Table of Contents

• Common challenges in reaching agreement with clients

• What is point cloud data sharing?

• Benefits of point cloud data sharing: why clients are convinced

• How to implement point cloud data sharing and key points

• Making point cloud use accessible with simple surveying using LRTK

• FAQ

Common challenges in reaching agreement with clients

In architecture and civil engineering projects, reaching agreement with the client (the project owner) is extremely important. However, traditional methods tend to rely on drawings and photos to convey the finished image, and it often takes a long time until the client is truly satisfied. Especially with two-dimensional plans or design drawings alone, it is difficult to convey scale and depth, and it is not easy for a non-expert client to accurately imagine the finished state. As a result, discrepancies like “this is different from what I expected” sometimes emerge later, creating the risk of rework or additional construction under the impression of “this shouldn’t have happened.” Such misunderstandings can prolong meetings, extend schedules, increase costs, and negatively affect the trust relationship with the client.

Furthermore, drawings alone cannot fully capture subtle site conditions or slopes, causing differing impressions among stakeholders. For example, in renovation or retrofit work, when explaining to the client how the existing conditions relate to changed plan areas, it is difficult to intuitively convey “what will change where” on paper drawings, and explanations and revisions tend to be repeated. The background to difficulties in smoothly reaching agreement with clients is that the means of transmitting information have been limited in this way.

What is point cloud data sharing?

A new approach gaining attention to solve these problems is the use of “point cloud data.” A point cloud is three-dimensional data obtained as a collection of countless points that make up a space using laser scanners or photogrammetry. Each point includes actual coordinates (X, Y, Z) and color information, and when the collection of points is displayed on a computer, it becomes a 3D model that looks like a faithful reproduction of reality. For example, if you measure a building interior with point cloud scanning, you obtain a digital model of the “existing conditions” that includes walls, ceilings, differences in height, and even small beams and piping.

“Point cloud data sharing” refers to sharing such acquired point cloud data among clients, designers, contractors, and other stakeholders, and using it as shared 3D information to build consensus. While traditional photos and drawings conveyed only planar information, sharing point cloud data allows everyone involved to view the same three-dimensional spatial information simultaneously. In other words, you can show the other party a “digital version of the site” in its entirety. This enables visual sharing of details that are hard to express in words or drawings, and is expected to greatly reduce recognition gaps.

Point cloud data originally helped improve the efficiency of surveying and construction management, but recently, thanks to integration with BIM/CIM models and the development of cloud services, its use as a communication tool has expanded. You can overlay site point clouds with design data for checks, share existing conditions with remote clients, and more—the uses are diverse. In particular, with point clouds shareable on the cloud, an environment where people can “understand the site even if they are not physically there” is gradually becoming established.

Benefits of point cloud data sharing: why clients are convinced

Why does sharing point cloud data increase client buy-in and make consensus building smoother? Here are the main benefits.

• Conveys the finished image intuitively: Because point cloud data models the real space in 3D, clients can intuitively understand the finished image, including heights and depth that are hard to grasp from drawings. For example, how much a room will feel smaller with a new wall, or how ceiling height compares to a person’s height—these perceptual aspects become obvious when checked on point cloud data. Allowing clients to freely look around the 3D space themselves helps them gain an early sense of acceptance like “I see, it will be like this.”

• Prevents rework due to misaligned expectations: If all stakeholders can confirm the existing conditions and plans on the point cloud before construction, it is possible to resolve image mismatches in advance. For example, a designer can overlay a proposed 3D structure on the point cloud and present it to the client, explaining “this will be placed here” just like on site. If the client sees the finished view overlaid on the real scene, misunderstandings like “this is not what I expected” can be prevented. As a result, later specification changes or additional work decrease, stabilizing the project schedule and cost.

• Streamlines information sharing and speeds decision-making: Sharing point cloud data lets people in different roles—clients, designers, contractors—view the same information from the same perspective. Instead of one person visiting the site and bringing back measurement results, everyone can check the current state in a digital space, achieving the adage “seeing is believing.” This shortens the time spent on explanations and discussions and speeds up decision-making. For clients, being able to verify proposals with their own eyes increases confidence and lowers the psychological barrier to agreement.

