How to Upload Point Cloud OBJ Files Without Failing: 5 Keys to Successful Cloud Sharing

Table of Contents

• Why sharing point cloud data is difficult

• 1. Check data formats and prepare appropriately

• 2. Optimize and split large files

• 3. Choose a cloud service that supports point clouds

• 4. Upload on a stable network

• 5. Use shareable links and verify beforehand

• Easy 3D surveying with LRTK

• FAQ

In recent years, the wider availability of drones and smartphones equipped with LiDAR has increased opportunities to capture 3D point cloud data easily at job sites. In civil engineering and construction, point cloud data that can digitally capture terrain and structures in entirety is becoming an indispensable information resource for design and construction management. However, high-resolution 3D point cloud files are extremely large, and when you try to share them within a team you often run into obstacles related to file transfer and viewing environments. “I scanned on site, but the data was so large the upload failed…” — many of you may have experienced this frustration.

A solution attracting attention for these issues is uploading point cloud data to the cloud for immediate sharing. If you can share 3D models over the internet, remote offices can quickly view the same up-to-date data, removing the need to send USB sticks by mail or wait for large downloads. For example, if you upload a point cloud to the cloud right after measuring on site, office staff can view that 3D model in real time. You can spot discrepancies with design drawings on the spot and instruct additional measurements, or make same-day decisions on design changes — enabling much faster responses.

This article explains five points to ensure you can reliably share point cloud data via the cloud. From handling large files to choosing the right service, we introduce practical tips useful in the field. Finally, we also introduce LRTK, a new technology that enables anyone to easily perform high-precision 3D surveying and point cloud sharing.

Why sharing point cloud data is difficult

When you try to share large point cloud datasets internally or externally, the traditional approaches cause the following issues.

• File sizes are extremely large: High-density point cloud datasets can easily reach several hundred MB to several GB per file. These sizes cannot be sent as email attachments and take a long time to upload and download even with cloud storage. Slow network connections increase the risk of transfer failures, making it difficult to share the latest on-site data immediately.

• Handing off data takes time and effort: Traditionally, point cloud data was often copied to external HDDs or USB sticks and handed over or mailed, incurring packing and shipping work each time. There were also risks of loss or damage during transport, which could stall a project until the data arrived.

• High barrier to viewing environments: Point cloud data is often saved in specialized formats like LAS or PLY, and recipients need compatible software, a 3D viewer, and high-performance PCs to open them. Not all stakeholders have such environments, so valuable 3D data can’t be opened and sharing stalls. As a result, richly scanned 3D data may go underutilized, and teams revert to 2D drawings or photos for communication.

• Information sharing across remote locations is not smooth: When exchanging data between distant sites, differences in file formats or required conversion procedures become obstacles, and by the time on-site updates reach other locations they may already be outdated. This undermines timely discussions and rapid decision-making, halving the benefits of point cloud use.

For these reasons, “sharing point cloud data” itself has been a major challenge. The solution that has emerged is the use of the cloud. In the next section, we’ll look at specific points to reliably upload and share point cloud data in the cloud.

1. Check data formats and prepare appropriately

Before starting an upload, first check the format and contents of your point cloud data. Point clouds acquired by laser scanners or photogrammetry are often saved in specialized formats such as LAS, PLY, or E57. Because recipients may not be able to open these formats as-is, it is important to convert them to a more universal 3D data format for sharing. For example, converting a point cloud to a polygon mesh and exporting it in Wavefront OBJ format (.obj file) allows recipients to display the model easily in common 3D viewer software or cloud services. Free software such as CloudCompare and MeshLab can be used to convert LAS or PLY point clouds to OBJ. For colored point clouds, export the material file (.mtl) and texture images along with the OBJ so color information is preserved for sharing.

Also check whether the data you plan to share contains unnecessary information. For example, remove obvious noise points or outliers caused by measurement errors before sharing. Trim the dataset to the required area only to keep the file lean and make uploading smoother. By preparing both the data format and contents in advance, you can reduce trouble in later steps.

