Table of Contents

• Challenges of sharing point cloud data

• Benefits of centralized cloud management

• Real-time sharing and efficiency across multiple sites

• Security and data management

• Points to consider when adopting the cloud

• Recommendation: simple surveying with LRTK

• FAQ

Challenges of sharing point cloud data

3D point cloud data captured on site is indispensable for design, construction, and maintenance. In recent years, 3D measurement using drones and smartphones with LiDAR sensors has become widespread, and the range of applications for point cloud data is rapidly expanding.

However, traditional sharing methods have many challenges. Point cloud data files are extremely large and can easily reach several GB to several hundred GB. Therefore, handing them over using physical media such as HDDs or SD cards takes time and cost, and there is a risk of data corruption or loss during shipping. When dealing with files too large to send by email, sharing is delayed and information transfer from the site to the office tends to lag. Also, viewing point cloud data often requires specialized software or high-performance PCs, so not all stakeholders can easily check 3D data.

• Large file sizes: Point cloud data can range from several GB to several hundred GB, making email transfer difficult and physical media transfers time-consuming.

• Hassle of handover: Shipping or delivering physical media incurs time and cost, and there is a risk of delays in receipt.

• High-spec PCs required: Viewing and editing often require dedicated software and high-performance PCs, so not all personnel can easily view the data.

• Difficulty coordinating across sites: Sharing data between distant sites requires network considerations and format adjustments, which can delay information transfer.

Benefits of centralized cloud management

Using cloud services can solve these issues at once. By uploading and centrally managing point cloud data in the cloud, stakeholders can access the latest data from anywhere as long as they have an internet connection.

Expensive dedicated software and high-performance PCs are no longer necessary—large point clouds can be viewed and measured using a common PC, tablet, or browser. Data measured on site can be synced to the cloud with one click, and office or remote team members can immediately check the 3D data, dramatically speeding up reporting and instructions.

The cloud also allows you to store past point cloud data, so you can keep records before and after construction or periodic inspections in chronological order. Comparing with past data later makes it possible to check deterioration and construction accuracy, which helps with quality control and maintenance planning.

• Access anytime, anywhere: With internet access, point cloud data can be viewed and measured from smartphones, tablets, or PCs via a browser. You can share the latest site conditions in 3D even at remote locations.

• No high-performance PC required: Heavy processing is performed in the cloud, so viewers can use general-purpose PCs or tablets. No installation of dedicated software is necessary; large point clouds can be displayed in a browser.

• Speed up decision-making with real-time sharing: Scan and measure on site, upload point cloud data immediately to the cloud, and office or other site members can instantly check the 3D data to issue instructions or make design changes quickly.

• Data history and archiving: The cloud can store past point cloud data. Save point cloud records before and after construction or periodic inspections and compare changes over time. You can track the progression of cracks or deformation in 3D, or compare pre- and post-construction terrain to calculate fill volumes.

• Solve file size and sharing issues: Large point cloud files are handled via cloud link sharing. Email attachments or USB deliveries are unnecessary, and recipients can view data in the cloud without local storage. Cloud services with large-capacity storage greatly reduce concerns about running out of space.

• Advanced security management: Cloud services offer access control and encryption so only authorized people can view the data. Automatic backup and data recovery functions are available, making it effective for disaster recovery planning (BCP).

Real-time sharing and efficiency across multiple sites

For projects involving branches, partner companies, and construction sites, cloud sharing has an even greater effect. By aggregating data in the cloud, members at each site can view the same 3D point cloud simultaneously, enabling seamless information sharing between site and branch offices.

For example, a headquarters staff member can monitor data being captured on site in real time and give instructions or advice to the field.

Displaying the same point cloud model during a web conference for design review allows efficient alignment of opinions.

This reduces travel time and miscommunication, and greatly speeds up project decision-making.

• Real-time sharing with branches and partners: Multiple sites can reference the same point cloud data simultaneously, enabling project sharing at a national or company-wide level. Send a URL to remote staff or clients and the data can be displayed in a browser for review.

• Efficient meetings and checks: Jointly reviewing 3D data during online meetings allows intuitive sharing of site conditions and design details. You can issue instructions and check progress remotely, speeding up decisions.

