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Table of Contents

• Basics of point clouds and the cloud

• Challenges of conventional point cloud utilization

• Examples of collaborative point cloud work using the cloud

• Benefits of cloud use (cost reduction, efficiency, labor saving)

• Tips for cloud operation to avoid failure in collaborative work

• Introduction to simple surveying using LRTK

• FAQ

Basics of Point Clouds and the Cloud

"Point cloud data" refers to three-dimensional data composed of countless points acquired by devices such as laser scanners or photogrammetry. Each point contains coordinates in real space (X, Y, Z) and color information, and when displayed on a computer the collection of points reproduces a lifelike three-dimensional space. Even complex shapes that cannot be measured in photos or plans can be captured and digitally preserved as-is with high-density points in a point cloud, which is a major strength. Recently, point cloud data has begun to attract attention in construction and civil engineering sites. This trend is driven not only by the spread of drones and fixed 3D laser scanners, but also by the emergence of new, easy-to-use measurement technologies such as smartphone LiDAR functions. In addition, construction DX policies promoted by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, such as "i-Construction," are encouraging this trend, and point cloud data is expected to be a trump card for on-site digitization.

So what is the "cloud"? The cloud refers to a service model in which data is stored and processed on servers on the Internet and made available when needed via network access. If you entrust your data to the cloud, you do not need to keep large files on your local PC, and anyone with a network connection can access the same data from anywhere. With the recent development of high-speed networks and diversification of services, cloud management of business data has become common. Large, specialized files like point cloud data are particularly well suited to the cloud. By leveraging the cloud, heavy 3D data can be easily shared and viewed, and high-performance processing can be performed remotely. In other words, by combining point clouds and the cloud, you can create an environment where all stakeholders can work with 3D data regardless of location or device constraints.

Challenges of Conventional Point Cloud Utilization

Point cloud data is a valuable source of information that can faithfully record site details, but its practical use has traditionally faced several challenges. The first barrier is the large data volume. High-precision point clouds can contain millions to hundreds of millions of points, and file sizes of hundreds of MB to several GB are not uncommon. They cannot be sent as email attachments, and handing them over via USB memory or external hard drives is cumbersome. Even if uploaded to cloud storage, the recipient must download the huge file, which can cause significant time loss depending on the network environment.

The second challenge is that specialized software and high-performance PCs are required. Point cloud data cannot be opened by just double-clicking like ordinary images or PDFs. Displaying and manipulating 3D point clouds requires compatible viewer or CAD software, and a PC with high rendering performance is needed for smooth operation. Not all stakeholders—such as site technicians or clients—necessarily have such software or hardware, so situations often arise where “even though point clouds were acquired, the recipients cannot open them.” In some cases, as a last resort to share 3D information, the data is converted into 2D still images or videos for distribution. However, still images and videos prevent recipients from freely measuring or changing viewpoints, so they cannot convey the full value of the point cloud. As a result, the goal of sharing detailed 3D data to align site understanding may not be achieved, and communication can revert to relying on traditional drawings and photos.

Thus, using point cloud data collaboratively with multiple people was traditionally time-consuming and constrained. The hurdles of transferring large files, distributing specialized software and arranging licenses, and preparing expensive equipment were barriers to collaborative point cloud work.

Examples of Collaborative Point Cloud Work Using the Cloud

How can these challenges be solved? One answer is using the cloud. If point cloud data is placed on the cloud, the sharing barriers described above can be removed at once. Here are some examples of new on-site operations made possible by sharing and collaborating on point clouds in the cloud.

• Simplified inspection attendance: For as-built inspections after construction, clients or supervisors traditionally had to attend the site at the same time, requiring everyone to gather physically. If point cloud data is shared on the cloud in advance, responsible personnel can check construction details from the office. This can reduce the number and duration of on-site attendances and enable replacing some on-site presence with remote participation when appropriate.

