Share point clouds easily via URL! A thorough guide to using LRTK Cloud

Table of Contents

• What is point cloud data?

• Challenges in sharing point cloud data

• Benefits of sharing point cloud data via URL

• What is LRTK? A point cloud measurement tool completed on a smartphone

• URL sharing of point cloud data realized with LRTK

• Benefits and use cases of LRTK

• LRTK also excels at simple surveying on site

• Conclusion

• FAQ

What is point cloud data?

Point cloud data are three-dimensional data that represent objects or terrain as a collection of countless points (a point cloud). Each point contains X, Y, and Z coordinates (positional information), and the assembly of points can capture the shape of objects and terrain in detail. Point cloud data are acquired by laser scanners, LiDAR, photogrammetry, and other methods, and in recent years their use has expanded widely from surveying in construction and civil engineering to manufacturing and cultural heritage documentation.

The advantage of point cloud data is that it can measure large areas at high density in one go. Instead of measuring one point at a time as in traditional methods, lasers or photos capture surfaces, allowing you to collect a vast number of points in a short time and record the entire site. Hazardous areas where people cannot enter can also be measured safely without contact. After acquisition, you can slice any cross-section on a computer or measure distances and areas, preventing situations like “we forgot to measure that part.” Although point clouds are highly useful as detailed and intuitive 3D data, realizing their full value requires smooth data sharing. If the latest point cloud data can be shared from the field immediately with stakeholders, anyone—even those at remote locations—can review the current state in 3D and exchange opinions, dramatically improving work efficiency and accuracy.

Challenges in sharing point cloud data

However, when you try to share point cloud data with others, you encounter various challenges. Major issues include the following:

• Very large file sizes: Because point clouds are highly detailed, they tend to be large. The number of scanned points can reach millions to hundreds of millions, and file sizes of several hundred MB to several GB are not uncommon. Files this large are time-consuming to upload or download, not only for email attachments but even when using cloud storage. On slow networks, transfers may take hours, which may not meet the needs of sites that require rapid sharing.

• Specialized formats and viewing software required: Point cloud data are typically stored in specialized formats such as LAS, PLY, or E57. If the recipient does not have a dedicated viewer that supports those formats, they cannot open or use the data. High-functionality point cloud processing software is often paid or complex to operate, so it’s not always accessible to everyone. Moreover, handling high-resolution point clouds sometimes requires high-performance PCs, making viewing dependent on the recipient’s environment.

• Sharing is cumbersome: Methods like uploading files to online storage and sharing links are available, but the steps can be tedious and are often avoided. While struggling with data transfer and folder organization, people frequently decide “let’s just send photos for now,” leading to the 3D point cloud being underutilized. Even when a file is shared once, subsequent edits or additional scans may result in the latest version not reaching all stakeholders, creating further problems.

Because of these challenges—file size, viewing environment, and complex procedures—the barrier to smoothly sharing point cloud data has been high. Valuable 3D information collected on site was difficult to distribute within and outside the organization, and often went underused.

Benefits of sharing point cloud data via URL

An increasingly noted approach is to share point cloud data via URL. This involves uploading point cloud data to the cloud, making it viewable in a web browser, and then sending the URL of that viewing page to others. Recipients simply click the URL to launch a 3D point cloud viewer in their browser and can inspect the data without special software. This method has several advantages.

• Anyone can view without software: Since recipients only open a link, they do not need to install dedicated software. As long as they have a web browser, they can view 3D point clouds on PCs, tablets, or smartphones. Because it does not depend on the recipient’s environment, non-technical customers or colleagues in other departments can easily view 3D data.

• Simple and fast distribution: Sharing is as easy as sending a single URL via email or chat, which is far more convenient than distributing large files to many people. If the cloud always holds the latest data, there is no need to send individual files to each stakeholder. Everyone referring to the same link ensures centralized access to the latest information, reducing concerns about version discrepancies or missed deliveries.

• No high-performance PC required: Rendering and processing of point clouds are optimized on the cloud side, so recipients can smoothly view 3D data even without high-spec machines. Situations that previously required workstation-class PCs to handle high-density point clouds can now be handled on ordinary office laptops or tablets via URL sharing. Because data are exchanged through the cloud, the risk of loss associated with handing over USB memory sticks or taking data off-site is avoided, improving security.

