Close the information gap with point cloud data sharing! Reduce construction mistakes by using the cloud

Table of Contents

• What is point cloud data?

• Information gap issues on construction sites

• Closing information gaps with point cloud data sharing

• Remote construction management enabled by cloud use

• Why this leads to fewer construction mistakes

• Future of point cloud utilization and implementation points

• Recommendation: simple surveying with LRTK

• FAQ

In recent years, digital transformation (DX) in construction site management has become an important theme. In particular, if point cloud data collected on site is shared instantly via the cloud, it can close the information gap between the site and the office, leading to major efficiency gains and improved construction quality. Using three-dimensional point cloud data for as-built verification (checking whether construction matches the design), progress tracking, and reporting to stakeholders brings unprecedented accuracy and speed. This article explains the effects of closing information gaps through point cloud data sharing and how cloud utilization reduces construction mistakes. Finally, we introduce simple surveying using LRTK, which enables anyone to easily measure and share point clouds.

What is point cloud data?

Point cloud data is digital data that represents the surface of an object or terrain as a large number of points using three-dimensional coordinates (X, Y, Z). It is acquired by laser scanners (3D laser surveying instruments), photogrammetry from drones, and more recently by LiDAR (light-based ranging sensors) built into smartphones and tablets, allowing the target shape to be recorded in 3D as it is. Each point can include color information as well as positional coordinates, and because the collection of points can reproduce the site like a photograph, it forms the basis for building a digital twin (a digital reproduction that mirrors physical space).

Complex shapes and dimensions that cannot be fully captured by traditional 2D drawings or photos can be captured with high precision by point cloud data. For this reason, in construction and civil engineering, point clouds are widely used to create detailed terrain models of existing conditions, verify as-built conditions after construction, and calculate construction quantities. For example, creating a wide-area terrain point cloud model from drone aerial photography before starting work can dramatically reduce preliminary surveying time. Also, performing 3D scans at each construction stage and comparing them with the 3D design model helps check for positional or shape deviations of structures and contributes to quality control. Such 3D point clouds can digitize the site reality comprehensively and are attracting attention as a key technology for the next generation of construction management.

Information gap issues on construction sites

A frequent issue that affects productivity and quality on construction sites is the information gap between the site and other stakeholders. Site conditions change daily, but if the latest information is not sufficiently shared with the office, clients, or subcontractors, or if communication is delayed, work may proceed without noticing deviations or defects from the plan. These misunderstandings or shortages of information can cause rework, construction mistakes, and disputes due to differing perceptions.

Traditionally, information sharing on construction sites has relied on paper drawings, photos, and written reports. However, 2D drawings and photos alone cannot fully convey site conditions, and recipients may interpret them differently or overlook important points. For example, content reported verbally or with a simple sketch by a site person may not be accurately imagined by office staff, leading to wrong decisions. Misreading technical terms or complex drawings and other communication mismatches can also create discrepancies between actual site conditions and plans. If these information gaps are left unaddressed, small misunderstandings can grow into major construction mistakes, causing delays and increased costs.

Closing information gaps with point cloud data sharing

What changes when three-dimensional point cloud data is shared among all stakeholders? The biggest effect is that the information gap between the site and the office is filled, enabling a shared “site understanding.” If point cloud data collected on site is uploaded to the cloud, technicians in distant offices and clients can view the latest conditions in 3D. Details that are hard to convey in text or plane drawings can be directly checked and measured on the point cloud data, allowing accurate sharing of site conditions based on objective data. Rather than relying on subjective reports, construction management that “lets the data speak” becomes possible.

By sharing point cloud data instantly, the following kinds of real-time site-office collaboration become possible, for example:

• Immediate checking and instruction: As soon as site staff finish laser scanning, office personnel and supervising engineers can check that point cloud data. If inconsistencies with design or problem areas are found, instructions for additional measurements or corrections can be issued to the site immediately by phone or chat. There is no longer a need to wait until data processing is completed the next day or later, and on-the-spot course corrections can reduce ad hoc rework.

• Sharing the 3D situation with all stakeholders: Point cloud data on the cloud can be shared with clients, designers, and subcontractors via links. Because all stakeholders can hold meetings while viewing the same “3D view of the site,” remote experts’ opinions can be reflected on the spot. This reduces the need for in-person inspections or frequent regular meetings while enabling high-quality decision-making. Even when geographically separated, it becomes possible to view the site from above as one team.

• Always align recognition with the latest data: If point cloud data is continuously acquired and shared, time-related information gaps disappear. Progress that used to rely on verbal reports or daily logs becomes visible at a glance with 3D point clouds. Evaluations are based on data rather than someone’s subjective view, making discrepancies like “what we were told and reality differ” less likely. Continuously sharing up-to-date site data itself is the key to fundamentally resolving information gaps.

