LRTK Cloud Complete Workflow! How to Use Point Cloud Sharing URLs and 3 Benefits

Table of Contents

• What is point cloud data? On-site uses and challenges

• Conventional challenges of sharing point cloud data

• Benefits of sharing point cloud data via URL

• How to share point clouds with LRTK Cloud (steps)

• Three benefits of using LRTK Cloud

• Centralized management of drawings and photos: LRTK Cloud extensions

• LRTK also useful for simple on-site surveying

• Conclusion

• FAQ

What is point cloud data? On-site uses and challenges

In recent years, the use of point cloud data has advanced on construction and civil engineering sites. Point cloud data are three-dimensional data composed of countless points in space obtained by laser scanners or photogrammetry. Each point contains real-world position coordinates (X, Y, Z) and color information, and when the set of points is displayed on a computer, the current condition can be reproduced as a lifelike 3D model. Because of its high-density, detailed measurement capability, point clouds are attracting attention for a variety of applications such as shape and structure verification, construction records, infrastructure inspection, and cultural heritage preservation. Initiatives such as i-Construction promoted by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism have also supported adoption, and point clouds are expected to be a trump card for on-site DX (digital transformation). In this way, 3D point cloud technology holds great potential for improving on-site work efficiency.

The biggest advantage of point cloud data is that it can record the shape of a wide area as a large number of points in a short time. What used to be measured point by point in conventional surveying can be captured as a surface with point cloud measurement, enabling non-contact, safe measurement even in hazardous areas where people cannot enter. Also, because you can freely cut sections and measure dimensions in the data after acquisition, measurement omissions and rework on site can be reduced. Despite the high value of point cloud data, its large data size poses several challenges when trying to share and use it on site.

Conventional challenges of sharing point cloud data

When sharing point cloud data among stakeholders, the first problem is file size. High-resolution point clouds can contain millions to hundreds of millions of points, and file sizes often reach hundreds of MB to several GB. Sending via email is impossible, and even when uploading to cloud storage and sharing links, uploads and downloads take a long time. Even if you want to quickly share the latest status from the field, this effort makes speedy information transfer difficult.

Moreover, restrictions on the viewing environment are a major problem. Point cloud data are stored in specialized formats such as LAS, PLY, or E57, so recipients need to install compatible software or a 3D viewer to view them. High-performance point cloud processing software is often paid or difficult to operate, and handling high-density point clouds comfortably requires a high-spec PC. Not all clients or supervisors necessarily have such an environment, and situations often arise where "we can't show the point cloud we went to the trouble of acquiring." As a result, valuable 3D data tend to remain on site, and exchanges are often limited to photos and drawings as before.

Thus, the large data size and the need for specialized viewing environments have become major hurdles for sharing point cloud data. There is also a time lag in the workflow because point clouds obtained on site are taken back to the office for processing and visualization before sharing, which hinders real-time information sharing. An approach gaining attention to solve these challenges and enable anyone to easily exchange 3D data is to share point cloud data via URL.

Benefits of sharing point cloud data via URL

Sharing point cloud data via URL means uploading acquired point clouds to the cloud so they can be viewed in a web browser, and distributing the link (URL) to the viewing page to stakeholders. Recipients can click the URL to view the 3D point cloud via the browser without specialized software. This system rapidly resolves conventional issues.

• Anyone can immediately view 3D: Opening the link launches a 3D viewer, so recipients don't need special software. As long as they have a web browser, they can view point clouds freely from PCs, tablets, or smartphones. Clients or internal departments without technical expertise can intuitively grasp the 3D situation by simply clicking the URL they receive.

• Easy sharing of large data: Even massive point cloud files of several GB can be shared by sending just one URL. If you send the link via email or chat, the recipient can view it immediately without downloading. Because the latest data are always stored in the cloud, there's no need to send files to multiple people individually. Everyone can reference a centrally managed, up-to-date version, eliminating worries about forgotten transfers or version mismatches.

• No high-spec PC required: Since rendering of point clouds is handled on the cloud side, recipients can enjoy smooth 3D display even on low-spec devices. For example, while a workstation was previously required to manipulate high-resolution point clouds, cloud sharing allows general laptops and mobile devices to work fine. Data transfer is also performed securely and quickly without relying on internal servers or USB handoffs, greatly improving workflows.

