Easy Even Alone! Recommended Cloud-Based Collaborative Work with Point Clouds

Table of Contents

• What is point cloud data?

• Background and benefits of point cloud technology

• Challenges of sharing and collaborating on point cloud data

• Benefits of cloud-based point cloud collaboration

• How a single person can measure and share point clouds

• Recommended simple surveying with LRTK

• FAQ

In recent years, improving efficiency using 3D technologies has become a major theme in construction and civil engineering sites. In particular, the importance of "point cloud collaboration," where point cloud data captured on site is shared instantly in the cloud so that the whole team works with the same 3D information, is increasing. If everyone can access the latest site data via the cloud, a surveying result produced by one 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 using cloud-based point cloud data, and the current situation in which the latest tools make it easy for one person to measure and share point clouds. Finally, we introduce simple surveying with LRTK, a solution that enables anyone to easily achieve high-precision surveying and data sharing. It can be said that we are now in an era where each individual can drive on-site DX.

What is point cloud data?

"Point cloud data" is three-dimensional data that records the shape of objects or terrain as a collection of countless points. Each point contains X, Y, Z coordinate values (elevation and position), and depending on the acquisition method may also include color (RGB) information. For example, when measuring the ground surface or structures with a laser scanner (3D laser surveying instrument), millions of measurement points or more are acquired, and plotting them can reproduce the shape of the target almost completely. Point clouds can also be obtained by drone photogrammetry or, more recently, by LiDAR sensors built into smartphones and tablets; when the resulting point cloud data is displayed on a computer, you can check the site as a realistic 3D model almost like a photograph. In conventional surveying, veteran surveyors typically measured important points one by one, recorded them in a field notebook, and then drafted drawings back at the office. Because this method relies on human judgment to select points, omissions such as "I wish I had measured that spot too" can occur later. On the other hand, point cloud scanning can capture the target area as a surface in one pass, enabling acquisition of comprehensive and detailed as-built data without omissions. Wide-area terrain or complex structures can be recorded safely in a short time, and by analyzing the resulting huge point cloud you can extract required cross-sections or dimensions at any time. Point cloud data, which can digitally copy an entire site, is truly a "digital twin" that puts the physical space into your hands.

Background and benefits of point cloud technology

The momentum to use point cloud data on site is accelerating against the backdrop of challenges in the construction industry and expectations for digital technologies. Faced with chronic labor shortages, long working hours, and stagnating productivity, 3D point cloud technology is attracting attention as a trump card for DX (digital transformation) to dramatically improve operational efficiency. ICT utilization is encouraged by various initiatives such as the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism's "i-Construction," and the spread of drone surveying and mobile-device-based point cloud measurement has progressed. By incorporating point clouds into surveying and construction management that were traditionally done by hand, you can gain concrete benefits such as the following.

• Dramatic time savings and labor reduction: The greatest advantage of point cloud measurement is the drastic reduction in working hours and effort. Terrain surveys of large development sites that used to take days with a total station can in some cases be completed in hours with a laser scanner. If on-site work finishes earlier, subsequent processes gain slack time, improving overall workflow efficiency. There are also cases where measurement tasks that used to require two-person teams have been completed by a single person, making it effective against staffing shortages.

• Improved accuracy and comprehensiveness: Point cloud data can record targets at high density, reducing oversights and omissions and enabling an accurate and exhaustive understanding of as-built conditions. From detailed 3D data, you can later create cross-sections or plan views as needed, improving the accuracy of design and verification of finished shapes. For example, even if drawings for an old structure are missing, acquiring a point cloud allows you to later generate CAD drawings or a BIM model. Because data lets you notice even minor shape differences, it helps prevent rework and improves construction quality.

• Improved safety: Point cloud acquisition by laser measurement or photography can be done non-contact, so people do not need to enter dangerous areas. Even in sites with risks such as heights or collapse, data can be collected safely from a distance, contributing to worker safety. As shown, introducing point cloud technology delivers a wide range of effects from shorter working hours to improved quality and safety, directly contributing to a productivity revolution on site.