• Increases credibility: Explaining while showing detailed 3D data enhances the persuasiveness and trustworthiness of the project team from the client’s viewpoint. It conveys the impression that hidden parts are accurately understood and accounted for, allowing clients to entrust the project with confidence. The very use of up-to-date technology can add value and build trust in the company and those responsible. By making explanations smoother, point cloud data sharing can also strengthen trust with clients.

• Enables remote consensus building: Point cloud data is digital information, so it can be viewed and shared from anywhere over the Internet. If a busy client cannot visit the site, they can check the 3D data from home or office. If you explain while screen-sharing in an online meeting, participants can virtually experience the site and achieve understanding close to in-person. This lets you advance consensus building beyond geographic constraints and increases flexibility in meetings.

As described above, point cloud data sharing provides clients opportunities to “see” and “experience,” making it a powerful means to elicit understanding and agreement. By sharing a level of realism not achievable with drawing-based explanations, the quality of communication improves dramatically and the time and effort required for consensus building are greatly reduced.

How to implement point cloud data sharing and key points

Although the benefits of point cloud data sharing are significant, you may wonder, “How is this actually done?” Here we outline the general flow and key points for acquiring point cloud data in practice and sharing it with clients.

• Point cloud acquisition (3D scanning): First, capture the site as point cloud data. In the past, expensive 3D laser scanners and surveying instruments were required, but these days drone-mounted LiDAR, photogrammetry, and even smartphone or tablet–embedded LiDAR sensors make scanning easy. For building interiors or simple exterior areas, simply holding up a modern smartphone and walking around can acquire fairly detailed point clouds. For wider areas or higher accuracy, dedicated equipment may be used, but there is growing flexibility to choose methods according to purpose. The important thing is to digitize the existing conditions completely at the range and accuracy you need to convey to the client.

• Data processing and preparation: Acquired point cloud data may be lightly processed to remove unnecessary noise or adjust coordinates. Tasks include merging multiple point clouds into a single model or adjusting color balance for readability. However, heavy editing is not required; basically, using the data as captured is fine. Raw point clouds that faithfully reflect reality often have the most value, so avoid unnecessary alteration.

• Uploading to the cloud and sharing setup: The easiest way to share point cloud data with stakeholders is to use a cloud point cloud viewer service. Uploading point cloud data to a dedicated cloud platform automatically makes it viewable online. You can then issue a shareable URL (link) and send that link to the client. The client simply opens the link in a web browser on a PC or tablet to view the 3D point cloud. No special software installation or license is required, and by sending the URL via email or chat, anyone can view the 3D data easily. Many services allow optional password protection or expiration settings for links, so you can address security concerns.

• Reviewing data with the client to build consensus: Once the client can view the point cloud via the shared link, use it for explanations and meetings. For example, during an online meeting with screen sharing, point to the point cloud and explain “this is the current condition” and “this part will be renovated like this.” The client can move viewpoints or zoom in on areas of interest in the browser, and you can measure distances or areas on the spot to clear up questions. Because everyone can view the same 3D space while talking, subtle nuances are easier to share. You can also overlay the design BIM model or CG renderings on the point cloud to compare the intended result with the existing conditions. For in-person meetings, displaying the point cloud on a tablet allows on-site confirmation without extensive movement, and having the client operate it during explanations deepens understanding.

• Continued use of the data: After consensus is reached, point cloud data can be used in various ways. Keeping it as a record of agreements allows later verification of “original plan vs. changes,” and during construction it helps with as-built verification and additional reviews. For the client, it also serves as material to look back on the “pre-construction condition” after completion. Efforts to share point cloud data therefore provide a foundation that supports information sharing throughout the project lifecycle, not just for a single explanation.

While this is the general flow, key points when introducing it are to make the data as easy to view as possible and to support clients so they can operate it without difficulty. Fortunately, cloud point cloud viewers are now well established, so recipients don’t need software knowledge. Large file sizes are also mitigated by cloud streaming, enabling smooth display even without a high-performance PC. Once barriers like “the data is too heavy to open” or “I don’t know how to use the software” are removed, you can fully enjoy the benefits of point cloud data sharing.