• Interactive information sharing: Cloud 3D viewers often include interactive features such as distance measurement and comment entry. Recipients can measure dimensions on the spot or mark and comment on points of interest, enabling real-time collaboration that goes beyond static document exchanges.

By sharing point cloud data via URL, you can easily distribute heavy data and enable anyone, anywhere to view 3D. Next, let's see how to implement this convenient sharing using LRTK Cloud as an example.

How to share point clouds with LRTK Cloud (steps)

With LRTK Cloud, you can upload point cloud data acquired with a smartphone directly from the field and complete sharing via URL. The steps are very simple.

• Upload point cloud data to the cloud: From the LRTK app on your smartphone at the site, send the acquired point cloud data (and related data such as photos and coordinate points) to the cloud with one tap. You can also upload from a PC after returning to the office, but if you have network coverage you can upload immediately from the site and share the latest data right away.

• Generate a sharing URL: In the cloud management screen, select the point cloud you want to share and click the "Share" button to automatically generate a dedicated viewing URL. You can set a password or expiration date as needed for security.

• Distribute the URL to stakeholders: Send the generated URL via email or chat. Recipients can open the link in a browser and view the 3D point cloud data without logging in or installing software. They can change viewpoints, take measurements, and freely inspect the data on the spot.

With these steps, point cloud sharing is completed in just a few clicks. Because complicated file transfers and viewer preparations are unnecessary, anyone from field personnel to clients can immediately share and confirm 3D data. LRTK Cloud lowers the barrier to point cloud sharing like no other tool.

Three benefits of using LRTK Cloud

So what concrete benefits can you get from using LRTK Cloud? Here are the main three.

1. Faster information sharing: Since point cloud data acquired on site can be shared via the cloud the same day, near-real-time information sharing between the field and office becomes possible. What used to take days to weeks to bring surveying data back, process, and distribute can be completed on the same day with LRTK. Syncing point clouds to the cloud and sharing the URL immediately after acquisition dramatically speeds up decision-making and consensus building, directly improving overall operational efficiency.

2. Reduced effort and cost: High-precision surveying can be completed with just a smartphone and a small device, eliminating the need to rent large laser scanners or hire specialized surveying contractors. This reduces the effort and cost of transporting equipment and arranging personnel, freeing resources for other tasks. Also, paper drawings and USB handoffs are reduced, simplifying data management and sharing procedures. As a result, labor reduction is also promoted, making it a strong ally for advancing on-site DX.

3. Easy operation for anyone: Intuitive apps and cloud screens that require no specialist knowledge enable field technicians themselves to handle everything from point cloud measurement to sharing. In sites where LRTK has been introduced, there are cases where workers have mastered the system without prior training. User-friendly tools are crucial for embedding digital technology on site. With LRTK Cloud, the learning curve is low, making organizational rollout easier.

In addition, there are many other advantages such as high-accuracy positioning that ensures reliable data acquisition and versatile data utilization by analyzing and processing point clouds in the cloud. By adopting LRTK Cloud, you can streamline the entire process from acquiring to sharing and utilizing point cloud data.

Centralized management of drawings and photos: LRTK Cloud extensions

LRTK Cloud not only allows sharing and viewing point clouds, but also offers features to make on-site data more useful. Here are some representative extension features.

• Overlaying drawings and design data: You can overlay design drawings (e.g., CAD data) or 3D models on cloud-hosted point clouds. For as-built inspections, you can display floor plans over the point cloud to check finishing quality. Comparing design and current conditions on the same screen reduces misunderstandings.

• Heatmap display: A heatmap feature visualizes differences between the point cloud and the design surface by color. It automatically calculates how many cm (in) higher or lower the current condition is relative to the design elevation and displays color-coded results on the point cloud. This helps quickly grasp surplus/deficit of earthwork and construction deviations.

• Comments and marker functions: You can place pins and write comments on the shared point cloud screen. For example, if a client comments, "Is this area finished according to the drawing?" the contractor can immediately check that spot. Communicating on the same 3D screen makes it easier for remote team members to share a common understanding.

These features enable not just viewing point clouds but also one-stop comparison with designs and stakeholder discussions, which is LRTK Cloud’s strength. The scope of on-site data utilization expands significantly, improving both work quality and speed.

