Table of Contents

• What is point cloud data?

• Background and benefits of growing interest in point cloud technology

• Challenges in sharing point cloud data and collaborating

• Benefits of collaborating on point clouds in the cloud

• Methods for point cloud measurement and sharing that one person can do

• Recommendations for simple surveying with LRTK

• FAQ

In recent years, improving efficiency through 3D technologies has become a major theme on construction and civil engineering sites. In particular, the importance of "point cloud collaborative work," where point cloud data acquired on site is shared instantly in the cloud so the whole team works with the same 3D information, is increasing. If everyone can access the latest site data via the cloud, surveying results taken by a single person can be shared on the spot with office engineers and clients, closing the information gap between site and office and enabling faster decision-making. This article explains the basics of what point cloud data is, the effects of collaborative work on point cloud data using the cloud, and the current situation in which even one person can easily measure and share point clouds using the latest tools. Finally, we introduce LRTK, a solution for simple surveying that allows anyone to easily realize high-precision surveying and data sharing. It can truly be said that the era has arrived in which each individual can drive site DX.

What is point cloud data?

"Point cloud data" refers to 3D data that records the shape of objects or terrain as a collection of countless points. Each point contains X, Y, and Z coordinate values (height and position), and depending on the acquisition method may also include color (RGB) information. For example, when a laser scanner (3D laser surveying instrument) measures the ground surface or structures, millions of measurement points can be obtained; plotting these points can reproduce the shape of the object almost completely. It is also possible to acquire point clouds using photogrammetry with drones or, more recently, LiDAR sensors built into smartphones and tablets. When the acquired point cloud data is displayed on a computer, the site can be inspected as a realistic 3D model much like a photograph.

In conventional surveying, veteran surveyors typically measured important points one by one, recording them in field notebooks and then drafting drawings back at the office. Because this method relies on human judgment to select points, there can be missed measurements that later lead to "I should have measured that area, too." In contrast, point cloud surveying scans areas at once, enabling comprehensive, detailed current-condition data without omissions. Extensive terrain or complex structures can be recorded safely in a short time, and by analyzing the vast point cloud data obtained, required cross-sections and dimensions can be extracted anytime. Point cloud data, which can digitally copy an entire site, is essentially a "digital twin" that captures real space as-is.

Background and benefits of growing interest in point cloud technology

The acceleration of point cloud data use on site stems from challenges in the construction industry and expectations for digital technology. Faced with chronic labor shortages, long working hours, and stagnant productivity growth, the industry is looking to 3D point cloud technology as a trump card for DX (digital transformation) to dramatically improve operational efficiency. Various initiatives, such as the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism’s "i-Construction," also encourage ICT use, promoting the spread of drone surveying and point cloud measurements using mobile devices.

Incorporating point clouds into surveying and construction management, which were previously done manually, yields specific benefits such as:

• Dramatic time savings and labor reduction: The biggest advantage of point cloud measurement is the dramatic reduction in work time and effort. Terrain surveys of large reclaimed areas that once took several days with total stations can sometimes be completed in a few hours with a laser scanner. Faster field work creates leeway for subsequent processes and improves overall operational efficiency. There are also examples where surveying work that used to require two people can now be done by one, making it an effective measure against labor shortages.

• Improved accuracy and coverage: Point cloud data can record subjects at high density, reducing oversights and missed measurements and enabling an accurate, comprehensive understanding of current conditions. Detailed 3D data can later be used to create cross-sections or plans as needed, improving the accuracy of design and as-built verification. Even for old structures with no existing drawings, acquiring a point cloud allows you to generate CAD drawings or BIM models afterward. Since minute shape differences can be detected in the data, it helps prevent rework and improves construction quality.

• Enhanced safety: Laser measurement and photogrammetric point cloud acquisition can be done without physical contact, eliminating the need for people to enter hazardous areas. Even in high or collapse-risk sites, data can be collected remotely and safely, contributing to worker safety.

Thus, adopting point cloud technology brings a wide range of effects from shortening work time to improving quality and safety, directly contributing to a productivity revolution in field operations.

