Visualizing 3D Scan Point Clouds in the Browser - With LRTK, Map Display and Sharing Are Easy

Table of Contents

• Challenges of traditional point cloud data usage and Google Maps display

• No installation required! Features of the browser point cloud viewer LRTK

• Changes LRTK brings to surveying sites

• Conclusion: Simple surveying anyone can do with LRTK

• FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Challenges of traditional point cloud data usage and Google Maps display

In recent years, advances in 3D scanning technology have brought attention to point cloud data (a multitude of 3D points obtained by laser scanning or photogrammetry) in construction, civil engineering, and surveying. Point clouds, which can record terrain undulations and the shapes of structures in detail, are useful in many situations such as checking against design drawings, calculating volumes of fills and excavations for construction, and confirming safety. However, there have been several challenges to using acquired point cloud data on site.

First, traditionally, displaying and analyzing point cloud data required expensive dedicated equipment and specialized software. For example, terrestrial laser scanners or drone photogrammetry can acquire high-accuracy point clouds, but the equipment cost is very high, and advanced skills are required for operation and data processing. Large-equipment surveys often require multiple people working all day, placing a heavy burden on labor shortages and operational efficiency. Point cloud data was often avoided as “too difficult,” and even when acquired, it was sometimes not fully utilized.

Furthermore, the difficulty of processing and sharing acquired point cloud data cannot be ignored. Point cloud files can become enormous—ranging from millions to hundreds of millions of points—so without a high-performance workstation and specialized software, they cannot be handled smoothly. Typically, data had to be taken back to the office after on-site measurement for processing and analysis. This created a time lag from measurement to sharing results that hindered quick decision-making. Sharing data with stakeholders also involved the hassle of handing over external storage or exporting static images for reports, meaning the valuable 3D information was often not fully shared or utilized.

There were also challenges in visualizing point cloud data on maps. Usually, raw point clouds often lack absolute position coordinates (such as latitude and longitude), so it is not immediately clear where they correspond in the real world. Therefore, even if users wanted to “display point cloud data on Google Maps to intuitively confirm locations” or “share on a map with everyone,” conventional methods made this difficult. You would need to align coordinates with specialized software or build a custom 3D viewer environment, which posed a high barrier for general users.

In response to this situation, and amid industry-wide calls for ICT utilization and on-site DX (digital transformation) driven by initiatives such as the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism’s *i-Construction*, there has been a strong demand for new technology that allows easy on-site use and immediate visualization of point cloud data.

No installation required! Features of the browser point cloud viewer LRTK

A solution attracting attention for addressing these issues is LRTK, a browser-based point cloud viewer that requires no installation and enables display and sharing of point clouds. LRTK is an innovative surveying system developed by a startup originating from the Tokyo Institute of Technology, consisting of a small high-precision GNSS device that attaches to a smartphone and a cloud service. Its key feature is the ability to easily acquire point cloud data with centimeter-level position information (cm level accuracy, half-inch accuracy) without using special large equipment, and to immediately visualize and share it in the cloud. The dedicated device weighs only about 165 g and is pocket-sized with a thickness of about 1 cm (0.4 in), yet it houses a high-precision GNSS antenna, an RTK receiver, and a battery; attaching it to a smartphone enables Real-Time Kinematic (RTK) positioning that achieves centimeter-level accuracy (cm level accuracy, half-inch accuracy). Compared with traditional surveying equipment, the introduction cost is also lower, making it realistic to carry one surveying tool per person.

LRTK Cloud is available wherever there is an internet connection and a web browser—no software installation on a PC is required. Below are the main features of LRTK.

• Ready to use without software: Without the hassle of installing dedicated software, you can view 3D point cloud data anywhere—from tablets on site to office PCs—so long as a web browser is available. Large-scale point cloud processing is performed in the cloud, so the local device does not need high processing performance. There is no stress from launching heavy dedicated software, and the latest data can be accessed from any PC within the organization.

• Easy point cloud measurement with a smartphone: By snapping the dedicated small RTK-GNSS receiver onto a smartphone and using the LRTK app, anyone can easily perform point cloud scans. Even smartphones without built-in LiDAR can generate point clouds from multiple automatically captured images, making it usable on a wide range of devices. Combining high-precision positioning with the smartphone’s built-in LiDAR and camera allows scanning of complex terrain and structures with one hand; there is no need to mount a tripod, and you can acquire on-site 3D data by simply walking around as if recording a video with your phone.

• High-precision 3D point clouds with absolute coordinates: Because LRTK continuously positions itself with centimeter-level accuracy (cm level accuracy, half-inch accuracy), all point cloud data acquired with a smartphone is tagged with accurate position coordinates (absolute coordinates). With ordinary smartphone-only LiDAR scans, the acquired point cloud model’s real-world location can be unknown or data can distort and shift when walking around. LRTK prevents such errors, and data scanned in multiple sessions automatically aligns perfectly. Since acquired point clouds have geographic coordinates, they can be immediately overlaid and checked against maps and design drawings, allowing quick spatial understanding of on-site 3D data.

