Table of Contents

• What is point cloud data? Why viewing is important

• Challenges of using dedicated software

• Benefits of viewing point clouds in a browser

• What is LRTK Cloud?

• Basic workflow of LRTK Cloud

• Cloud security and access management

• Simple surveying with LRTK

• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

In recent years, opportunities to handle 3D point cloud data in construction, civil engineering, and surveying sites have increased. Point cloud data, which records detailed shapes of terrain and structures by acquiring large numbers of measurement points with laser scanners, drones, or smartphone-mounted LiDAR, is an indispensable information resource for promoting on-site digitalization (DX). The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism–led i-Construction initiative also encourages the use of digital data such as 3D point clouds, and point clouds are expected to be utilized for various applications including as-built management, earthwork volume calculations, and displacement monitoring. On the other hand, we often hear that “even though point clouds were measured, they aren’t being used effectively” or “we don’t have dedicated software, so we can’t check them on site immediately.” In practice, there are several hurdles to making point cloud data useful in field operations, and in some cases collected data has gone to waste. It is important to break through this situation by creating an environment where anyone can easily view and share point clouds. A notable solution for achieving this is a cloud-based point cloud viewer that requires no installation. This article explains for beginners what point cloud data is, the traditional challenges and benefits of using the cloud, and how to use the cloud point cloud viewer “LRTK Cloud.”

What is point cloud data? Why viewing is important

Point cloud data refers to 3D data composed of countless points (coordinates) that make up the surfaces of objects or terrain. Each point has XYZ coordinates (and sometimes color or reflectance intensity information), and the collection of points can represent an object’s shape in detail. For example, when terrain is measured with a laser scanner, the shape can be recorded as a collection of millions of points indicating positions on the ground surface and on structures. Because point clouds digitally preserve the “as-is” state of the site, they are used in a wide range of construction and surveying tasks such as as-built (post-construction) management, calculation of earthwork/volume, displacement measurement, and construction plan simulation.

However, to truly put point cloud data to practical use, an appropriate environment for “viewing” it is essential. Point clouds are enormous collections of points, so merely having the files is meaningless. Visualizing site-acquired point clouds in a 3D viewer and measuring necessary dimensions or checking cross-sections is what provides useful, actionable insights for work. In other words, the success of on-site DX depends on “anyone being able to easily view and analyze point clouds.” To unlock the value of point cloud data itself, it is important to provide a way to “smoothly view point clouds anytime, anywhere.”

Challenges of using dedicated software

That said, setting up an environment to “view and utilize point clouds” has traditionally faced many challenges. First is the hurdle of dedicated software and hardware. Displaying and editing point clouds required powerful point cloud processing software or CAD software, which is expensive and demands specialized knowledge and experience to learn. For small and medium-sized enterprises and beginners, the cost of introduction and learning was high, and point cloud data tended to be avoided as “too difficult.” Also, point cloud data can reach hundreds of millions of points and file sizes of several GB to several tens of GB, so handling it typically required a workstation-class high-performance PC. It is not uncommon for an ordinary office PC to freeze when opening very large point clouds. Thus, the dual burden of “dedicated software + high-spec PC” became a major barrier to point cloud utilization.

Second, data sharing and timely utilization were also problematic. Conventionally, point clouds acquired on-site were brought back to the office on USB sticks or external HDDs, processed and analyzed on the limited high-performance PCs, and the results were compiled into drawings or reports to be shared with stakeholders. This workflow introduces time lags before the 3D information acquired on site can be used. You can’t check the site point cloud on the spot, and after processing back at the office you may realize “we didn’t capture the needed area sufficiently” and have to return to the site—causing rework. Copying and distributing huge point cloud files also complicates version control. Questions like “Which is the latest version?” or “How far has processing progressed?” can cause confusion, and repeated resending of files becomes a burden, preventing stakeholders from fully sharing and utilizing the digital data. The traditional workflow that separates the field and the head office makes real-time collaboration difficult and limits the potential of point cloud data.

Benefits of viewing point clouds in a browser

A revolutionary way to lower the barriers to point cloud utilization is the use of viewers that can display and share point cloud data on a web browser. If you have an internet-connected PC or tablet, you can view point clouds via the browser without installing dedicated software, allowing you to instantly check 3D data both on site and in the office. Using a browser-based point cloud viewer offers the following benefits:

• No software installation required: As long as there is an internet connection and a web browser, it is accessible from anywhere, eliminating complex installation tasks and license management on PCs. It can be accessed from desktops, tablets, or smartphones. Even if the on-site PC does not have administrator rights to install software, accessing via a browser works fine.

• No high-performance PC required: Because the cloud side stores and renders point cloud data, the local device is not burdened even with large datasets. Once uploaded to the cloud, even point clouds at the scale of tens of millions of points can be smoothly viewed and measured in the browser. General laptops and mobile devices can handle large point clouds without stress, enabling analyses that previously required high-spec machines.

• Always share the latest data: With data stored in the cloud, all stakeholders can access the same latest point cloud. There’s no need to worry about file transfers or version control, and no more emailing attachments or handing over USB drives. Simply sharing a URL link allows remote team members to view and review the 3D data in real time. Sharing a single “source of truth” reduces communication loss and speeds decision-making.

