Point Cloud OBJ Upload Practical Workflow: Smoothly Share 3D Data from Site to Cloud

Table of Contents

• What is point cloud data?

• What is the OBJ format?

• Challenges of sharing point cloud data

• Benefits of sharing point cloud data in the cloud

• Steps to upload point cloud OBJ data to the cloud

• What is LRTK? A point cloud measurement tool you can complete with a smartphone

• Point cloud data sharing enabled by LRTK Cloud

• Benefits and use cases of introducing LRTK

• Simple surveying with LRTK

• FAQ

In recent years, 3D scanning technology has become more accessible thanks to drones and smartphone-mounted LiDAR, increasing opportunities to capture point cloud data — three-dimensional data composed of a large number of points — on site. In civil engineering and construction, point cloud data, which can digitally capture terrain and structures in their entirety, is becoming an indispensable information resource for design, construction management, and maintenance. However, when sharing such high-resolution 3D data within a team, traditional methods have posed several barriers, such as huge file sizes and the need for specialized software. As a result, smooth information sharing between the field and the office has often been impeded.

One approach gaining attention to solve these problems is uploading point cloud data to the cloud for instant sharing. By simply sharing a link over the internet, team members at remote locations can view the latest 3D model, significantly reducing the handling effort and time lag that used to occur. For example, if you sync scans to the cloud immediately after scanning on site, office staff can view the data in real time, discover inconsistencies with design drawings and instruct additional measurements, or make same-day decisions on design changes, enabling rapid response. This article explains what point cloud data and the OBJ format are, the challenges of traditional sharing methods, and how cloud solutions address these issues and their benefits. We also touch on the advantages of overlaying drawings and point clouds in the cloud, and finally introduce simple surveying using LRTK, which enables anyone to easily perform 3D surveying and point cloud sharing.

What is point cloud data?

Point cloud data is three-dimensional data consisting of countless points acquired by laser scanners or photogrammetry. Each point that makes up the surface of the object or terrain contains X, Y, and Z coordinates, and the vast collection of these points records the shape of the real world in detail. When combined with positioning technology, coordinate-attached point cloud data includes real-world reference coordinates for the entire point cloud, making it easy to integrate and overlay with other geographic information or CAD drawing data.

What is the OBJ format?

The OBJ format (Wavefront .obj) is a general-purpose file format for recording 3D model geometry. An OBJ file represents an object’s surface using a mesh (polygon faces) composed of vertices and polygons, and can include color information and texture images as needed. While point cloud data is a collection of countless points, OBJ represents the model as surfaces, but both express the three-dimensional shape of the subject. For example, if you export a 3D model generated from drone photos or a smartphone LiDAR scan as an OBJ file, the model can be displayed and shared with common 3D viewers or cloud services even without specialized software. If you don’t have tools that can handle point clouds directly, converting to OBJ can make it easier to exchange models with stakeholders, which is why OBJ is widely used in practice.

Challenges of sharing point cloud data

Although 3D point cloud data contains very rich information, attempting to share it within a team using traditional methods encounters many difficulties. The main challenges are as follows.

• Large data size: Point cloud datasets can range from a few GB to hundreds of GB, making email attachments impossible. In the past, it was necessary to copy data to external HDDs or USB drives and hand-deliver or ship them, but this handover took time each time and caused project delays.

• Handover effort and risk: Writing data to physical media and shipping it involves packaging and shipping effort and costs, and there is always a risk of loss or damage in transit. There can also be trouble reading the data on the recipient’s side, and until the data arrives, detailed site information cannot be shared, causing communication delays.

• Need for specialized software and high-performance PCs: Displaying and manipulating 3D point clouds often requires specialized viewer software or workstation-class high-performance PCs, so not all stakeholders could easily view the data. The need to install software and prepare hardware became an obstacle to information sharing.

• Difficulty collaborating with remote locations: Exchanging point cloud data between distant sites can take a long time even over the network, and compatibility issues caused by different file formats often arise. As a result, by the time the latest site information reaches other locations, it may already be outdated, preventing timely discussions and rapid decision-making.

Benefits of sharing point cloud data in the cloud

These challenges can be resolved by centrally managing point cloud data on a cloud service. By uploading point cloud data collected on site to cloud storage on the internet and sharing a URL link with stakeholders, anyone at a remote location can access the same latest 3D data. There is no need to prepare expensive specialized software or special high-performance PCs; even a standard PC or tablet web browser can smoothly display and view very large point cloud files.

