data can be shared immediately after measuring, you can proceed to the next task right away, significantly shortening overall lead times.

Advantages of Solo Surveying

Introducing solo surveying brings various benefits to on-site work. The main advantages are summarized below.

• Labor saving and reduced personnel costs: If surveying can be completed by one person, tasks that previously required two or more people can be handled with fewer personnel. This helps address labor shortages and reduces labor costs.

• Improved efficiency and rapid response: You can measure whenever needed without waiting to coordinate personnel. If you want to measure a point immediately on site, solo surveying lets you respond right away. Reducing wait times for setup shortens schedules and supports faster decision-making.

• High-precision data acquisition: Surveying with RTK-GNSS provides far higher accuracy than conventional simple GPS measurements. With centimeter-level position information available immediately, you can handle tasks that require precision, such as as-built management and design verification.

• Real-time information sharing: Cloud integration lets you share acquired data with the office or other devices in real time. You can share information before returning from the site, get confirmation from supervisors or colleagues on the spot, or request the next instructions—reducing communication loss and preventing rework.

• Portability and ease of use: Devices like LRTK are small and lightweight, making them easy for field workers to carry. Their pocketability and the convenience of taking them out and measuring whenever needed are major attractions. This makes "opportunistic surveying" possible, allowing small measurements that might otherwise be postponed to be completed on the spot.

• Multi-functional use: Modern solo-surveying devices offer more than simple point measurement. For example, combining with a smartphone camera or LiDAR enables capture of surrounding point clouds (3D data), and AR functions can project planned lines from drawings onto the site for layout (staking). You can record and verify the site while surveying alone, reducing duplicate steps and improving efficiency.

Disadvantages and Cautions for Solo Surveying

Although solo surveying is convenient, there are points and disadvantages to be aware of when introducing it. Key issues are listed below.

• Dependence on positioning environment: High-precision positioning depends on satellite signals and communication environments. In locations where GNSS signals are weak—such as behind buildings or in mountainous areas—accurate positioning may not be achievable. Also, network-type RTK corrections cannot be received outside coverage (though LRTK supports satellite augmentation, regional or situational limits may still apply). Understand the survey area environment before work, and be prepared to use traditional methods in combination if necessary.

• Power management and durability of equipment: Solo surveying relies heavily on the smartphone and positioning device, so if batteries die or devices malfunction, work will stop. For long surveys, carry spare batteries and ensure devices are fully charged beforehand. Also pay attention to device management in the field, such as waterproofing in rain and preventing overheating in direct sunlight.

• Initial investment and learning curve: Introducing new surveying equipment and software requires some initial cost. However, products like LRTK are more affordable than traditional expensive surveying instruments, making one-device-per-person deployment more feasible. Even so, users must learn to operate the equipment and handle the data. It’s advisable to conduct a trial operation period and sufficient practice before using the system in critical tasks.

• Safety management: Completing work alone should not lead to neglecting safety. Be aware of surroundings during surveying and implement appropriate safety measures in hazardous locations. Solo work carries the risk that discovery or rescue may be delayed in the event of an accident. Share work plans with other staff in advance and set up periodic check-ins, keeping safety the top priority.

• Verification of survey results: Even though one person can perform all tasks, you should ensure processes for verifying measurement accuracy and checking for mistakes. In multi-person surveys, colleagues would cross-check each other to prevent errors. In solo surveying, maintain quality assurance processes—for example, remeasure important control points using traditional methods for comparison, or have supervisors double-check data on the cloud.

Steps to Introduce Solo Surveying and Success Stories

Here are the general steps to follow when introducing solo surveying. Proceeding through these steps helps ensure a smooth rollout.

• Identify needs and plan: First, identify where in your company or department solo surveying could be applied. Pick tasks where resolving labor shortages is urgent or where survey tasks frequently occur, and prioritize where to introduce solo surveying.

• Select and prepare equipment: Next, choose appropriate equipment. Prepare a high-precision GNSS device (such as LRTK), compatible smartphones/tablets, and necessary communication plans (data SIMs, etc.). It can be effective to borrow demo units or try devices at trade shows to confirm their suitability for your sites before purchasing.

• Trial operation and training: Once equipment is in place, perform trial operation before putting it into daily use. Test solo surveying procedures on company grounds or a small site to check data accuracy and operability. Training not only the responsible personnel but also other staff increases overall team understanding.