• Data sharing in internal meetings: For meetings involving project members at multiple locations—site representatives, designers, headquarters managers, etc.—a shared cloud link to the point cloud is powerful. Displaying the 3D point cloud in a browser on a conference-room screen allows everyone to view the same area while discussing. Situations that were hard to convey with text or 2D plans can be aligned more easily by sharing realistic point clouds, speeding up decision-making.

• Collaboration with remote locations: With cloud sharing, teams separated by distance—such as rural construction sites and urban headquarters, or distant branches—can collaborate without issue. For example, if a point cloud collected on-site is uploaded immediately, remote experts can view the data and provide advice. You can also manage multiple site datasets in the cloud and have headquarters monitor the progress of each site at a glance. The ability for the necessary people to access up-to-date 3D site information at the right time without travel time or expense is a major advantage.

Furthermore, accumulating point cloud data in the cloud helps with centralized management of construction records. You can trace back chronologically to see “what the site looked like at that time,” which is powerful for retaining evidence of work performed and sharing understanding among stakeholders. For example, in a certain road construction project, scans were taken and point cloud data shared to the cloud at the completion of each phase. Previously, the client and site would meet for as-built confirmations each time, but by sharing point clouds sequentially they could remotely identify and correct problem areas, enabling the final inspection to be completed smoothly. In this way, cloud-based point cloud sharing is beginning to contribute significantly to reducing rework and facilitating smooth communication on site.

Benefits of Cloud Use (Cost Reduction, Efficiency, Labor Saving)

Cloud-based collaborative point cloud work like the examples above brings various benefits to projects. Here we summarize the advantages from the particularly important perspectives of cost reduction, operational efficiency, and labor saving.

• Cost reduction: One of the greatest cost advantages of using the cloud is that you no longer need to prepare licenses for specialized software for every stakeholder or equip high-performance workstations everywhere. If a shared link allows viewing, recipients typically only need a general-purpose web browser (often free), and can use their existing PCs or tablets. Being able to check data remotely reduces unnecessary travel and on-site visits, cutting travel and labor costs. Additionally, early detection and correction of issues using point cloud data can prevent later rework and additional costs.

• Operational efficiency: The speed of information sharing and communication improves dramatically. When data is uploaded to the cloud, the office side can start processing and reviewing it immediately after on-site measurement, enabling parallel workflows. Previously, it could take days to bring site-measured data back, process it, and distribute it, but with the cloud all stakeholders can refer to the latest data almost in real time. This speeds up decision-making, shortens meeting times, and simplifies report preparation, greatly improving coordination between the site and the office. Since data uploaded to the cloud can be reused many times, redundant repeated measurements are reduced. Intuitive visual data also reduces communication loss and transmission errors, improving overall project productivity.

• Labor saving (streamlining): Amid chronic labor shortages, combining the cloud with point clouds contributes to “doing more work with fewer people.” For example, if measurement tasks that formerly required survey specialists can be performed by site personnel using simple point cloud measurement tools, the burden on specialists is reduced. Because measurement results are shared in the cloud, stakeholders do not need to individually visit the site. This makes it easier for limited personnel to manage multiple sites concurrently, enabling a smarter operation that does not rely on mass manpower. Reducing work in hazardous areas and enabling safe monitoring from the office also brings both labor-saving and safety improvements. Point clouds plus the cloud are a powerful aid to maintaining and improving work quality even when personnel or skills are scarce.

Tips for Cloud Operation to Avoid Failure in Collaborative Work

Cloud-based collaboration has many benefits, but operational considerations are essential to maximize its effect. Here are some tips to help ensure smooth cloud sharing of point cloud data.

• Choose an appropriate cloud service: First, select a cloud platform suited to handling point cloud data. Rather than simple online storage, a service that can display and manipulate 3D point clouds directly in the browser is ideal. Services that support point cloud compression and streaming display make it possible to view large datasets smoothly. Check whether the service provides the specialized analysis tools and commenting functions needed for your project.

• Organize data and centralize management: Prepare project-specific shared folders or workspaces in the cloud and manage related point cloud data, photos, and drawings together. Separating folders by measurement date or location and adding clear information to file names helps team members find needed data without confusion. Maintain the latest data always on the cloud to prevent situations where members refer to locally saved outdated files. This operational discipline helps avoid confusion.

