How to Start Single-Person Surveying: One-Stop “Measure, Record, Share” with LRTK

Recently, the style of surveying known as “single-person surveying” has been attracting attention in the field. This method, which allows surveying work to be completed by a single person without relying on additional personnel, is spreading thanks to technological advances and the need to solve on-site challenges. This article explains the basic concepts and the background that has drawn attention to single-person surveying, the necessary preparations, the specific workflow of “measure, record, share”, and the advantages and disadvantages. In addition, we provide an easy-to-understand technical overview and benefits of a new surveying solution, LRTK, and give concrete guidance on how to start efficient on-site work using single-person surveying.

Background behind the attention to single-person surveying

Traditionally, surveying was carried out by teams of multiple people. Typically, one person operated surveying equipment (such as a total station) while another person stood at the target point holding a staff or prism; this kind of role division was required. However, in recent years, facing challenges such as population decline and a shortage of experienced surveyors, the need to perform work efficiently with fewer personnel has increased. In such circumstances, single-person surveying has come into the spotlight.

The reason single-person surveying has become possible is the major progress in surveying technology. For example, the advent of robotic total stations, which automatically track targets, has made it easier for one person to survey alone. The development of GNSS (satellite positioning such as GPS) technology is also notable. In particular, RTK-GNSS (real-time kinematic positioning) combines data from a rover and a base station to achieve centimeter-level positioning accuracy in real time, enabling a single person to perform high-precision position measurements. Government-led promotion of i-Construction and the construction industry’s DX (digital transformation) have also supported this trend, accelerating efforts to streamline surveying tasks on site using ICT. With such technological innovation and growing industry needs, the idea that “if one person can measure accurately, that is preferable” is beginning to spread.

Preparations required for single-person surveying (equipment, apps, communication)

To practice single-person surveying, several pieces of equipment and an appropriate environment are necessary. Below are the basic preparation items.

• Surveying equipment capable of high-precision positioning: To survey alone, you need a device that is easy to carry and can obtain high-accuracy position information. 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 single-person surveying.

• Smartphone/tablet and dedicated app: You need a terminal to display, record, and operate the data obtained from the positioning device. A general smartphone or tablet is sufficient. For LRTK, a dedicated smartphone app (iOS/Android) is provided, allowing start/stop positioning, data saving, cloud linkage, and other operations with the push of a button. Because a familiar smartphone can serve as the controller, intuitive operation is possible without special knowledge.

• Communication environment (network connection): To achieve RTK positioning accuracy, it is necessary to receive correction information from a base station in real time. Therefore, in many cases, internet access at the site (such as a mobile 4G/5G connection) is required. Devices like LRTK support network-based RTK correction services called Ntrip, allowing correction data to be obtained via the smartphone. In locations where the internet is unavailable, a mechanism to obtain correction information by using satellite augmentation signals provided by the quasi-zenith satellite system (QZSS) is also supported (the CLAS augmentation signal provided by Japan’s Michibiki).

• Other preparations: To measure accurately, accessories such as a monopod or pole (or tripod) to stabilize the device can be useful. For example, LRTK offers an optional pole that helps when placing the device on a specific ground point for measurement. Also, bringing spare batteries for your smartphone and positioning device is reassuring for long work periods.

One-stop workflow for “measure, record, share”

In single-person surveying, the entire sequence from “measure” to “record” to “share” is carried out seamlessly. Let’s look at the specific workflow 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 information, and confirm that centimeter-level accuracy (RTK FIX solution) is being obtained.

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

• Data recording (record): When the measurement button is pressed, the positioning data is automatically recorded in the smartphone. The record includes date and time, point number, and positioning status (for example, fixed solution or float solution). The LRTK app can perform transformations to Japan’s Plane Rectangular Coordinate System and automatic calculation of geoid height, enabling practical coordinate values to be obtained directly on site. You can name survey points or add notes as needed, making detailed record management possible without a paper field notebook. When measuring multiple points in succession, you can accumulate data one after another simply by repeating the button operation.

• Upload and sharing to the cloud (share): After measuring a set of points, you can upload the data to the cloud with a single tap from the app. It links with web services such as LRTK Cloud, and the positioning information acquired on site is immediately plotted on a map in the cloud. Colleagues or other stakeholders in the office can view the latest survey results from a browser. This enables seamless sharing between the field and the office without the need to bring data back on a USB or transcribe handwritten notes.