• Full deployment and operation: If trials go well, incorporate solo surveying into routine operations. Start with lower-risk tasks and gradually expand the application to reduce risk. Establish rules for data storage and sharing (which cloud to use and how to save data) to ensure smooth operation.

• Evaluate effects and gather feedback: After deployment, evaluate how much solo surveying improved work efficiency and affected staffing and costs. Collect feedback from the field and use it to expand use cases or address issues.

Success stories already demonstrate the benefits of solo surveying. For example, at a civil engineering construction site that adopted LRTK for solo surveying, a task that previously required three people and about 20 minutes was completed by one person in about 10 minutes—a labor reduction of roughly 50 minutes per point—resulting in significant schedule shortening and cost savings. A local government also reported deploying solo surveying devices for rapid damage assessment at disaster sites, enabling small teams to quickly survey affected areas and share data. These cases show that, when used effectively, solo surveying can dramatically boost efficiency.

What Is LRTK? Technical Overview and Benefits

LRTK, introduced throughout this article, is a new surveying solution that strongly supports solo surveying. Here is a clear overview of its technology and benefits.

LRTK is a smartphone-mounted RTK-GNSS receiver developed by a startup originating from Tokyo Institute of Technology. Traditionally, RTK-GNSS equipment capable of centimeter-level positioning has been expensive, bulky, and required specialized operators. LRTK is a groundbreaking device that allows anyone to easily perform high-precision positioning simply by attaching a compact receiver (about 125 g in weight and only 13 mm thick) to a smartphone. It can be attached with one touch to a smartphone-specific case and includes a built-in battery, making it easy to carry.

Technically, LRTK’s high-sensitivity antenna receives signals from multiple satellites (not just GPS but also GLONASS, Galileo, Michibiki, etc.), and the smartphone app combines those signals with correction data obtained over the network (or augmentation signals received via satellite) to perform real-time position corrections. This yields highly accurate horizontal and vertical coordinates within a few centimeters of error. The smartphone functions not merely as a display but works with the positioning engine to perform necessary calculations and coordinate transformations, presenting measurement results in a user-friendly way.

One major advantage of LRTK is its ease of use compared with traditional surveying equipment. No special controller or complex setup is required—just launch the app on your everyday smartphone and press a button when you want to measure. This accessibility makes it possible for non-surveying departments to perform simple site measurements independently. LRTK is also cost-effective: instead of investing in equipment costing several million yen per unit, LRTK is relatively affordable, making one-device-per-person deployment realistic.

Furthermore, LRTK is more than a GNSS receiver; through software integration it provides an all-in-one surveying platform. As mentioned earlier, combining the LRTK app with cloud services enables end-to-end workflows from point measurement to record management, integration with drawings and photos, and sharing. Advanced features such as using AR to project the positions of planned facilities from design drawings onto the site, or utilizing a smartphone’s LiDAR scanner to convert terrain and structures into point clouds and generate survey drawings instantly, make sophisticated solo surveying possible. You can calculate the volume of embankments from acquired point clouds on the spot or compare terrain before and after construction—applications are extensive. LRTK truly represents an all-purpose surveying tool that realizes "Measure · Record · Share" in one stop.

Conclusion: Start Solo Surveying with LRTK

In an era of labor shortages, solo surveying is becoming a trump card for streamlining surveying operations and reducing manpower. With the latest technologies, one person can now perform surveys more quickly and with greater precision than before. Tools like LRTK enable a single operator to smoothly carry out the full process of measuring, recording, and sharing.

Introducing solo surveying requires some preparation and practice at first, but the hurdle is not high. Once you start using it, you’ll likely find that tasks that previously required multiple people become dramatically easier. This reduces the burden on sites and contributes to work-style reform, allowing freed-up personnel to be reassigned to other productive tasks.

Survey and construction managers considering improvements in operational efficiency and accuracy control should positively consider the potential of solo surveying. Cutting-edge devices such as LRTK are evolving rapidly, and the environment for their adoption is improving. As a way to start solo surveying, combine your smartphone with advanced surveying tools and begin taking on new challenges at your sites. You’ll be surprised by the convenience and efficiency, and you could become the catalyst for the next wave of on-site reform—pioneering a smart and productive surveying style.