Making point cloud use accessible with simple surveying using LRTK

We’ve seen that using point cloud data sharing can dramatically smooth consensus building with clients. However, some may feel, “Isn’t it difficult to obtain point cloud data in the first place?” To address this, we introduce simple surveying with LRTK, a method gaining attention as an easier way to acquire point cloud data.

LRTK is a solution that enables high-precision surveying and point cloud measurement using just a smartphone. By combining a dedicated compact positioning device with a smartphone app, it is designed so that anyone can easily perform a 3D scan of a site. Specifically, while the smartphone’s built-in LiDAR sensor or camera scans the surroundings, the LRTK device supplements with centimeter-class high-precision GPS (RTK positioning) to correct positions. As a result, without bulky equipment, you can obtain accurate point cloud data simply by walking with a smartphone.

LRTK also integrates with cloud services, enabling immediate synchronization of point cloud data and photos from the field to the cloud. There is no need to return to the office to import data to a PC; you can upload directly from the site and issue sharing links. In other words, LRTK’s strength is that point cloud acquisition through to sharing can be completed with a single smartphone. It is designed to be easy to use even for those without surveying expertise, so small contractors and site staff can adopt it readily.

Introducing simple surveying with LRTK not only streamlines surveying work that previously required manpower and time, but also allows you to show detailed on-site data to clients on the spot. For example, field reports include comments like, “A site survey that used to take two people a full day now finishes in tens of minutes with LRTK,” and “Sharing the acquired point clouds immediately made explanations to clients smoother and increased credibility.” Advanced technology may sound difficult, but easy-to-use tools like LRTK make the innovation of consensus building through point cloud data accessible to everyone.

To achieve client-convinced consensus building, why not start by adopting digital technology in familiar ways? Using simple surveying with LRTK can make the powerful communication tool of point cloud data much more approachable. The result should be stronger trust with clients and smoother project execution overall.

FAQ

Q. What is point cloud data? A. Point cloud data are datasets that record many points making up physical space as three-dimensional coordinates. They are acquired by laser scanners or photogrammetry and represent the shapes of buildings and terrain as countless points. When displayed on a computer, the collection of points looks like a realistic 3D model, so point clouds can be thought of as digital copies of the site.

Q. How do I show point cloud data to a client? A. The simplest method is to upload the data to a cloud service that supports point cloud viewers and send the client a shareable URL. The client clicks the link and the point cloud displays in the browser. No special software or high-end PC is required—point clouds can be viewed on a computer, tablet, or smartphone. Viewing together while explaining, or letting the client operate the view, helps them understand intuitively.

Q. Can point cloud data really be viewed without dedicated software? A. Yes. Web browser–based point cloud viewing systems have emerged, and as long as there is an Internet connection, dedicated software is unnecessary. For example, a cloud viewer provided by LRTK allows anyone to open a shared link and freely rotate, zoom, and perform distance measurements on a 3D point cloud. Even without professional tools, clients and internal staff can experience the 3D data.

Q. Don’t you need expensive equipment or expertise for point cloud measurement? A. Traditionally, expensive laser scanners and skilled surveying techniques were required, but technological advances have lowered the barrier. High-end smartphones with LiDAR, compact drones, and small surveying devices let non-specialists obtain point clouds relatively easily. Solutions like LRTK enable simplified surveying with just a smartphone. With training, site staff can perform measurements themselves, making adoption easier even for small companies.

Q. I’ve heard point cloud files are large—can they be shared smoothly? A. Point clouds can be very detailed and file sizes may range from hundreds of MB to several GB. However, when shared via the cloud, recipients can stream the data without downloading, so with a good network connection the size is less noticeable. You can also split regions or compress as needed. Using shareable links avoids attachment size limits in email, allowing large datasets to be shared and viewed without stress.

Q. I’m concerned about security and data confidentiality. Is it safe to upload to the cloud? A. Using a trusted cloud service can ensure safety. You can limit access by setting passwords or expiration dates on share links, or restrict permissions to intended recipients only. When sharing with external clients, using view-only links reduces the risk of unauthorized modification or downloads. If you need stricter internal control, options such as VPNs or private clouds are available. In any case, the convenience of point cloud data sharing and security can coexist—use appropriate operational policies and feel confident using it.