No hassle file transfers required! Centralize large point cloud data in the cloud and easily share across multiple sites

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 cloud solutions

• Recommendation: simplified surveying using LRTK

• FAQ

Challenges of sharing point cloud data

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

However, conventional sharing methods have presented many challenges. Point cloud data files are extremely large, often ranging from several GB to several hundred GB. Therefore, transferring data via physical media such as HDDs or SD cards takes time and money, and there is a risk of data damage or loss during mail delivery. When handling files too large to send by email, sharing is delayed, creating time lags in information flow from the field to the office. In addition, viewing point cloud data often requires specialized software or high-performance PCs, meaning not all stakeholders can easily inspect 3D data.

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

• Transfer hassles: Mailing or hand-carrying physical media incurs time and cost, and there is a risk of delayed receipt.

• High-spec PCs required: Viewing and editing often require specialized software and high-performance PCs, preventing all workers from easily checking data.

• Difficulty coordinating across sites: Sharing data between distant sites requires network considerations and format adjustments, causing delays in information transmission.

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 with an internet connection.

Expensive specialized software and high-performance PCs are no longer necessary; large point clouds can be viewed and measured with a typical PC, tablet, or browser. Data measured on site can be synchronized to the cloud with one click, allowing office and remote team members to immediately inspect 3D data and dramatically speeding up reporting and instructions.

The cloud also allows storage of historical point cloud data, so records before and after construction or periodic inspections can be kept in chronological order. Comparing past data later makes it possible to check degradation or construction accuracy, aiding quality control and maintenance planning.

• Access anytime, anywhere: With an internet connection, you can view and measure point cloud data from a smartphone, tablet, or PC via a browser. The latest on-site conditions can be shared in 3D even from remote locations.

• No high-spec PC required: Heavy processing is performed on the cloud side, so viewers only need a standard PC or tablet. No installation of specialized software is necessary; large point clouds can be displayed via a browser.

• Faster decision-making via real-time sharing: Scan and measure on site and immediately upload point cloud data to the cloud. Office and other site members can instantly view 3D data and quickly issue instructions or implement design changes.

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

• Solving file size and sharing issues: Large point cloud files can be handled via cloud link sharing. Email attachments or USB shipments are unnecessary; recipients can view data on the cloud without local storage. Cloud services with large-capacity storage significantly reduce worries about running out of space.

• Advanced security management: Cloud services support access control settings and encryption so only authorized users can view data. Automatic backups and data recovery features also make it effective for disaster preparedness (BCP).

Real-time sharing and efficiency across multiple sites

For projects involving branches, affiliates, construction sites, and other multiple locations, the benefits of cloud sharing become even greater. By aggregating data in the cloud, members at each site can view the same 3D point cloud simultaneously, enabling seamless information sharing between the field and branch offices.

For example, a head office staff member can monitor data being measured on site in real time and provide instructions or advice to the field.

Displaying the same point cloud model during a web conference for design review enables efficient consensus building.

This reduces travel time and communication errors, significantly accelerating 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. Just send a URL to remote staff or clients to display data in a browser for review.

• More efficient meetings and reviews: Jointly reviewing 3D data during online meetings allows intuitive sharing of site conditions and design details. You can issue instructions and check progress remotely without visiting the site, speeding up decision-making.

• Multi-device support: Access the cloud not only from office PCs but also from tablets and smartphones. Field staff can show point clouds to supervisors on a handheld tablet, or view them from a laptop while on business trips, allowing flexible operation.

Security and data management

The cloud environment also enables advanced data management. Many cloud services offer enterprise-level security features, allowing fine-grained access control, encrypted communications, and data protection through regular backups.

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

Cloud platforms also provide data recovery functions in the event of failures, creating an environment where data is less likely to be lost even during large-scale disasters.

These security and management features allow you to safely store important point cloud data for the long term while flexibly sharing it as needed.

• Access control management: Set view/edit permissions by account or group so only authorized users can access data, reducing the risk of information leaks.

• Encryption and communication protection: Cloud services use encrypted communications such as TLS/SSL to protect data transmission. Data is also encrypted at rest to reduce the risk in case of leaks.

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

Points to consider when adopting cloud solutions

When introducing cloud sharing, there are several points to consider. Because uploading point cloud data requires large-volume communication, check the network line speed at the field and office and prepare a high-speed connection for peace of mind.

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

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

On the operational side, define rules for upload methods and file naming conventions, and inform stakeholders to ensure smooth management. Addressing these points enables stable operation after cloud sharing is introduced.

• Network environment: High-speed internet is required to upload large data. If using mobile lines on site, check that data volume and speeds are sufficient.

• Storage capacity and cost: Subscribe to a capacity plan according to the amount of data used. Cloud services that allow scalable additions help avoid 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 data easier.

• Operational rule establishment: Clearly define upload procedures and file management rules to avoid confusion. Share who updates which data and when, and set up a system to manage change histories.

Recommendation: simplified surveying using LRTK

Once your point cloud sharing environment is in place, consider an efficient method for acquiring point clouds. We recommend simplified surveying using LRTK.

LRTK is a small surveying device attached to a smartphone that enables anyone to easily 3D-scan a site without large, complicated equipment. It is equipped with centimeter-class high-precision positioning capability (cm level accuracy (half-inch accuracy)), and the acquired point cloud data is assigned accurate position coordinates.

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

This lets you complete surveying through sharing solely with a smartphone—without preparing special PC software—and immediately leverage on-site information even for projects spanning multiple sites.

FAQ

• What are the benefits of sharing point clouds in the cloud? The main benefit is being able to reference the latest 3D data anytime, anywhere via the internet. It eliminates the need for physical media for data sharing and greatly accelerates information sharing and decision-making among stakeholders.

• How can I share point clouds across multiple sites? As long as each site has internet access and a browser-capable device, anyone can access the cloud data. No specialized software is needed; simply share a URL so remote locations can easily view and verify the same 3D data.

• Is point cloud data on the cloud safe? Many cloud services offer security features such as encryption, access control settings, and automatic backups. If administrators set user permissions appropriately, only authorized users will be able to view the data.

• What kind of surveying tool is LRTK? LRTK is a small surveying device attached to a smartphone that enables anyone to perform surveying with cm level accuracy (half-inch accuracy). Measurement data collected on site is automatically synced to the cloud and can be displayed in 3D on a browser, with distance and area measurements available immediately. This streamlines traditional processes and enables efficient surveying.