• Intuitive operation: Browser-based 3D navigation using mouse drag, wheel operations, or touch gestures like pinch on touchscreens makes exploration intuitive. Even those unfamiliar with specialized software can move through 3D space with a feel similar to games or map apps. No need to learn complex command operations, lowering the barrier for beginners and making point cloud handling accessible to anyone in the organization.

• Immediate feedback: Because you can check point clouds immediately in the browser without launching dedicated software, you can perform quality checks and additional measurements on-site right after data collection. For example, measurement omissions that would have been noticed only after returning to the office can be discovered on site through browser viewing and remedied immediately with additional scans, preventing rework. The cycle from point cloud acquisition to utilization can be closed within the same day, so tight on-site schedules no longer prevent data use.

By working with point clouds in the browser, the time and effort to set up environments and the restrictions of location and equipment are greatly reduced, dramatically improving the speed and efficiency of point cloud data utilization.

What is LRTK Cloud?

Among these cloud-based point cloud viewers, LRTK Cloud was developed with a particular focus on construction and surveying field operations. LRTK Cloud provides a platform where various data acquired on site can be uploaded to the cloud and displayed and analyzed in a web browser. No dedicated software is required—just access the LRTK Cloud web app via the internet, and you can display and measure your point cloud data in 3D.

What was previously difficult without expensive software and specialized equipment can be achieved with just a PC or tablet using LRTK Cloud. Upload point clouds captured on site with a smartphone or drone to your organization’s cloud storage, and an optimized 3D viewer will automatically appear in the browser. The cloud includes functions to measure distances, areas, and volumes, so you can get necessary information without relying on additional analysis software. It is equipped with practical features cultivated in construction sites and is designed as a point cloud utilization platform that is easy to use for everyone from site personnel to management.

Basic workflow of LRTK Cloud

Let’s look at a typical workflow when actually using LRTK Cloud.

• Data acquisition and upload: First, acquire point cloud data. The means doesn’t matter—laser scanners, drones, or smartphone LiDAR scanning are all supported. After data acquisition, upload to LRTK Cloud. You can drag & drop files from the dedicated upload screen or sync with one tap from the LRTK smartphone app. Once upload is complete, the data is securely stored in cloud storage, and you may delete unnecessary raw data from your phone or tablet.

• Automatic cloud processing and 3D display: Uploaded point clouds are automatically processed and optimized in the cloud, and after a few minutes a 3D model will be available for web display. Difficult tasks like alignment and noise removal are performed automatically in the cloud, so users don’t need to worry about them. Log in to LRTK Cloud in your web browser and select the dataset to launch the interactive 3D viewer. You can freely change viewpoints with mouse or touch operations to observe the site in three dimensions. Heavy processing is done server-side, so the viewer runs smoothly on local PCs or tablets and large point clouds can be browsed without trouble.

• Measurements and analysis in the browser: The LRTK Cloud viewer includes various measurement and analysis tools. Basic functions such as distance measurement between two points, height checks at arbitrary locations, area calculations for enclosed regions, and volume calculation from point clouds are all available so you can obtain needed information entirely within the browser. For example, you can measure dimensions between points and add annotations, calculate cut-and-fill volumes to manage earthworks, and complete these tasks on the cloud without exporting to other software. You can also attach comments or marks to measurement results and save them, or take screenshots for inclusion in reports. The UI is easy to understand even without specialized CAD knowledge, so site personnel can quickly obtain the numbers they need.

• Data sharing and collaboration: Having point cloud data in the cloud greatly simplifies information sharing and collaboration. Multiple members at remote locations can access the same 3D point cloud model from their PCs or tablets and view and discuss it simultaneously. For example, a field operator and an office manager can look at the same area of the point cloud on their screens and exchange real-time feedback like “there’s a step here” or “let’s adjust the finishing,” enabling immediate alignment. Situations that were hard to convey with photos or drawings alone can be shared as immersive 3D data so all stakeholders gain a common understanding. Sharing cloud links instead of emailing large files ensures everyone accesses the latest version and prevents version mismatch errors. Access permissions can be set per user, allowing control so only necessary team members can view or edit the data. This kind of real-time sharing and access management smooths collaboration inside and outside the organization, speeding decision-making and improving operational efficiency.

Cloud security and access management

When entrusting data to the cloud, concerns about “Is security okay?” are natural. LRTK Cloud gives sufficient consideration to data confidentiality and safety. Uploaded point cloud data is stored in an encrypted, secure cloud environment to minimize risks of unauthorized access or information leakage. Strict access control can be applied per user and per project so that only authorized members can view or operate the data. If your corporate policy or privacy concerns make public cloud use uncomfortable, appropriate countermeasures can be discussed on a case-by-case basis.

Additionally, because LRTK Cloud is a cloud service, it is always kept up to date, so users don’t need to worry about performing software updates or applying security patches. In the past, updating software on each PC was required to ensure access to the latest features and vulnerability fixes, but the cloud eliminates that concern, allowing use in an optimal environment at all times. With robust security measures and convenience, LRTK Cloud allows you to safely store and jointly use important project data.