• Data utilization: Shared survey data can be used directly for drawing creation, volume calculations, report preparation, and more. For example, you can measure the distance between two points or the area of an enclosed region on the cloud, download point cloud data and import it into design software, and smoothly hand off data to subsequent processes. If you save photos taken on site with high-precision position information linked, you can later reference photos and point information together.

As described above, in single-person surveying the entire process of measure → record → share is completed on site. Because data can be shared immediately after measurement, you can move on to the next task right away, significantly shortening overall lead time.

Advantages of single-person surveying

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

• Labor savings and reduced personnel costs: If surveying can be completed by one person, tasks that previously required two or more people can be handled with less than half the personnel. This helps alleviate labor shortages and reduces personnel costs.

• Improved efficiency and rapid response: You can perform surveying immediately when needed without waiting to coordinate personnel. With single-person surveying, you can respond right away when you want to measure a point on the spot. Reduced waiting for preparation shortens overall construction time and supports faster decision making.

• High-precision data acquisition: Surveying using RTK-GNSS provides much higher accuracy than conventional simple GPS measurements. Because centimeter-level position information is obtained instantly, it can be used for tasks requiring precision, such as as-built management and design verification.

• Real-time information sharing: Cloud linkage enables you to share acquired data in real time with the office or other devices. Because information can be shared before returning from the field, you can consult supervisors or colleagues on the spot and request further instructions, reducing communication loss and preventing rework.

• Portability and convenience: Devices like LRTK are small and lightweight, making them easy for field workers to carry at all times. The convenience of carrying it in a pocket and taking it out when needed is a major attraction. This enables “opportunistic measurement,” allowing small measurement tasks that would otherwise be postponed to be completed immediately.

• Multifunctional use: Modern single-person surveying devices have a variety of functions beyond simply measuring points. For example, by combining with a smartphone camera or LiDAR, you can capture surrounding point clouds (3D data), or use AR features to project planned lines from drawings onto the site for stakeout. This allows one person to perform recording and verification tasks while surveying, reducing duplicated processes and improving efficiency.

Disadvantages and points to note for single-person surveying

Even though single-person surveying is convenient, there are points and disadvantages to consider when introducing it. The major points are listed below.

• Dependence on positioning environment: High-precision positioning is affected by satellite signals and communication conditions. In locations where GNSS signals are difficult to receive, such as in the shadow of buildings or in mountainous areas, accuracy may not be achieved. Also, network-based RTK corrections cannot be received outside communication coverage (LRTK supports satellite augmentation, but there are limits depending on region and conditions). Understand the survey area environment before work and, if necessary, prepare to combine conventional methods.

• Device power management and durability: Single-person surveying relies heavily on the smartphone and positioning device, so work will stop if batteries run out or a device fails. For long surveying sessions, carry spare batteries and fully charge devices in advance. Also pay attention to device management in the field, such as waterproofing in rainy conditions and preventing overheating in direct sunlight.

• Initial investment and learning curve: Introducing new surveying devices and software requires some initial cost. However, products like LRTK are more affordable compared to traditional expensive surveying equipment, making it easier to equip one device per person. Although convenient, you will need to become familiar with device operation and data handling at first. It is advisable to have a trial operation period and practice sufficiently before using devices in actual work.

• Safety management: Do not neglect safety simply because the work can be completed by one person. Pay attention to the surroundings while surveying and take appropriate safety measures in hazardous locations. Working alone carries the risk that discovery or rescue may be delayed in the event of an accident. Share the work schedule in advance with other staff and implement measures such as regular check-ins, proceeding with safety as the top priority.

• Verification of survey results: Although a single person can perform everything, ensure a system for checking measurement accuracy and errors. In multi-person surveys, checking by colleagues helps prevent errors. Even in single-person surveying, incorporate quality assurance processes such as re-measuring important control points with conventional methods for verification, or having supervisors double-check data on the cloud.

Steps to introduce single-person surveying and success stories

Let’s cover the general steps to take when actually introducing single-person surveying. Proceeding through the following steps will help make the process smooth.

• Confirm needs and plan: First, identify situations within your company or department where single-person surveying could be used. Pick tasks where solving labor shortages is urgent or surveying tasks occur frequently, and consider the priority for introducing single-person surveying.

• Select and prepare equipment: Next, choose appropriate equipment. Prepare high-precision GNSS devices (such as LRTK), compatible smartphones/tablets, and necessary communication contracts (data SIMs, etc.). Borrowing demo units or trying devices at exhibitions before purchase is also effective to ensure they work on site.