• Interactive information sharing: Cloud-based point cloud viewers may include measurement tools and comment functions. Recipients of the shared link can measure distances directly in the 3D viewer or leave markers and text comments at important points. This enables two-way communication while viewing the same 3D data, making it easier to convey information that is difficult to express by voice or photos alone. With everyone sharing a common understanding of the 3D model, mistakes due to misalignment of perceptions can be reduced.

As described above, the URL-sharing mechanism—simply uploading data and sending a link—greatly lowers the barriers to sharing heavy point cloud data. So how can you implement such convenient sharing in practice?

What is LRTK? A point cloud measurement tool completed on a smartphone

To maximize the benefits of URL sharing for point cloud data, it is first important to be able to easily obtain high-quality point clouds. Enter LRTK, a solution designed to make high-precision point cloud measurement easy for anyone. LRTK consists of a smartphone, a compact positioning device, and a dedicated app, and is designed as an all-purpose surveying tool.

With LRTK, you attach a dedicated ultra-compact GNSS receiver to an iPhone or other smartphone and use it together with the smartphone’s built-in LiDAR scanner. The GNSS receiver supports real-time kinematic (RTK) mode, enabling centimeter-level positioning accuracy (cm level accuracy (half-inch accuracy)) even on a smartphone. By using this high-precision positional information, each point in the smartphone-scanned point cloud can be assigned absolute coordinates in a global coordinate system, so the resulting point cloud data have accuracy equivalent to survey maps. Precision surveying that once required expensive laser scanners and specialized equipment can now be completed with palm-sized devices and a smartphone using LRTK.

Actual usage is simple. Attach the LRTK GNSS device to your smartphone, launch the dedicated app, and start scanning. Then just walk the area you want to measure, and the smartphone will automatically capture surrounding point cloud data. For example, for a medium-sized construction site, a complete scan can be finished by walking around for just a few minutes. No special operations or advanced knowledge are required; the system is designed so on-site workers can use it intuitively. The range of point cloud capture extends approximately 50–60 m (164.0–196.9 ft) ahead, allowing comprehensive recording from entire terrain to structural details.

While LRTK enables precision 3D point cloud capture with just a smartphone, what’s even more important is data utilization after acquisition. LRTK integrates with a cloud service, providing a mechanism to immediately upload and share measured data once scanning is complete.

URL sharing of point cloud data realized with LRTK

Point cloud data captured with LRTK can be synchronized to the cloud on-site and a shareable link can be issued. The ability to instantly share the latest site scan with the office or clients is a major advantage. Here is an example of the specific steps.

• Complete the point cloud scan: After finishing point cloud measurement in the LRTK app on your smartphone, save the measurement data to the device.

• Upload to the cloud: Tap the “sync” button in the app to upload the captured point cloud data to the dedicated cloud. Heavy point cloud files can be sent with a single tap, and the cloud automatically converts and stores them in an optimized format.

• Issue a shareable URL: After upload is complete, a unique URL that grants access to the dataset on the cloud is generated. The link is displayed in the app and can be copied with one tap.

• Share with stakeholders: Send the issued URL via email or chat to the people you want to share with. Supervisors or clients away from the site can click the URL to view the 3D point cloud.

With these steps, LRTK lets you obtain a point cloud on site and complete sharing with stakeholders within minutes. Recipients can verify the data via a viewer that automatically launches in their web browser, reproducing nearly the same 3D view as the sender. Of course, no special software or hardware is required. Even external partners or clients without an LRTK account can view the data as long as they have the URL, greatly speeding up communication. Data are safely stored in the cloud, reducing risks such as loss of USB sticks or mis-sent emails.

Benefits and use cases of LRTK

Introducing LRTK streamlines the entire process from point cloud capture to sharing, which is its major appeal. Below are the primary benefits of using LRTK and the situations where it proves useful.

Main benefits of implementing LRTK:

• Rapid information sharing: Processes that used to take days to weeks—from on-site surveying to drawing production and data distribution—can be completed the same day with LRTK. Because point clouds can be synced to the cloud and shared via URL immediately after capture, near-real-time information sharing between the site and the office becomes possible.

• Reduced personnel and cost savings: Since surveying can be completed with only a smartphone and LRTK device, there is no need to rent bulky equipment or hire specialized surveying contractors. You can reduce the labor and costs associated with transporting equipment and arranging personnel. Sharing results via the cloud also reduces paper drawings and USB exchanges, simplifying procedures.