Simple surveying with LRTK

The advent of browser-based point cloud viewers is making a workflow of “acquire point clouds and use them immediately” increasingly accessible. Put another way, the era has come in which anyone can perform simple 3D surveying without specialized knowledge or heavy surveying equipment. LRTK actually offers solutions that allow high-accuracy point cloud acquisition with everyday devices, without expensive equipment like laser scanners. For example, recent smartphones and tablets are equipped with LiDAR sensors or high-performance cameras, allowing you to collect surrounding 3D point clouds simply by walking around a site with them. Furthermore, by combining a smartphone app called LRTK Phone with a compact GNSS positioning device, you can add centimeter-level absolute coordinates to the measured point cloud using an RTK base station, enabling high-precision 3D surveying that previously required surveying specialists and costly equipment. This means that high-accuracy 3D surveying can be performed easily by site personnel themselves.

Point clouds acquired in this way are immediately uploaded and processed on LRTK Cloud. Because the waiting time from data measurement to cloud visualization is minimized, the speed at which results can be checked on site improves dramatically. For example, at one site a staff member walked around the premises with a smartphone for about 5 minutes and was able to capture a terrain point cloud covering several tens of meters square (several tens of ft square). Using the automatically generated 3D point cloud model in the cloud, they measured necessary dimensions and volumes on the spot and completed rework and report creation for the construction site on the same day. What previously took days to weeks was finished in less than half a day. This rapid PDCA cycle enabled by LRTK’s simple surveying is a major strength.

Because high-accuracy 3D data can be obtained easily, small contractors and local governments that had been untouched by point cloud measurement are beginning to adopt LRTK-based simple surveying for infrastructure inspection and maintenance tasks. As on-site DX accelerates, the combination of a browser-based point cloud viewer and smartphone surveying is likely to become a new standard. If you face challenges in utilizing point cloud data, try simple surveying with LRTK Cloud and a smartphone. LRTK, which requires no dedicated software and is easy to start, will surely dramatically improve on-site productivity.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What devices and environments can I use LRTK Cloud on? A: LRTK Cloud can be used not only on PCs such as Windows and Mac but also on tablets and smartphones. It runs on major web browsers such as Chrome and Edge and does not require a dedicated app to be installed. However, since it is a cloud service, an internet connection is necessary.

Q: What point cloud data formats does LRTK Cloud support? A: It supports a wide range of standard point cloud file formats. For example, LAS/LAZ, PLY, XYZ, and PCD files output by many surveying devices and software can be imported and displayed in 3D. Data that includes color information or normal vectors can also be displayed without issue.

Q: Can it be used without specialized knowledge? A: Yes, LRTK Cloud is designed for intuitive operation, so even those without surveying or CAD expertise can use it. Uploading data and performing basic measurements can be done easily by following on-screen guidance, and complex tasks like point cloud alignment are automated in the cloud. If you’re unsure about operation, comprehensive support and manuals make it easy to learn.

Q: What measurements can LRTK Cloud perform? A: It includes basic measurement functions such as distance and height measurements, and area and volume calculations. Tasks like measuring the dimension between two points, checking the area of a specified region, and calculating earthwork volumes can all be completed within the browser without switching to special software. You can also annotate measurement results and use those screens as screenshots in reports. Advanced analysis functions are being added to the cloud over time, so capabilities will continue to expand.

Q: How do I start using LRTK Cloud? A: Contact LRTK via the official website and a representative can provide detailed information and a demo environment. As a cloud service, initial deployment is easy, and you can start using it immediately after account issuance. Feel free to inquire about pricing plans and specific usage.

Q: Is the security of point cloud data uploaded to LRTK Cloud assured? A: Yes, LRTK Cloud takes comprehensive measures to secure your data. Uploaded data is stored in a highly encrypted cloud environment to reduce the risk of unauthorized third-party access. Access permissions can be set per user so that only authorized members can access the data. If your company has policies that make cloud use a concern, we can discuss flexible arrangements.

Q: What are LRTK Cloud’s strengths compared to other free point cloud viewers? A: LRTK Cloud is a professional platform designed for practical on-site use. It offers not only viewing but also field-oriented features that directly support work, such as surveying measurements, comparison with design data, and AR-assisted stakeout using smartphones. While many free viewers are limited to viewing functions, LRTK Cloud provides an end-to-end solution from data acquisition to analysis and sharing, reducing the need for additional software or manual work. Its reliability is backed by numerous industry deployments and a dedicated support team. If you want to advance point cloud utilization in business, LRTK Cloud is an all-in-one solution that enables efficient workflows.

Conclusion

Using LRTK Cloud, which requires no installation and is easy to use, makes sharing and utilizing point cloud data—previously a high hurdle—remarkably accessible. It enables end-to-end data utilization from the field to remote offices, dramatically improving the efficiency of surveying and construction management. If you have any challenges in leveraging point cloud data, please give LRTK Cloud a try. For detailed information or demo requests, feel free to contact LRTK via the official website or inquiry channels. Use LRTK Cloud to take your on-site operations to the next stage!