• Trial operation and training: Once equipment is ready, conduct trial operations before deploying in actual work. Test single-person surveying procedures and check data accuracy and usability at company grounds or small sites. Involving not only those directly responsible but other staff in practice increases team-wide understanding.

• Full deployment and operation: If trials show no problems, incorporate single-person surveying into daily operations. Start with lower-priority tasks and gradually expand the application scope to reduce risk. Also establish rules for data storage and sharing (which cloud to use and how to save data) to ensure smooth operation.

• Effect verification and feedback: After introduction, evaluate how much work efficiency has improved and the impact on staffing and costs. Gather feedback from the field to expand uses and address issues.

Success story: There are already examples where single-person surveying has been successfully introduced. For example, at a civil engineering construction site, using LRTK for single-person surveying reduced a task that previously required three people and about 20 minutes down to about 10 minutes by one person. This resulted in approximately 50 minutes of labor time saved per point, shortening the overall construction period and greatly reducing costs. Another example is a local government that equipped single-person surveying devices for disaster site assessment, enabling rapid surveying and data sharing of affected areas with a small team. Proper usage can lead to dramatic efficiency improvements.

What is LRTK? Its technical overview and advantages

LRTK, mentioned throughout this article, is a new surveying solution that strongly supports single-person surveying. Here we clearly introduce its technical overview and advantages.

LRTK is a smartphone-mounted RTK-GNSS receiver developed by a startup originating from the Tokyo Institute of Technology. Traditionally, RTK-GNSS equipment capable of centimeter-level positioning tended to be expensive and 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, weighing approximately 125 g, and only 13 mm (0.51 in) thick, to their smartphone. It can be attached to a dedicated smartphone case with one touch and includes a built-in battery, making it easy to carry.

Technically, LRTK receives signals from multiple satellites (not only GPS but also GLONASS, Galileo, Michibiki, etc.) with a high-sensitivity antenna, and the smartphone app combines these signals with correction data obtained via network or with augmentation signals via satellite to correct positions in real time. This calculates highly accurate coordinates with horizontal and vertical errors within a few centimeters. The smartphone is not just a display terminal; it works with the positioning engine to perform necessary computations and coordinate transformations, presenting measurement results to users in an easy-to-understand format.

One major advantage of using LRTK is its ease of use compared to conventional surveying equipment. No special controllers or settings are required: simply launch the app on your everyday smartphone and press a button when you want to measure. Because it can be operated without advanced technical knowledge, people outside surveying departments can perform simple on-site measurements independently. LRTK also excels in cost performance. Because you do not need to acquire equipment costing several million yen per unit, LRTK is relatively low cost and makes it realistic for field workers to have “one device per person.”

Furthermore, LRTK is more than just a GNSS receiver: through software integration it provides an all-in-one surveying platform. As mentioned earlier, combining the LRTK app with cloud services realizes an end-to-end workflow from point measurement to record management, integration with drawings and photos, and sharing. For example, you can use AR (augmented reality) functionality to visualize facility positions from design drawings on site, or utilize a smartphone LiDAR scanner to convert terrain and structures into point cloud data and instantly produce survey drawings—advanced tasks that a single person can perform. You can calculate embankment volume from acquired point clouds on site, compare terrain before and after construction, and more; the range of applications is very wide. LRTK is truly a versatile surveying tool that achieves “measure, record, share” in one stop.

Conclusion: Start single-person surveying with LRTK

In an era of labor shortages, single-person surveying is becoming a trump card for improving efficiency and reducing manpower in surveying tasks. With the latest technologies, a single person can perform faster and more accurate surveying than before. Tools like LRTK enable a single operator to smoothly carry out the entire process of measuring, recording, and sharing.

Introducing single-person surveying requires preparation and practice at first, but the barrier is not high. Once you start using it, you will likely find that tasks that previously required multiple people become remarkably easier. This reduces on-site burden and contributes to workstyle reform, allowing freed-up personnel to be assigned to more productive tasks.

Survey and construction personnel considering improvements in work efficiency and accuracy management should positively consider the potential of single-person surveying. Cutting-edge devices like LRTK are continually evolving and the environment for easy introduction is being prepared. As a way to start single-person surveying, combine your smartphone with advanced surveying tools and begin new challenges on site. You will surely be surprised by the convenience and efficiency. Become a leader in the next site transformation and pioneer a smart, productive surveying style.