• Rich 3D viewer functions: The browser 3D viewer allows intuitive manipulation of point cloud data. You can change viewpoints freely with mouse or touch to get an overview or zoom in on details. In addition, there are many analysis tools such as measuring distance between any two points on the point cloud, area calculation for polygon-enclosed regions, and volume calculation for areas enclosed on the ground surface. You can place markers at arbitrary positions on the point cloud and leave comments, enabling the sharing of observations and instructions within the 3D space. Since you can measure required dimensions on the spot from acquired point clouds and immediately calculate quantities for fills or excavations, there is no need to wait for additional calculation work.

• Cloud-based data sharing: All data measured with LRTK is automatically saved to cloud storage. Once a scan is completed on site, the data is synced to the cloud from the smartphone, so detailed point cloud checks on a PC are ready by the time you return to the office. Uploaded point cloud data can be viewed by simply sharing a link with stakeholders. Recipients do not need specialized software—opening the shared URL in a browser launches the 3D viewer and anyone can view the data. You can set expiration dates and passwords for shared links for security. It is also possible to display multiple point cloud datasets and 3D design models simultaneously on one screen, so remote team members can discuss using the same 3D information in real time—a major advantage.

By leveraging LRTK in this way, a new surveying workflow becomes possible on site: “quickly measure with our own hands, immediately check 3D data on the spot, and share it.” You can overlay maps and point clouds in a browser and complete team sharing right there. Next, let’s look at the concrete benefits this technological innovation brings to the field.

Changes LRTK brings to surveying sites

With the features described above, LRTK brings various changes to surveying and construction management sites. First is a dramatic improvement in work efficiency. Surveying work that used to take several people a full day can sometimes be completed by one person in a short time using LRTK. For example, when calculating the volume of a large fill, conventional methods measured heights at many points and performed calculations, but with LRTK you can obtain a detailed 3D model by quickly walking around and scanning with a smartphone, and volumes are automatically calculated in the cloud. Time previously spent compiling survey results and creating drawings can be greatly reduced, allowing that time to be allocated to other tasks.

Improvements in safety are also notable. Even measurements that previously required work in hazardous areas or during late-night hours can be completed in a short time from a relatively safe position with LRTK. For instance, clearance (building limit) measurements inside railway tunnels traditionally required night work after the last train, but with LRTK you can walk through and scan the tunnel during the day in a short time to safely and accurately capture required spatial dimensions. For high structures or steep slopes, operators can acquire necessary point clouds from ground level by holding a smartphone up, reducing the risk of erecting scaffolding or climbing heights. Measurements previously performed at night or in dangerous locations may be replaced by short daytime tasks.

LRTK also helps alleviate labor shortages. Advanced 3D surveying used to rely on experienced surveyors, but with LRTK, many on-site personnel can perform a certain level of 3D measurement. Intuitive smartphone operation and automatic analysis allow new employees and staff outside surveying specialties to obtain and use sufficiently accurate data, preventing work concentration on a single expert. This contributes to overall organizational productivity and is an effective measure against future concerns about shortages of surveying technicians.

Furthermore, it is important that high-resolution 3D point cloud data can be accumulated as records. Construction conditions that used to be recorded on paper drawings or photographs can now be stored as precise digital point clouds. This allows later verification of terrain changes before and after construction, or 3D reconstruction of the site at the time of an incident for root cause analysis. Centralized cloud management of on-site data reduces time spent searching past records and smooths internal information sharing.

LRTK can also be integrated with drone photogrammetry. By attaching high-accuracy RTK-GNSS coordinates to point cloud models generated from aerial images, accurate terrain surveys of large sites can be performed efficiently. Combining ground smartphone measurements and aerial drone measurements makes it possible to construct a more comprehensive 3D map in a short time. For example, at a large development site, drone scans can cover the whole area while LRTK Phone ground scans supplement parts obscured by trees or buildings. Point clouds acquired by different methods are all aligned from the start in global coordinates (absolute coordinates in a geodetic reference), so they can be integrated seamlessly without later position alignment—a groundbreaking advantage.

Conclusion: Simple surveying anyone can do with LRTK

LRTK is a key tool that strongly promotes digital transformation (DX) in surveying and construction sites. Employing cutting-edge technology while remaining easy to operate, it realizes simple surveying that can be used without special qualifications or advanced expertise. The greatest benefit of simple surveying is that it combines “speed,” “ease,” and “accuracy.” With LRTK, you can measure the site yourself when needed, instantly share the data, and move on to the next action. This speed dramatically improves on-site productivity and enables high-quality outcomes with limited personnel.