Remote construction management enabled by cloud use

Cloud utilization further enhances point cloud data sharing. Large point cloud datasets stored in the cloud allow site offices, headquarters, subcontractors, and clients to access the same data via the Internet. Platforms now exist that let users view and manipulate 3D point clouds in a web browser without dedicated software, so you can virtually check the site from anywhere regardless of PC performance or location.

In fact, there are cases where cloud use has enabled “construction management without going to the site.” In a large-scale project, the BIM model of the structure, the point cloud data during construction, and 360-degree site footage were all shared centrally on the cloud, allowing continuous monitoring of a remote site from headquarters in Tokyo. Staff could grasp the latest construction status in 3D while in the office and issue instructions or conduct reviews as needed. This ability to understand and discuss the site in real time across geographic distances was highly praised and even won awards as a case of industry digitalization. Centralizing information on the cloud reduces travel time and business trip costs while enabling timely decision-making and rapid consensus building.

Additionally, point cloud sharing improves explanations to clients and internal communication quality. Showing 3D data that reproduces the actual site is more persuasive and intuitive than reporting with only text or plan drawings. For example, overlaying the completed BIM model with the current point cloud makes “this is how it is now and this is how it will be” immediately obvious. This smooths alignment with clients and helps prevent misunderstandings or complaints due to insufficient explanations. The 3D site information shared on the cloud becomes a common language among stakeholders and contributes to smoother project management.

Why this leads to fewer construction mistakes

When information gaps are closed and everyone can grasp the actual site via the cloud, the result is fewer construction mistakes. The reasons are as follows.

First, point cloud data enables early detection of discrepancies between design and the site. Regular point cloud measurements during construction compared with design data can detect dimensional errors or positional shifts at an early stage. Taking corrective action early prevents serious mistakes later in the schedule, such as “the foundation was in the wrong place” or “pipes were interfering.” Advanced quality inspections using point cloud data can significantly reduce rework caused by human error.

Second, sharing point clouds unifies recognition and reduces mistakes. As described above, everyone can discuss while looking at the same 3D information, so instruction errors and omissions due to misunderstandings are less likely. Communication errors like “I said it, they didn’t hear it” decrease, and mismatches in the images held by designers, constructors, and clients are resolved, greatly reducing on-site misalignments. For coordination with subcontractors, presenting progress in 3D point clouds and saying “this is completed up to here, please proceed to the next step” lets each party work with a shared understanding and proceed efficiently. As a result, issues caused by miscommunication such as rework or omissions are prevented.

Furthermore, point cloud data enables objective checks not reliant on the intuition of experienced workers. For example, using AR (augmented reality) technology to overlay point clouds or design models on a tablet camera view allows visual confirmation of deviations between as-built conditions and design on the spot. Checks of foundation positions or rebar placement that previously depended on veteran visual inspection can be performed efficiently by anyone because deviations are immediately obvious in AR. In one system, planned positions of pipes and structures were AR-displayed on surrounding terrain point clouds, enabling immediate on-site verification of correct installation positions, and inspection time was greatly reduced. Point cloud sharing is effective at reducing overlooked problem areas and enabling early detection and correction of mistakes.

Thus, using point cloud data to accurately share and verify site conditions helps remove root causes of construction mistakes in advance. The result is reduced rework and touch-ups, contributing to improved quality and productivity.

Future of point cloud utilization and implementation points

The growing attention to point cloud utilization in the construction industry is driven not only by technological advances but also by broader industry trends. Since fiscal 2023, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) has made BIM/CIM (use of three-dimensional models) the default for direct-managed projects, accelerating industry digitalization. Chronic labor shortages and the “2024 problem,” in which overtime regulations are tightened due to the enforcement of work-style reform-related laws in 2024, make productivity improvement and labor saving urgent issues. In this context, point cloud utilization, which can shorten work time and improve quality, is expected to be a highly effective solution. In fact, there are reports that surveying that used to take two days was completed in 0.5 days with point cloud utilization, and point cloud use is likely to become an increasingly central pillar of on-site DX.

How should your company adopt point cloud data sharing on its sites? Below are some points for successful implementation.

• Clarify objectives and start small: First, clarify what you want to use point clouds for. Is it for as-built verification, quantity calculation, or remote progress sharing? It’s recommended to trial in a small scope according to the purpose. Rather than deploying across all sites at once, start with a pilot on one project or a specific stage and verify the effects. For example, begin small by measuring only the embankment area on a site with issues in earthwork volume calculation, and accumulate success experiences to gain internal understanding and cooperation.