Challenges of sharing and collaborating on point cloud data

Even point cloud data that has been properly acquired will not lead to site efficiency unless it is shared appropriately. Traditionally, information sharing on construction sites relied on paper drawings, photos, and written reports, but these methods cannot fully convey complex site conditions. For example, even if a site person reports verbally or with sketches, the office side may not be able to form an accurate image and could make incorrect judgments. Plan views or photos alone may omit subtle details, and different recipients may interpret them differently. Misunderstandings of technical terms or misreading drawings can create discrepancies between site conditions and plans, leading to rework or construction errors. If such information gaps are left unaddressed, small misunderstandings can cause major trouble or quality degradation, resulting in schedule delays and increased costs. There are also challenges in handling point cloud data itself. 3D point cloud files are very large and are not something you can easily send as an email attachment like before. Traditional sharing methods—saving to a USB flash drive and bringing it back, or uploading to an internal server for stakeholders to download—create time lags during which site conditions may change and the data may become outdated. Furthermore, many formats require specialized point cloud processing software, and if the recipient does not have the software the data becomes useless. In this way, the heavy weight of the data and viewing environment constraints have been hurdles to the collaborative use of point cloud data.

Benefits of cloud-based point cloud collaboration

An effective solution to these challenges is sharing point cloud data using the cloud. If you upload point cloud data from the site to the cloud, anyone can view and use the same 3D data via the Internet. Including engineers in remote offices and clients, multiple stakeholders can simultaneously confirm the latest site conditions in 3D, making it easier to share a common "site understanding." Details that were hard to communicate in text or 2D drawings can be measured directly on the point cloud or viewed from an overhead perspective, enabling objective data-driven information sharing. This shift to "data speaking" for construction management reduces reliance on the subjective reports of site personnel. Placing data in the cloud allows all members to access the latest version at any time. There is no worry that someone will refer to an old drawing or past data, and centralized data management reduces miscommunication. Also, because point clouds can be displayed and measured with just a web browser even without specialized software, anyone in the company can easily use 3D data. For external subcontractors or clients, you can issue limited-access links to cloud data so you can share without individually handing over files. Using a cloud platform that lets you set access permissions and organize data by project enables secure use as an internal backbone. Most importantly, connecting the site and office in a near-real-time way has major benefits. For example, if site staff finish a scan and the office can immediately check the point cloud data, any discrepancies with the design or problems can prompt instructions for additional surveying or corrections on the spot. There is no need to wait until the next day for data processing, preventing rework and enabling rapid responses. Because the as-built condition can be grasped three-dimensionally from a remote location, supervisors can provide appropriate oversight and support without visiting the site every time. Sharing point clouds in the cloud smooths team collaboration across geographical constraints and helps reduce construction errors and improve quality.

How a single person can measure and share point clouds

While advanced surveying may seem to require specialist technicians and large equipment, point cloud technology has become dramatically easier to handle in recent years. High-precision 3D surveying is possible with commonly available tools such as drones and mobile devices, lowering the barrier to site DX. For example, an autonomous drone can scan an entire site from the air so that a single person can acquire wide-area terrain data in a short time. Methods have also appeared that use LiDAR or cameras on tablets or smartphones to scan structures, or link compact high-precision GNSS receivers to record position coordinates—tasks that once required specialized equipment can now be done easily. Acquired data can be synchronized to the cloud on site, reducing the hassle of bringing large files back for processing. Rather than being intimidated, it's a good idea to try small-scale point cloud measurement with familiar devices. By turning your site into 3D data with your own hands, you will feel the convenience and usefulness firsthand. Recent tools also have intuitive interfaces and operate by following on-screen instructions, so even those unfamiliar with IT can use them confidently. You may feel uncertain at first, but by taking advantage of vendor or municipal training and support and learning step by step, eventually everyone on site will be able to use these tools.