• Multi-device support: Access the cloud not only from office PCs but also from tablets and smartphones. Site personnel can show point clouds to their superiors on a tablet, or view them from a laptop while traveling, enabling flexible operation.

Security and data management

In cloud environments, data management can also be highly advanced. Many cloud services provide enterprise-grade security features, allowing detailed access control settings, encrypted communications, and data protection through regular backups.

By setting user permissions within your organization, you can prevent unauthorized access.

Cloud platforms also offer data recovery features in case of failures, providing environments where data is less likely to be lost even during large-scale disasters.

These security and management functions allow important point cloud data to be stored safely for the long term while being shared flexibly as needed.

• Access permission management: Set viewing and editing permissions at the account or group level. Only authorized users can access the data, reducing the risk of information leaks.

• Encryption and communication protection: Cloud services use encrypted communications such as TLS/SSL to protect data transfers. Data is often encrypted at rest as well, reducing the risk in the event of a leakage.

• Backup and disaster preparedness: Automatic backups and redundancy reduce the risk of data loss. Operating on a reliable cloud platform helps keep critical data safe even during large-scale disasters and supports business continuity planning (BCP).

Points to consider when adopting the cloud

When introducing cloud sharing, there are several points to consider. First, because uploading point cloud data requires large-capacity communication, check the network line speeds at the site and office and prepare high-speed connections for peace of mind.

Storage capacity is also important—choose a plan that fits the project scale.

Also confirm compatibility in advance, such as whether the service supports formats output by your point cloud processing software (LAS, E57, etc.) and whether it can integrate with BIM/CIM tools.

On the operational side, establish rules for upload methods and naming conventions and inform stakeholders so management goes smoothly. Addressing these points will enable stable operation after cloud sharing is introduced.

• Network environment: Uploading large data requires a high-speed internet connection. If using mobile lines at the site, check that capacity and speed are sufficient.

• Storage capacity and cost: Subscribe to a capacity plan based on the amount of data you use. A cloud that lets you add capacity as needed avoids waste.

• Supported formats and integration: Choose a service that supports point cloud formats (LAS, E57, etc.). Integration with BIM/CIM tools and other design software makes secondary use of the data easier.

• Operational rules: Define clear upload procedures and file management rules to avoid confusion. Share who updates which data and when, and establish a system to manage change history.

Recommendation: simple surveying with LRTK

Once a point cloud sharing environment is in place, consider efficient methods for acquiring point clouds. One recommended option is simple surveying with LRTK.

LRTK is a compact surveying device that attaches to a smartphone and lets anyone easily 3D-scan a site without large-scale equipment. It is equipped with centimeter-level high-precision positioning (cm level accuracy (half-inch accuracy)), and the acquired point cloud data is tagged with accurate positional coordinates.

Using a dedicated app, measurement data can be synced to the cloud with one touch, allowing immediate sharing of site information. A cloud-based viewer can display point clouds in 3D immediately after upload and perform distance, area, and volume measurements.

This enables a complete workflow from surveying to sharing using only a smartphone, without preparing special PC software, allowing site information to be used immediately even in projects spanning multiple locations.

FAQ

• What are the benefits of sharing point clouds in the cloud? The ability to reference the latest 3D data anytime and anywhere via the internet. You can share data without using physical media, greatly speeding up information sharing and decision-making among stakeholders.

• How can I share point clouds among multiple sites? As long as each site has internet access and browser-capable devices, anyone can access cloud-hosted data. No specialized software is required—just share the URL so remote locations can easily view and inspect the same 3D data.

• Is point cloud data on the cloud secure? Many cloud services include security features such as encryption, access control, and automatic backups. If administrators set user permissions appropriately, only authorized users can view the data.

• What kind of surveying tool is LRTK? LRTK is a compact surveying device that attaches to a smartphone and allows anyone to perform surveys with cm level accuracy (cm level accuracy (half-inch accuracy)). Point cloud data measured on site is automatically synced to the cloud and can be displayed in 3D in a browser, with distance and area measurements available immediately. This reduces traditional effort and enables efficient surveying.