• Training for field staff: Human resource development is essential to embed new technology. However, current point cloud measurement tools are increasingly intuitive, so the barrier to learning operations is much lower than before. Basic skills such as using a smartphone app and uploading data to the cloud can be learned in a short training session. Having staff actually use the tools and share experiences like “it’s convenient” and “it’s easy” will reduce on-site resistance and smooth adoption.

• Cloud utilization and data management rules: Point clouds are not useful if measurement is the end; you must plan how to manage and share them afterwards. Point clouds left on a local PC are wasted assets. Storing them on an internal NAS (shared server) is an option, but if possible, consider using cloud services. Uploading to the cloud lets internal and external stakeholders view data at any time. In the early stages, use free or trial versions to upload small point cloud datasets and try internal sharing. Once staff experience the convenience of “virtually experiencing the site in 3D from their desk,” interest in broader use will increase. Also, to use point cloud data as a long-term asset, establish storage rules and a version management system.

By following these points and gradually introducing point cloud data sharing, you can significantly contribute to work-style reform and quality improvement on site. Point cloud utilization is expected to become commonplace. Gaining experience and accumulating know-how early will strengthen your company’s competitiveness.

Recommendation: simple surveying with LRTK

Even if you understand the usefulness of point cloud sharing, you may worry that acquiring an expensive 3D laser scanner or training specialized personnel is difficult. The latest simple point cloud measurement tools dramatically lower that barrier. One example is simple surveying using the LRTK series.

LRTK Phone is a small device that attaches to a smartphone; site personnel can obtain high-precision point cloud data with positional information simply by walking around while pointing the phone. When used together with a smartphone’s built-in LiDAR sensor, it achieves surveying-equipment-level precision. The acquired point clouds are automatically aligned on the spot, enabling instant distance and volume measurements. Point cloud measurement that used to be outsourced to specialized surveyors or require heavy equipment can now be completed with smartphone operation alone—truly revolutionary.

The LRTK series also offers a lineup that includes lightweight fixed 3D scanners and tablet-integrated surveying devices, so you can choose products according to site needs. These new-generation devices are lower-cost and easier to handle than traditional equipment, making point cloud use realistic even on small to mid-sized sites. In addition, LRTK Cloud, a cloud service, is provided so that point clouds acquired on site can be shared over the Internet as-is. This integrated platform enables using the same 3D data for site-office discussions and AR checks on a tablet screen.

By using LRTK, anyone can easily incorporate point cloud measurement and sharing into daily operations without specialized personnel or expensive equipment. If you are considering expanding point cloud use in your company, please also visit the [LRTK official site](https://www.lrtk.lefixea.com/). You can find case studies of on-site DX using simple surveying tools and implementation plans that will help you take the next step. LRTK supports digitalization in the construction industry and contributes to closing information gaps and reducing construction mistakes on your sites.

FAQ

Q: What is point cloud data? A: It is three-dimensional data composed of countless points obtained by laser measurement or photogrammetry. It digitizes the site shape as-is, and each point contains positional (coordinate) information. It can record complex existing conditions in detail that drawings cannot convey.

Q: What does information gap mean on construction sites? A: It refers to the discrepancy between what is actually happening on site and the information perceived by those who received the information. It describes situations where the latest site conditions are not correctly conveyed to the office or other stakeholders or there is a time lag. If this gap is large, differences between the plan and reality may go unnoticed, leading to bad decisions and construction mistakes.

Q: Why does sharing point cloud data reduce construction mistakes? A: Because point cloud data lets all stakeholders share accurate three-dimensional information about the site, eliminating mismatches in recognition. Differences between the design model and actual construction status can be detected early, preventing rework. Parts that are hard to convey with verbal explanations or 2D drawings become understandable at a glance from point clouds, greatly reducing mistakes due to misunderstandings or oversights.

Q: Is it difficult to share point cloud data in the cloud? A: Recently, services for managing and viewing point clouds in the cloud have become more robust, and you can easily check 3D data in a web browser without specialized software. Large point cloud files can be uploaded to the cloud and optimized for fast display and sharing, so they can be handled smoothly. There are cases where point clouds are uploaded and shared on-site using mobile networks, and with the right service, cloud integration is seamless.

Q: Can I measure and use point clouds without specialized knowledge? A: Yes. Nowadays, anyone can easily measure point clouds using LiDAR built into smartphones and tablets. High-precision RTK-compatible compact devices are also becoming affordable. By combining these, site staff who are not experienced surveyors can acquire point cloud data with centimeter-level accuracy (half-inch accuracy). Dedicated apps are intuitive, and short training allows staff to use them effectively.