Recommended simple surveying with LRTK

Among the many new surveying tools, "LRTK" has attracted attention as a key solution for site DX because it enables easy high-precision positioning using a smartphone. LRTK is a versatile surveying system that attaches a pocket-sized GNSS receiver to a smartphone or tablet. Combined with the dedicated LRTK app, the smartphone or tablet you normally use instantly becomes a centimeter-class positioning device (cm level accuracy (half-inch accuracy)), allowing a single person to easily perform high-precision site surveying. For example, simply aiming the device at the point you want to measure and tapping a button obtains the precise coordinates of that location and immediately saves them to the cloud. There is no need to copy numbers into a paper field notebook, and there is no complex operation required. Measurement point data acquired on site is automatically synced to the LRTK cloud, so colleagues in the office can check results in real time via a web browser. You can view measured points remotely and measure distances between points on that web screen—an ideal solution linking site and office. LRTK also supports Japan's high-precision satellite positioning services, so even in mountainous areas without communication coverage it can maintain accuracy by receiving correction signals (CLAS) broadcast from the Quasi-Zenith Satellite System Michibiki. Furthermore, it is possible to display acquired point clouds and surveying data on a smartphone screen as AR (augmented reality) and check as-built conditions against design data on the spot. The operation system is designed so anyone on site can intuitively use it, enabling staff unfamiliar with cutting-edge IT to take it into practice immediately. By utilizing LRTK, you can transform traditional surveying practices that relied on paper field notebooks and manpower into a system that enables small teams to perform accurate site measurements and immediate sharing in a short time. It is one of the best options as a first step for point cloud data utilization. If you are interested, please also check the [LRTK official site](https://www.lrtk.lefixea.com). It will surely strongly support your company's site DX.

FAQ

Q. What is point cloud data? A. It is a collection of many 3D coordinate points obtained by laser scanners or photogrammetry. It is digital data that represents an object's shape with countless points, and when displayed on a computer it appears as a 3D model that closely resembles the actual object. Q. What are the benefits of sharing point cloud data in the cloud? A. Large point cloud files can be placed in the cloud and 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 specialized software. Centralized data management reduces miscommunication and enables smooth collaboration with remote locations. Q. How can I share point clouds from the site in near real time? A. The key is to create an environment where point cloud data acquired on site can be uploaded to the cloud immediately via a mobile network. For example, by using a point cloud measurement app on a smartphone or tablet and sending data directly from the site to the cloud, the office side can view it almost in real time. If communication is difficult on site, uploading via a portable Wi‑Fi device immediately after measurement can minimize time lag. Q. Does introducing point cloud technology require high costs or specialized knowledge? A. The barriers to introducing point clouds have decreased compared with the past. Equipment prices are falling and affordable smartphone-compatible measuring devices have emerged. Software has also become simplified and more intuitive. With training provided by vendors or municipalities available as needed, you can learn step by step even without specialized knowledge. Starting with a small-scale introduction lets you test the effects without a large investment. Q. Can people unfamiliar with ICT or veteran workers use these tools? A. Yes, the latest point cloud tools are designed to be easy for anyone on site to use. They center on simple operations that follow on-screen instructions, with no difficult PC skills required. You may feel unsure at first, but with training and support you can learn in a short time. Combining experienced veterans' knowledge with digital tools can make that experience even more valuable, so veterans are likely to appreciate the convenience. Q. What is simple surveying with LRTK? A. Simple surveying with LRTK is a new surveying style that attaches a compact high-precision GNSS receiver to a smartphone. Without preparing specialized equipment, you can obtain centimeter-level position coordinates (cm level accuracy (half-inch accuracy)) with just a smartphone and immediately share the data in the cloud. This allows a single person to easily perform site inspections and as-built measurements, greatly improving traditional field-notebook and manual surveying workflows. Q. Is there a risk of information leakage when sharing point cloud data in the cloud? A. Using an appropriate cloud service can ensure security. Many services encrypt communications and provide robust access control, allowing data to be viewed only by authorized parties. Utilizing password-protected share links and expiration settings makes external sharing safer. In some cases, cloud sharing improves security compared with handing over USB flash drives. Storing data in the cloud also provides backups, reducing the risk of data loss from device loss. Q. Can I view point cloud data even if my personal computer or mobile device is not high performance? A. In the past, high-performance PCs were required to display large point clouds, but cloud services perform heavy processing on the server side so you don't need high-end hardware. Point clouds can be viewed from typical PCs or tablets via a browser. The cloud optimizes and streamlines data, streaming only the needed parts, so even large point clouds can be handled smoothly. However, a stable Internet connection is recommended for comfortable use. Q. Can I measure and process point cloud data on 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 in the browser on uploaded point clouds. Some services also allow two-way collaboration between site and office, such as adding comments to noted points and sharing them. For advanced editing or detailed drawing creation, you may need to download data and process it with specialized software, but cloud-side capabilities are increasingly becoming more comprehensive. The range of tasks that can be completed entirely in the cloud will continue to expand.