2. Optimize file size and split files

As point clouds become more detailed, the number of points explodes and even OBJ files — which are text-based — can grow very large. Such files take a long time to upload and may exceed service size limits. Therefore, it is essential to take measures to keep data sizes to realistic levels.

Concretely, if your point cloud is denser than necessary, perform point thinning (downsampling) to reduce data volume. If the target area is extensive, splitting the data into area-based files is effective. For example, for a point cloud on the order of 10 million points, divide it into two files of 5 million points each, or otherwise segment it into manageable units. This reduces the size per file and improves upload stability.

Additionally, compressing files is effective. OBJ and point cloud files are large when uncompressed, so bundling them into a .zip archive before uploading shortens transfer time. If you have associated files such as texture images, include them in the same ZIP archive to avoid missing files during upload while saving space.

3. Choose a cloud service that supports point clouds

When sharing point cloud data, it’s also important to choose a cloud platform suited to your needs. “Cloud” covers a wide spectrum, from services specialized in sharing point clouds and 3D models to general file storage or in-house servers. Different services support different file formats, upload size limits, and features (such as measurement tools in the 3D viewer or commenting functions), so check the specifications in advance.

For example, if security is a priority for an internal project, an in-house cloud environment or a service with robust access control is appropriate. Conversely, if you need easy sharing with subcontractors or clients, open 3D model-sharing websites that allow browser-based viewing are convenient. In any case, ensure the platform supports point cloud data (OBJ files). Select the best service according to your project’s scale and purpose, and create an environment where “anyone can view it from anywhere.”

4. Upload on a stable network

The success rate of uploading large files heavily depends on the network environment. Use a high-speed, stable internet connection rather than a mobile connection at the site or an unstable Wi‑Fi. If possible, upload using an office wired LAN connection in one go.

While uploading, prevent the PC from entering sleep mode, and keep it connected to power so the transfer is not interrupted. When uploading via a browser, do not close the tab or run other heavy processes; wait for the upload to complete. Uploading multi-GB files takes time, so schedule uploads during off-peak hours or when you have sufficient time, such as between tasks or at night. Some services offer dedicated uploader applications or resume (pause-and-resume) functions. If available, use those features so uploads can continue from the point of interruption after a communication error, ensuring safe completion.

5. Use shareable links and verify beforehand

Once the point cloud data is successfully uploaded to the cloud, issue a shareable link and distribute it to stakeholders. Many cloud services can generate a dedicated URL for viewing uploaded data. Simply send that link by email or chat, and recipients can access the 3D data easily. People who receive the link can click it to display the point cloud model in a web browser, and without special software they can view and measure the model on a 3D viewer.

However, don’t forget to verify the data display before sending the link. Open the cloud-hosted point cloud model yourself and check that it displays and operates as expected. Confirm the upload is correct, that textures and colors are intact, and that position and orientation are correct. If necessary, re-upload or adjust settings so you share the best possible version with stakeholders.

Using shareable links allows geographically dispersed collaborators to discuss the same 3D data together. Because each participant can interact with the model directly rather than only viewing a screen-share, you can change viewpoints and inspect details collaboratively. Sharing the latest data in real time greatly speeds communication between the field and the office. Moreover, data stored safely in the cloud eliminates worries about lost USB sticks or mixing up old files. Everyone can refer to a single up-to-date dataset at any time, which is a major advantage.

Easy 3D surveying with LRTK

“You say sharing via the cloud is convenient, but can we actually perform high-precision 3D point cloud measurements ourselves?” — some may wonder. Traditionally, obtaining precise point cloud data required large laser scanners or contracting specialized surveying companies, with high costs and knowledge barriers. Recently, simplified point cloud measurement tools have emerged that dramatically lower these hurdles. A representative example is the simplified surveying offered by the LRTK series.