• Access rights and security settings: When sharing in the cloud, manage access rights appropriately for each dataset. For internal use allow editing and downloading as needed, while restricting externally shared links to view-only. Actively use password protection and expiration settings for shared links where available to prevent leakage of sensitive data. Establish rules for security management—such as removing access for members who leave the project and disabling unnecessary shared links—to reduce risks. Although the service provider generally implements encryption and server-side security, users should also operate with basic security awareness.

• Prepare on-site communication environments: To upload point cloud data immediately from the field, a stable network connection is essential. Provide high-speed means such as Wi-Fi routers or 5G lines so large data can sync quickly. In areas with poor reception—mountainous regions or underground—store the data temporarily on a PC and upload later from the office. To avoid delays in collaboration due to communication troubles, consider backup communication methods such as spare mobile routers or multiple carrier lines.

• Inform and train the team: After introducing a new cloud tool, make sure the whole team knows how to use it and understands operational rules. Advanced IT skills are not required; a simple demonstration showing how to open a browser URL, change viewpoint, and take measurements is often enough for many users to get the feel quickly. The important thing is to avoid having team members who "don't use it because they don't understand." Provide initial support and training time so everyone—from site staff to management—can access and use the data. It can be helpful to conduct a pilot on a small project to identify issues and incorporate team feedback before full deployment.

Introduction to Simple Surveying Using LRTK

When discussing cloud-based collaborative point cloud work, an indispensable perspective is how to simplify on-site point cloud acquisition. The latest solution, LRTK (pronounced "L-R-T-K"), offers a groundbreaking approach in this regard. LRTK is an integrated solution that enables centimeter-class high-accuracy surveying and point cloud measurement using a smartphone; it makes it possible to complete 3D measurement with just a smartphone, without having to carry large laser scanners or surveying equipment. It consists of an intuitive dedicated app that anyone can use and a palm-sized positioning device attachable to an iPhone, allowing site personnel to quickly collect point clouds on the spot.

With LRTK, acquired data is immediately synchronized to the cloud. Point clouds and position information captured on a smartphone are uploaded directly to the cloud, eliminating the need to return to the office and copy data to a PC. If the communication environment is in place, colleagues or clients in the office can view the point cloud data via a browser just minutes after the field measurement button is pressed. The data is automatically backed up and securely stored in the cloud, minimizing the risk of data loss due to device loss or failure. The seamless flow from on-site measurement → cloud sharing dramatically accelerates point cloud utilization.

LRTK also supports AR (augmented reality) technology. Through the smartphone screen, you can overlay acquired point clouds and design models onto the real scene. For example, you can AR-display a 3D design model on top of a scanned terrain to confirm the completed appearance on site. Alignment is performed automatically, so you can project 3D data to the "intended position" on the smartphone screen without a tape or layout marks. This feature enables intuitive visual checks of construction accuracy and as-built confirmation. By merging real space and digital data via AR, alignment of understanding and consensus building among stakeholders becomes smoother.

LRTK’s features are also highly effective in disaster sites and construction management. Immediately after a disaster, rapid situation assessment and information sharing are critical. LRTK allows you to walk through a damaged site with a smartphone while scanning point clouds and uploading them to the cloud in real time. Remote headquarters and experts can instantly view the 3D data, enabling swift planning for rescue and recovery and rapid damage assessment. Complexly collapsed terrains and structures can be recorded in detail with point clouds, which is useful for later verification and reporting.

In routine construction management, LRTK is also useful. Even on small construction sites, keeping easy daily 3D records makes progress tracking and quantity control reliable. For example, in excavation work, creating point clouds of the terrain before and after excavation with LRTK allows instantaneous volume calculations and checks of the finished shape. Decisions that previously relied on the experience of skilled technicians can be replaced by quantitative evaluations based on 3D data, improving quality assurance and reducing waste. Sharing progress data with clients and designers in the cloud allows remote monitoring and guidance, helping to prevent rework and mistakes.