Challenges in sharing point cloud data and collaborating

Even if point cloud data is acquired, it will not improve site efficiency unless it is shared appropriately. Traditionally, sharing site information relied on paper drawings, photos, and written reports, but these methods cannot fully convey complex site conditions. For example, even if a field representative reports verbally or with sketches, the office side may not accurately imagine the situation and could make incorrect decisions. Plans and photos alone can omit fine nuances or be interpreted differently by recipients. Misunderstandings of technical terms or misreading of drawings can create discrepancies between actual site conditions and plans, often leading to rework or construction errors. If such information gaps are left unaddressed, small differences in perception can cause major problems or quality declines, resulting in schedule delays and increased costs.

There are also challenges in handling the point cloud data itself. 3D point cloud files are very large and are not something you can casually send as an email attachment. Traditional sharing methods—saving to a USB drive to take home, uploading to an internal server for stakeholders to download—create time lags during which site conditions may change and data can become outdated. Moreover, many formats require dedicated point cloud processing software; if the recipient lacks the necessary software, the data becomes unusable. Thus, point cloud collaboration has faced hurdles such as large data size and limitations in viewing environments.

Benefits of collaborating on point clouds in the cloud

An effective way to solve these challenges is to use the cloud to share point cloud data. If point cloud data is uploaded from the site to the cloud, anyone can view and use the same 3D data via the internet. Multiple stakeholders, including remote office engineers and clients, can simultaneously view the latest site conditions in 3D, making it easier to establish a common "site understanding." Details that were hard to convey in text or 2D drawings can be directly measured on the point cloud or viewed from an overview perspective, enabling objective information sharing based on data. A shift to "data-driven" construction management that does not rely on a site person’s subjective reports is expected.

Putting data in the cloud ensures all team members always access the latest version. Worries about someone referring to an old drawing or past data are eliminated, and centralized data management reduces miscommunication. Even without specialized software, point clouds can be displayed and measured with just a web browser, so anyone in the company can easily use 3D data. For external subcontractors or clients, issuing limited-access links to data on the cloud allows sharing without individually transferring files. Using a cloud platform that lets you organize data by project and set access permissions enables you to maintain security while using it as an internal infrastructure.

Above all, the effect of connecting the site and office in near-real time is significant. For example, if site staff finish scanning and the office can immediately check that point cloud data, any discrepancies from design or detected problems can be addressed on the spot with additional measurement or correction instructions. There’s no need to wait until the next day for data processing, reducing rework and enabling swift responses. Since the as-built condition of distant sites can be grasped three-dimensionally, supervisors can provide appropriate oversight and support without always visiting the site. Sharing point clouds via the cloud smooths team collaboration across geographic constraints, helping reduce construction errors and improve quality.

Methods for point cloud measurement and sharing that one person can do

Advanced measurement may evoke images of specialist technicians and large equipment, but point cloud technology has become dramatically easier to use in recent years. High-precision 3D surveying is possible with common tools such as drones and mobile devices, lowering the barrier to site DX. For example, an autonomous drone scanning a site from the air can capture extensive terrain data in a short time by a single person. There are also methods such as scanning structures with LiDAR or cameras on tablets or smartphones and linking small high-precision GNSS receivers to record position coordinates, making positioning tasks that once required specialized equipment much easier.

Acquired data can be synced to the cloud on the spot, reducing the hassle of taking large files home for processing. Instead of shying away because it seems difficult, try a small-scale point cloud measurement with familiar devices. By digitizing a site into 3D data yourself, you will experience its convenience and usefulness firsthand. Modern tools have intuitive interfaces and operate by following on-screen instructions, so even those unfamiliar with IT can handle them confidently. You may be confused at first, but by gradually learning with vendor or municipal training and support, everyone on site will eventually be able to use them.

Recommendations for simple surveying with LRTK

Among the many new surveying tools, LRTK (pronounced "L-R-T-K"), which enables easy high-precision positioning using a smartphone, has attracted attention as a trump card for site DX. LRTK is a versatile surveying system that attaches a pocket-sized GNSS receiver to a smartphone or tablet. Combined with a dedicated LRTK app, the smartphone or tablet you normally use quickly transforms into a centimeter-level positioning device (cm level accuracy (half-inch accuracy)), allowing a single person to perform high-precision site surveying easily.

For example, simply aiming the device at the point you want to measure and tapping a button acquires the precise coordinate values for that location and saves them to the cloud immediately. There’s no need to copy numbers into a paper field notebook, and there are no complicated operations. Measured point data acquired on site is automatically synchronized to the LRTK cloud, so colleagues in the office can check results in real time via a web browser. You can view measurement points remotely and measure distances between points on that web screen, making it an ideal solution that connects site and office.