The LRTK Phone is a small 3D surveying device that attaches to a smartphone; a site worker can simply walk around with the phone to capture point cloud data with centimeter-level accuracy (half-inch accuracy) and positional information. It combines the smartphone’s built-in LiDAR scanner with a high-precision GNSS receiver to achieve accuracy comparable to dedicated surveying equipment. Because captured point clouds are automatically georeferenced in real time, you can walk while checking measured distances and volumes on the spot. That 3D measurement, which previously required experienced technicians and expensive equipment, can now be completed with only a smartphone and a palm-sized device — a revolutionary change.

The LRTK series also offers various devices to suit different uses and site scales, including lightweight tripod-mounted 3D scanners and tablet-integrated models, enabling you to capture point clouds in the optimal way for each situation. Compared to traditional large equipment, LRTK devices have lower introduction costs and are easy to operate, making 3D surveying practical even on small- to medium-sized sites that previously abandoned point cloud use. Combined with the LRTK cloud mentioned earlier, you can upload point cloud data captured on site directly to the cloud for immediate sharing, hold meetings while viewing the same 3D model remotely, or use tablet AR features to overlay models onto live site footage — enabling seamless surveying, data sharing, and utilization.

By using the LRTK series, anyone can easily incorporate high-precision, georeferenced point cloud measurement and sharing into daily work without specialized technicians or expensive equipment. If you’re interested in using point cloud data in your company, check the LRTK official site. You’ll find case studies of on-site DX (digital transformation), details on each device, and implementation plans that will surely provide ideas for improving your operations. The LRTK series is a cutting-edge technology compatible with the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism–led *i-Construction* (pronounced “i-Construction”), and as a solution that strongly supports on-site DX in the construction and civil engineering industries, it will continue to contribute to improved productivity and reduced errors on your sites.

FAQ

• What is point cloud data? It is three-dimensional data composed of countless points obtained by laser scanners or photogrammetry. The shape of an object is digitally recorded as a cluster of points, and each point includes X, Y, and Z coordinate values (positional information). It is increasingly used in topographic surveying and construction management.

• What is the OBJ format? It is a common file format for representing 3D models. The surface shape of an object is described as a collection of vertices and polygons, and color or texture images can be stored as needed. It is one of the industry-standard formats supported by many 3D software and viewers and is widely used for exchanging models generated from point cloud data.

• What format is best for sharing point cloud data? It depends on the recipient’s environment, but if they don’t have specialized software, it’s recommended to convert the data to a general-purpose format such as OBJ. Many services can display OBJ files in a web browser without a special viewer, so this format is recipient-friendly. If the recipient has point cloud processing tools, you can also provide the original point cloud formats such as LAS or E57.

• How can I share point cloud data between remote locations? If each site has internet access and a web browser, anyone can view point cloud data uploaded to the cloud. Sending a shareable link (URL) lets remote parties view the same 3D model simultaneously. Combined with online meetings, you can share the on-site situation in 3D regardless of location.

• Is point cloud data stored in the cloud safe? Yes. Many reputable cloud services protect data with mechanisms such as encrypted communication, access control settings, and regular backups. You can control access so only authorized users can view the data, and compared to managing data on your own servers, cloud storage lowers the risk of data loss in disasters.

• Can I overlay design drawings onto point cloud data? Yes. If the point cloud data is properly aligned to the reference coordinate system, you can overlay CAD drawings or BIM models in the cloud. Displaying both in the viewer makes it easy to see whether construction is proceeding according to design and to detect discrepancies immediately.

• What kind of surveying tool is LRTK? LRTK is a solution centered on small positioning and measurement devices that attach to smartphones, and its hallmark is enabling anyone to perform centimeter-level 3D surveying. Point cloud data captured on site is automatically synchronized to the LRTK cloud, where it can be displayed in 3D and measured for distances and areas in a browser. LRTK eliminates the complex data processing previously required and is an innovative tool that dramatically improves on-site information sharing.