Thus, LRTK simplifies the entire workflow from point cloud acquisition to sharing and utilization, offering a major step toward site DX. Smartphone- and cloud-based easy 3D surveying contributes to projects with speed and cost performance that overturn conventional wisdom. Point cloud technology, which once required expensive equipment and specialist skills, is becoming accessible to everyone through LRTK. If you face challenges in point cloud utilization, consider adopting LRTK. This solution achieves labor saving, efficiency, and high accuracy simultaneously—updating the site’s "normal" and stepping into the next-generation construction style.

FAQ

Q: Do I need special software to view point cloud data on the cloud? A: No, you do not. Shared point cloud data can be viewed simply by opening it in common web browsers such as Chrome or Safari. Whether on a PC or tablet, recipients do not need to install dedicated viewer software or apps. There is no need to obtain permission to install software on corporate PCs—stakeholders can check 3D data by clicking the provided URL link.

Q: Do recipients need an LRTK account or license to view the data? A: No, they do not. People who receive a shared link can view the data without special account registration or a paid license. Anyone who knows the link can access the specified point cloud data, which is a major advantage of cloud sharing (※ if a password is set for security, you must provide the password separately along with the link).

Q: Is the security of sensitive data entrusted to the cloud safe? A: Many point cloud cloud services, including the LRTK cloud, encrypt communication paths and implement strict server-side security measures. In addition, shared URLs can be protected with viewing passwords and expiration dates as needed, so even if a link is leaked to a third party, unauthorized viewing is prevented. The data provider can also invalidate or delete shared links, reducing the risk of unintentionally continuing to share with others. For internal project spaces, viewing rights can be limited to internal members only, and you can flexibly share only portions of data externally.

Q: Can I view 3D point clouds from smartphones or tablets? A: Yes, mobile devices are supported. Shared links can be opened in smartphone or tablet browsers, allowing you to check point cloud data on-site using your device. You can intuitively manipulate the 3D view with touch gestures such as swiping to change viewpoint and pinching to zoom. However, handling large datasets over mobile networks can consume significant data, so use Wi‑Fi as needed for comfort.

Q: Can I measure distances or write comments on shared data? A: Yes. The cloud viewer includes tools to measure distances and elevation differences, so recipients can directly check dimensions of interest. Some services also allow placing pins and comments (annotations) at arbitrary points within the point cloud. For example, you can leave a memo like “Please reexamine how this detail fits” in the 3D space and share it with stakeholders. These measurement and commenting functions make cloud point clouds a two-way communication tool. Note that comments or measurements made by viewers do not overwrite the original point cloud data. The original file remains stored in the provider’s cloud, and recipients are given view/annotation permissions only.

Q: Can I overlay point cloud data or design models using smartphone AR? A: Yes. With LRTK, acquired point clouds and BIM/CIM models can be projected into real space using smartphone AR. For example, you can display a building model on an empty lot to review the post-construction view, or overlay a design drawing on an existing structure’s point cloud to check for construction deviations. LRTK device’s high-precision GNSS performs automatic alignment, so 3D objects are displayed at true scale and correct positions in AR. Holding a tablet on-site to intuitively show “what will be here in the future” is useful for explaining to clients or neighbors and for aligning understanding among workers.

Q: What is required to use LRTK? A: To start using LRTK, you only need a compatible iPhone and a dedicated small positioning device. iPhone models equipped with a LiDAR sensor enable higher-precision point cloud measurement, but models without LiDAR can still perform surveys with position information using GNSS. The LRTK device (“LRTK Phone”) is a palm-sized unit that attaches to an iPhone and includes a high-precision GNSS receiver, antenna, and battery. Install the dedicated app on your smartphone and connect the device to begin centimeter-class positioning and point cloud scanning immediately. The cloud service for storing acquired data is included, and you can upload point clouds and issue sharing links from the smartphone itself. Compared with conventional surveying instruments, portability is dramatically improved and setup is simple, so you can scale device numbers per site and build an environment where anyone can perform measurements like a surveyor immediately.