LRTK also useful for simple on-site surveying

So far we’ve discussed sharing and utilizing 3D point clouds with LRTK, but LRTK also contributes to on-site work beyond "point cloud sharing." It is useful for simple surveying—quick measurement tasks on site.

For example, when you suddenly need to confirm a dimension on site, you used to have to fetch a tape measure or call the surveying team, which takes time. With LRTK, you can scan the surroundings with a smartphone to acquire a 3D point cloud on the spot. Uploading to the cloud and measuring distances or areas lets you instantly grasp the dimensions you need. Volume calculations for embankments or spoil can also be done on the spot, allowing immediate reflection in earthwork management and rough estimates.

LRTK also includes AR display functionality using acquired point clouds. For example, if you record the position of underground buried pipes in the point cloud, you can overlay the virtual pipe position on a smartphone screen after paving (an AR see-through). This helps accurately avoid buried objects in subsequent excavation work and supports safe, efficient construction planning. Thus, LRTK supports a wide range of on-site needs from quick everyday measurements to advanced ICT applications.

Conclusion

This article explained the conventional challenges of sharing point cloud data and the solution of URL sharing and LRTK Cloud. Even large, specialized point cloud data can be easily shared with stakeholders by acquiring with a smartphone, uploading to the cloud, and sending a URL link using LRTK. Recipients can view the data without special software, dramatically smoothing internal and external information coordination.

With LRTK, the workflow from surveying and measurement to data sharing—previously time- and labor-intensive—changes dramatically. Being able to 3D-ify and share necessary on-site information as needed not only speeds up operations, but also accelerates consensus building and decision-making among all stakeholders. The new method of a "point cloud sharing URL" will be an indispensable tool for promoting on-site DX. If you’re interested, try experiencing LRTK’s next-generation surveying workflow.

FAQ

Q: Do I need special software to view a sharing URL? A: No, you don't. Simply open the sent link in a common web browser such as Chrome or Safari, and a 3D point cloud viewer will display in the browser. No dedicated app installation is required on PC or smartphone; you can move viewpoints and zoom in/out to freely view the point cloud.

Q: Does the recipient need an LRTK account? A: No, recipients do not need LRTK user registration or a license to view the data. Anyone who knows the shared link can open the corresponding point cloud data (if you set a password, be sure to provide the password separately when sharing).

Q: Is uploading data to the cloud secure? A: LRTK Cloud encrypts communications and stores data securely. You can also set optional passwords and expiration dates for shared URLs, reducing the risk of third parties viewing data if a link is leaked. Of course you can disable a URL yourself when you want to stop sharing.

Q: Can smartphones really acquire high-precision point clouds? A: LRTK consists of a small GNSS receiver attached to a smartphone (iPhone) and a dedicated app, achieving centimeter-level positioning accuracy (half-inch accuracy) through real-time correction (RTK). Combined with an iPhone’s built-in LiDAR scanner, high-precision position coordinates are assigned to each acquired point in the point cloud. Therefore, even point clouds measured easily with a smartphone can achieve accuracy and quality comparable to public surveying.

Q: Can it be used at offline sites? A: Yes. LRTK devices support Japan’s satellite positioning service (the CLAS signal of Michibiki), enabling RTK positioning even outside cellular coverage. Point cloud acquisition itself is possible at sites without internet. Data measured offline can be uploaded to the cloud and shared later when you have a signal. In remote mountain areas without coverage, you can measure on site and share with stakeholders after returning to the office.

Q: Can information other than point clouds be shared? A: Yes. LRTK Cloud can centrally manage not only point clouds but also coordinate point data obtained from positioning and geotagged site photos. These can be displayed together on a map screen with the point cloud, allowing related materials to be shared together. Recipients can check the necessary information in one place, saving the effort of sending separate explanatory materials.

Q: How do I introduce LRTK? A: LRTK is a solution provided for the construction and surveying industries. By preparing a compatible iPhone (LiDAR-equipped models offer even higher accuracy), an LRTK device, and the app, you can immediately start high-precision surveying and point cloud sharing on site. For product details, demo requests, and pricing, please feel free to contact us via the official website. You should be able to experience unprecedented efficiency with this new surveying method.