Uploading data to the cloud also greatly shortens the time lag that used to occur between the field and the office. For example, if you synchronize point cloud scans to the cloud immediately after scanning on site, colleagues in the office or at other locations can check the 3D data in real time. They can discover inconsistencies early, instruct additional measurements, or decide on design changes within the same day, enabling quick decision-making.

The main benefits of cloud sharing are summarized as follows.

• No specialized software required—anyone can view: Clicking a shared link launches a point cloud viewer in the browser, allowing recipients to view 3D data without installing special software. As long as they have a web browser, the data can be viewed from PCs, tablets, and smartphones. Because the recipient’s environment doesn’t matter, customers or other departments unfamiliar with 3D can easily check the data.

• Easy data distribution: Sharing is as simple as sending a URL by email or chat, which is vastly more convenient than distributing huge point cloud files individually. If the latest data is always uploaded to the cloud, there is no need to send files to each stakeholder, and everyone can share a single source of truth. This prevents version mix-ups and missed deliveries. Cloud data is also securely managed, reducing risks such as lost USB drives or mis-sent emails.

• No need for high-performance PCs: Rendering and processing of point clouds are handled on the cloud side, so recipients can view 3D data smoothly without workstation-grade hardware. Previously, high-resolution point clouds required dedicated PCs, but if the data is uploaded to the cloud, general-purpose laptops and tablets suffice for viewing. When sending data from the field to the office, online transfer is faster and safer than using physical media.

• Interactive collaboration: Cloud point cloud viewers often include collaboration features such as distance measurement and adding comments. Recipients can measure dimensions directly in the browser or mark points of interest for feedback, enabling two-way information sharing. Unlike exchanging static drawings or reports, everyone can discuss while looking at the same 3D space, reducing communication loss and facilitating consensus building.

Steps to upload point cloud OBJ data to the cloud

Now let’s look at the specific steps to achieve point cloud data sharing using the cloud. Here is a general flow summarized in four steps.

• Data format check and preparation: First, check the file format of the point cloud data you want to share. If your data is already in OBJ format, you can use it as is. If it is in another format such as LAS or PLY, it is recommended to convert it to OBJ using tools mentioned above (free software like CloudCompare or MeshLab). If the file size is extremely large, split it into regions or reduce the resolution to make upload easier.

• Choose a cloud service: Select a cloud platform that supports point cloud data. Depending on your purpose and security requirements, choose from specialized point cloud sharing services, general 3D model sharing sites, or your company’s private cloud. Since services vary in supported file formats, capacity limits, and features (such as measurement and comment functions), check the specifications in advance.

• Upload the data: Upload the prepared point cloud data (OBJ file) to the selected platform. Typically, you specify the file via a browser upload screen or a dedicated app, and the cloud performs ingestion and conversion. Because point cloud data can be large, use an office high-speed connection rather than a mobile network at the site, and prevent the PC from sleeping during upload to ensure success. After upload completes, check that the 3D viewer on the cloud displays the data correctly.

• Share the URL link: Once the data is published on the cloud, generate a sharing link (URL) for viewing. If the system can generate a public URL per dataset, obtain it and send it to the intended recipients. The recipients can click the URL sent by email or chat and access the point cloud data from their browser. No special software is needed; they can freely change viewpoints and measure in the 3D viewer, enabling all stakeholders to use the same data in real time.

With these steps, even very large point cloud datasets can be smoothly shared in the cloud and immediately distributed to the necessary parties. Without complex settings or specialized knowledge, the convenience of drag-and-drop and sending a URL is appealing when using the right service.

What is LRTK? A point cloud measurement tool you can complete with a smartphone

To make the most of cloud sharing, it is important to be able to easily acquire high-quality point cloud data in the first place. This is where LRTK (pronounced “el-ar-tee-kay”) comes in. LRTK is an all-purpose surveying tool designed so anyone can easily perform high-precision point cloud measurements by combining a smartphone with a compact GNSS receiver.