LRTK also supports Japan’s high-precision satellite positioning services, so even in mountain areas outside cellular coverage, it can receive augmentation signals (CLAS) from the Quasi-Zenith Satellite System (Michibiki) to maintain accuracy. Advanced uses are also possible, such as displaying acquired point clouds and survey data on a smartphone screen using AR (augmented reality) and comparing them with design data to check as-built conditions on the spot. The interface is designed to be intuitive for anyone on site, so even staff unfamiliar with state-of-the-art IT can use it immediately.

By leveraging LRTK, you can overhaul conventional surveying styles reliant on paper field notebooks and manpower, achieving high-precision site measurement and immediate sharing with fewer people and in less time. It is one of the best options as a first step in point cloud data utilization. If you are interested, please also check the [LRTK official site](https://www.lrtk.lefixea.com). It is sure to strongly support your company’s site DX.

FAQ

Q. What is point cloud data? A. It is a collection of numerous 3D coordinate points obtained by laser scanners or photogrammetry. It is digital data that represents the shape of an object with countless points, and when displayed on a computer appears as a realistic 3D model.

Q. What are the benefits of sharing point cloud data in the cloud? A. Large point cloud files placed on the cloud can be viewed from anywhere via the internet. Multiple people can check the latest data simultaneously, and point clouds can be displayed and measured in a browser without dedicated software. Centralized data management reduces miscommunication and enables smooth collaboration with remote locations.

Q. How can site point clouds be shared in real time? A. The key is to set up an environment that allows point cloud data acquired on site to be uploaded to the cloud immediately via mobile networks. For example, using a point cloud measurement app on a smartphone or tablet to send data directly to the cloud from the site allows near-real-time viewing on the office side. If communication is difficult, uploading immediately via portable Wi‑Fi after measurement minimises time lag.

Q. Does introducing point cloud technology require high costs or specialist knowledge? A. The barriers to introducing point cloud technology have significantly decreased compared to before. Equipment prices are falling, and affordable mobile-compatible measurement devices have emerged. Software has become simpler and more intuitive. Vendor or municipal training is available as needed, so you can learn step by step without specialist knowledge. Starting with a small-scale introduction lets you test effectiveness without a large investment.

Q. Can people unfamiliar with ICT or veteran generations use these tools? A. Yes, modern point cloud tools are designed to be easy for anyone on site to use. They focus on simple on-screen instructions and do not require complicated PC operations. You may feel uncertain at first, but with training and support you can learn quickly. Combining veterans’ experience with digital tools often makes the usefulness even more apparent to experienced workers.

Q. What is simple surveying with LRTK? A. Simple surveying with LRTK is a new surveying style that attaches a small high-precision GNSS receiver to a smartphone. Without specialized equipment, you can obtain centimeter-level position coordinates with just a smartphone and immediately share that data in the cloud. It enables easy site inspections and as-built measurements by a single person, greatly improving efficiency over conventional field notebook and manual methods.

Q. Is there a risk of information leakage when sharing point cloud data on the cloud? A. Using an appropriate cloud service ensures security. Many services encrypt communications and offer robust access control so only authorized parties can view data. Using password-protected share links and expiration settings allows safer external sharing. Compared to handing over USB drives, security can be enhanced. Storing data in the cloud also provides backups that reduce the risk of data loss from device loss.

Q. Can point cloud data be displayed even if my PC or mobile device is not high-performance? A. In the past, high-performance PCs were needed to display large point clouds, but cloud services now perform heavy processing on the server side, so high-end hardware is not required. Point clouds can be viewed from a general PC or tablet via a browser. The cloud side lightens and optimizes the data and streams only the necessary parts, allowing smooth handling even of large point clouds. However, a stable internet connection is desirable for comfortable use.

Q. Can measurements and processing of point clouds be done in the cloud? A. It depends on the cloud service, but in many cases basic measurement functions such as distance measurement, area/volume calculation, and cross-section creation are available on the uploaded point cloud in a browser. Some services also enable two-way collaboration, such as adding comments on points to share observations between site and office. For advanced editing or detailed drawing creation, you may need to download data and process it with dedicated software, but cloud-side functions are increasingly robust. The range of tasks that can be completed entirely in the cloud will continue to expand.