If you currently face time or cost challenges in your surveying operations, consider trying LRTK. LRTK, which lets anyone quickly and accurately 3D-scan a site and seamlessly share data, should become a reliable ally that greatly expands surveying possibilities, enabling efficiency improvements and new uses you might have thought impossible.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: What equipment or preparations are required to use LRTK? A: LRTK can be used with an internet-capable smartphone or tablet. To perform point cloud measurements yourself, you need the small LRTK device (a high-precision GNSS receiver) that attaches to a smartphone and the dedicated LRTK app. However, if you only want to view point cloud data shared by colleagues or other companies, no special equipment is required. Simply open the shared URL in a PC or smartphone browser to view the data via the installer-free 3D viewer. The LRTK device itself can be attached with one touch to a dedicated smartphone case, and if needed, a monopod (pole) can be attached so it can be used like a traditional GNSS surveying instrument to precisely measure a single point on the ground.

Q: Can it be used without surveying expertise? A: Yes, LRTK is designed to be easy for beginners to use. The smartphone app is intuitive, and anyone can start point cloud measurement by following on-screen instructions. Visualization and measurement of the obtained 3D data are also interactive in the browser, so complicated settings or command operations are not required. However, for practical use, having basic knowledge of coordinate systems and measurement items helps smooth operation, so it is recommended that in-house technicians support initial on-site use. In practice, cases have been reported where new staff, after a short training session, mastered LRTK and were able to assist with surveying tasks.

Q: In what applications or sites is LRTK useful? A: LRTK is applicable to a wide range of civil engineering and construction scenes. For example, it is powerful for measuring volumes of fills and excavations in infrastructure construction sites. Manual earthwork calculations can be performed immediately by scanning terrain point clouds with LRTK. For surveying large parcels of land, LRTK can capture high-density ground surface data by walking the site once, greatly reducing work time compared to traditional methods that measure one point at a time with a total station. The acquired point clouds comprehensively record current conditions, reducing the risk of missing areas and requiring re-surveys. For as-built management, you can record post-construction ground and structures in detail with point clouds and overlay them with design data to check finished quality. Point clouds are also effective for dimensional checks of complex shapes, such as bridge or tunnel displacement measurements and piping clash checks in plants. You can also generate cross-sections from the acquired data or visualize differences with design models by color-coding, making as-built conditions easy to see. Whether indoors or outdoors, whenever you need to grasp on-site conditions in detail, LRTK is useful.

Q: How reliable is the accuracy of point cloud data obtained with LRTK? A: LRTK combines RTK-GNSS centimeter-level positioning accuracy (cm level accuracy, half-inch accuracy) with high-density point cloud acquisition from smartphone LiDAR/cameras, and with proper procedures it provides 3D data accurate enough for general civil engineering surveying and construction management. Of course, for specialized tasks that require millimeter-level precision, such as control point surveying, dedicated instruments may still be necessary. However, LRTK’s accuracy has been demonstrated to be sufficient for many field tasks such as fill volume calculation and structural displacement checks.

Q: Does adopting LRTK lead to cost savings? A: Yes, using LRTK has significant cost advantages. First, initial investment is often much lower than purchasing expensive 3D laser scanners or surveying instruments, as the LRTK device combined with a smartphone tends to be more economical. Increased surveying efficiency also reduces labor costs and days on site, contributing to lower overall operational costs. Cloud-based data sharing eliminates the need to mail paper drawings or travel for meetings, saving both time and money. Depending on site scale and use, LRTK is a solution that maintains sufficient accuracy while enabling economical surveying.

Q: Can large point cloud datasets be displayed in a browser? A: Yes, LRTK Cloud supports large-scale point cloud datasets. Because the cloud efficiently processes and distributes data, even huge point cloud files on the order of tens of millions of points can be smoothly operated in a browser. User devices do not require high-performance GPUs or CPUs; the system ensures a smooth viewing experience by appropriately thinning point clouds as needed. In practice, laser scan datasets exceeding 100 million points have been displayed smoothly on a typical laptop.

Q: Is LRTK compatible with other software and systems? A: Point cloud data and measurement results obtained with LRTK can be exported and shared in common file formats. For example, point clouds can be output in standard LAS or PLY formats for detailed analysis in third-party point cloud processing software, and cross-sectional shapes can be exported as DXF for CAD drawings. The positioning coordinates provided by LRTK are compatible with public coordinate systems (geodetic coordinates), making it easy to align with other survey data or GIS systems. In short, LRTK allows acquired point clouds to be smoothly integrated into existing workflows.

Q: Can it be used indoors or in areas where GNSS signals do not reach? A: Even in environments without GNSS, it is possible to acquire point cloud data using the smartphone’s own sensors (LiDAR or camera). However, in that case the acquired point cloud will not have absolute coordinates and will be recorded in a local coordinate system, so special measures are required for precise alignment with other data. LRTK also includes a “detailed point cloud scan” mode that generates high-resolution point clouds from photographic images, which can be applied to 3D modeling of indoor spaces where GPS does not reach. For applications requiring precise positioning, it is advisable to tie scans to known control points (georeference) beforehand. Even indoors, if Wi‑Fi or cellular connection allows cloud access, scanned data can be uploaded on site and shared with stakeholders, preserving that advantage. Combining outdoor GNSS measurements with indoor scans enables construction of integrated 3D models of both building interiors and exteriors.