Specifically, a dedicated compact GNSS device is attached to an iPhone or other smartphone and used in conjunction with the smartphone’s built-in LiDAR scanner. The GNSS receiver supports real-time kinematic (RTK) positioning, enabling centimeter-level positioning accuracy (cm level accuracy (half-inch accuracy)) even on a smartphone. By using that high-precision positioning information to assign absolute coordinates (world coordinates) to the point cloud captured by the smartphone, you can record on-site 3D information with accuracy comparable to conventional surveying drawings. The fact that tasks that previously required expensive laser scanners or dedicated equipment can be completed with just a smartphone and a palm-sized receiver is revolutionary.

The actual usage procedure is simple. Attach the LRTK device to the smartphone, start scanning with the dedicated app, and then walk around the area you want to measure — the surrounding point cloud data is automatically captured. For example, for a medium-sized development site, a complete scan can be finished with about 5 minutes of walking. No special operations are required, and site workers can operate it intuitively without prior specialized training. The captured point cloud covers ranges up to about 60 m (196.9 ft) ahead, capturing details from terrain to structures.

Furthermore, point cloud data obtained with LRTK can be output in formats that comply with public works as-built management standards. It’s not just scanning for convenience — the data has the precision and formats necessary to be submitted as results of public surveying. The ability to capture such high-resolution 3D data using only a smartphone is the greatest feature of LRTK.

Point cloud data sharing enabled by LRTK Cloud

How do you share point cloud data captured with LRTK in the cloud? The key is LRTK’s cloud integration feature. After completing a scan with the LRTK app on site, you can upload the data to the dedicated cloud with a single tap. On the cloud, uploaded point clouds are automatically processed and stored, and users can access their data from office or home PCs as well as from their smartphone browsers.

The 3D data synced to the cloud can be used for measurements and analysis directly in the browser. In the dedicated viewer, you can measure distances and areas, cut arbitrary cross-sections and overlay drawings, and perform advanced visualizations with the push of a button. If point clouds captured on site are uploaded to the cloud the same day, colleagues in the office can immediately open the data in their browsers, check the latest conditions, and measure necessary dimensions. A process that used to take days from field collection to processing can be completed the same day with LRTK.

LRTK Cloud also provides the ability to issue sharing links (URLs) for each uploaded point cloud dataset. Using this feature, you can show the same 3D point cloud data to external contractors or clients who do not have LRTK licenses or the app. Anyone who knows the sharing URL can click it to launch the point cloud viewer in their browser and see virtually the same 3D view as the sender. No special devices or software are required on the recipient side.

This sharing link feature makes it much easier, for example, to explain the latest construction progress online to a project owner or consult with technicians at remote branches about site conditions. Because you can share the site’s “now” with anyone via a link, communication speed dramatically improves. Of course, data is securely stored in the cloud, so concerns such as lost USB drives or version mix-ups are eliminated.

Benefits and use cases of introducing LRTK

Introducing LRTK on site offers the major advantage of streamlining the entire workflow from point cloud acquisition to sharing. Key benefits and expected use cases are summarized below.

• Rapid information sharing: Processes that historically took days to weeks from field surveying to drawing and data sharing can be completed the same day with LRTK. Syncing point clouds to the cloud and sharing a URL immediately enables near real-time information sharing between the field and the office.

• Cost and labor savings: Because measurements can be completed with a smartphone plus the LRTK device, there is no need to rent large laser scanners or outsource to specialized surveyors. Equipment transport and personnel coordination costs and effort are reduced, allowing efficient surveying even with a small crew. Sharing results in the cloud also reduces the distribution of paper drawings and USB handovers, lowering the burden of data management.

• Easy operation for anyone: The app’s intuitive operation allows workers without specialized knowledge to perform measurements and share results, enabling workflows where field staff themselves capture and immediately share point clouds. There are reported cases where workers used LRTK successfully without prior training. Ease of use is an important factor in promoting digital transformation (ICT) on site.

• High accuracy and quality: Combining GNSS (RTK) with smartphone LiDAR provides centimeter-level positioning accuracy (cm level accuracy (half-inch accuracy)) and high point density, capturing shape details in the 3D data. By using known control points for validation and correction as needed, the quality can rival that of conventional terrestrial laser scanner surveys. There are actual cases where LRTK-acquired data was used for public works as-built measurements, demonstrating its accuracy and reliability.

• Versatile utilization: Captured point clouds can be used in various ways on the cloud. For example, automatic mesh model generation from point clouds enables comparison and verification against design data, and AR features can overlay a virtual finished image on site for inspection. From acquisition to advanced data utilization, LRTK’s cloud platform allows you to complete the workflow in one place.

By leveraging the LRTK series, you can quickly and flexibly make use of point cloud data captured on site. Next, let’s look at LRTK use cases that demonstrate its power even for everyday small measurement tasks.

Simple surveying with LRTK

So far we’ve discussed point cloud capture and cloud sharing with LRTK. But LRTK’s benefits extend beyond that. LRTK excels at “simple surveying,” meaning it is highly effective for ad hoc measurement tasks that arise on site.

Imagine a situation where you suddenly need a certain dimension at the site. Previously, you might have had to fetch a tape measure or call a specialized survey team, which takes time. With LRTK, you can simply scan the surroundings with your smartphone and immediately obtain precise 3D point cloud data. By uploading it to the cloud and measuring distances or areas there, you can obtain the dimensions you need on the spot. Volume calculations for embankments or spoil can also be performed immediately, allowing instant reflection in earthwork management and cost estimates.

LRTK also includes AR display functionality that uses captured point clouds. For example, record the positions of buried pipes in a point cloud before paving; after paving, view through the smartphone’s AR to see a透視 view of the underground pipes and accurately know their locations. This helps plan safe excavations that avoid buried utilities in future works. In this way, LRTK supports a wide range of site tasks, from small everyday measurements to advanced AR applications.

By using the LRTK series, anyone can incorporate high-precision coordinate-attached point cloud data measurement and sharing into daily operations without specialized technicians or expensive equipment. If you are interested in trying point cloud data in your company, please visit the official LRTK website. You will find case studies of site DX (digital transformation) using LRTK, device details, and introduction plans that can provide ideas for improving your operations. The LRTK series supports the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism’s i-Construction initiative (*i-Construction*) and is a cutting-edge technology that strongly promotes DX in the construction and civil engineering industries, contributing to increased on-site productivity and reduced mistakes.

FAQ

Q: Is the cloud absolutely necessary to share point cloud data? A: Traditionally, data could be exchanged using USB drives or external HDDs, but cloud utilization is recommended for smooth sharing. In particular, LRTK includes cloud synchronization and URL-sharing features as standard, allowing you to upload data and issue sharing links without extra steps. Using the cloud eliminates the need to copy huge files for each handover and lets stakeholders always reference the latest data online.

Q: How does someone view the point cloud data from a shared link? A: It’s very simple. Clicking the URL opens an automatic point cloud viewer in the web browser and displays the 3D data. The recipient does not need to install special software. Using mouse or touch controls in the browser, they can rotate, zoom, and move the viewpoint to inspect the 3D situation from various angles. Compatible browsers on PCs, smartphones, and tablets can be used.

Q: Can the accuracy and quality of LRTK point cloud measurements be trusted? A: Yes. LRTK combines high-precision GNSS (RTK) positioning with smartphone LiDAR, ensuring centimeter-level positioning accuracy (cm level accuracy (half-inch accuracy)) in the acquired point clouds. Point density is high and captures shape details. By using known control points for correction when necessary, it can achieve quality comparable to terrestrial laser scanner surveys. There are examples of LRTK data being used for public works as-built measurements, proving its accuracy and reliability.

Q: Can point cloud measurement really be done with just a smartphone? Are additional devices unnecessary? A: LRTK is a solution consisting of a smartphone and a dedicated GNSS receiver (and an app). The GNSS receiver is palm-sized and can be attached to the smartphone, so it appears as if you are measuring with only a smartphone. Strictly speaking, a small device attached to the phone is used, but no large tripods or laptops are required. All devices are battery-powered for cable-free operation in the field. Because of its mobility, you can perform point cloud measurements without burden even in mountainous or high-altitude locations where bringing conventional equipment is difficult.

Q: Can LRTK be used offline? Can you capture and share point clouds in areas without reception? A: Yes. LRTK supports Japan’s satellite positioning service (the QZSS CLAS signal), enabling high-precision positioning even in areas without cellular reception. Capturing point clouds on site does not require internet connectivity. Data collected offline can be uploaded to the cloud and shared later after moving to an area with reception. In other words, you can measure first in remote areas and share with stakeholders after returning to the office.

Q: How can I introduce LRTK? A: LRTK is currently offered as a product for the surveying and construction industries. If you are interested, contact the official LRTK website or a sales distributor for details on introduction, pricing, and demo requests. You can experience the efficiency gains offered by this new smartphone-based surveying method. Please feel free to contact them.