• Easy operation for anyone: The dedicated app offers intuitive operation so users without specialized knowledge can operate it, enabling on-site workers to capture point clouds and share them immediately. Some sites that adopted LRTK reported workers using it effectively without prior training. Ease of use is an important factor for promoting digitalization (ICT) on-site.

• High-precision, high-quality surveying: Combining GNSS and LiDAR provides positioning accuracy on the order of a few centimeters (a few inches), and high point density captures fine details for high-quality 3D data. If necessary, corrections and validation using known control points are possible, ensuring accuracy sufficient for acceptance inspections in public works. Sharing such reliable data quickly enables stakeholders to discuss and make decisions based on accurate information.

• Multi-purpose data utilization: Once captured, point cloud data can be used in various ways on the cloud. For example, you can automatically generate a 3D mesh model from the point cloud for difference comparison against design data, or upload DWG drawings and overlay them on-site via the smartphone’s AR functionality. These processes can all be performed within the LRTK cloud platform, eliminating the need to transfer data to other software.

Typical use cases:

• Progress sharing at construction sites: Scan the site after each phase and share the URL link with clients or headquarters so they can check progress in 3D from remote locations. Point clouds clearly show details that photos and text cannot, making it easier to align understanding among stakeholders.

• Acceptance inspections and quality checks: Measurement results based on acceptance management guidelines can be shared on the cloud immediately, allowing distant inspectors to make near-real-time pass/fail judgments. Overlaying drawings and point clouds facilitates quality checks and immediate feedback to the site if defects are found.

• Recording and sharing at disaster sites: In emergency scenes like landslides or accidents, LRTK can quickly record the damage in 3D and share it with headquarters and support teams. Stakeholders can convene based on the shared point clouds to assess and plan responses, speeding up initial actions.

• Maintenance of infrastructure facilities: During periodic inspections of plants, bridges, and other infrastructure, recording current conditions as point clouds and sharing them with relevant departments enables remote experts to assess conditions from the office. Comparing with previously captured point clouds to discuss deterioration helps in planning maintenance.

LRTK also excels at simple surveying on site

So far we’ve explained point cloud capture and cloud sharing with LRTK. But LRTK’s benefits on site go beyond that. LRTK is powerful for simple surveying—situations where you need to quickly measure a dimension or volume on site.

For example, imagine you suddenly need to know “the area of this section” or “the volume of this embankment.” Traditionally, you might fetch a tape measure or call a survey team, which takes time and effort. With LRTK, you can quickly scan the area with a smartphone to obtain the latest 3D data. Upload it to the cloud and use built-in measurement functions to immediately determine distances, areas, and volumes. You can rapidly calculate embankment volumes on site and reflect them in earthwork management and estimates.

LRTK also includes AR display functions that use captured point clouds. For instance, if buried pipes are recorded in a point cloud before paving, you can later use the smartphone’s AR to render them transparently after paving, accurately locating underground pipes without excavation. This allows safer planning of future excavations by avoiding buried assets. In this way, LRTK supports a wide range of on-site tasks—from quick daily measurements to advanced AR utilization.

Conclusion

To the question “How should point cloud data be shared?” this article has thoroughly explained the solution of sharing via URL and how to implement it using LRTK Cloud. Even for large, specialized point cloud data, LRTK enables precise measurement with just a smartphone, upload to the cloud, and then sharing with stakeholders simply by sending a URL. Recipients can view data in their browsers without special software, drastically improving internal and external information sharing.

LRTK transforms surveying, inspection, and data-sharing workflows that previously required significant time and effort. Being able to instantaneously convert necessary on-site information into 3D models and share them accelerates not only operations but also consensus building and decision-making among stakeholders. LRTK is one of the optimal solutions to the challenge of “share point clouds easily via URL.” Its ease of getting started—with only a smartphone and a small device—is also attractive, so consider experiencing this new surveying workflow for yourself.

FAQ

• Q: Is cloud necessary to share point cloud data? A: Traditionally, point cloud files could be exchanged via USB sticks or external hard drives. However, for smooth sharing, using the cloud is recommended. LRTK, in particular, includes cloud sync and URL sharing features as standard, allowing you to upload data and issue share links without extra steps. Using the cloud removes the need to copy files each time and provides the advantage of always referencing the latest data online.

• Q: How does someone who received a share link view the point cloud data? A: It’s very simple. Click the URL you received and a point cloud viewer automatically launches in the web browser and displays the data. The recipient does not need to install any special software. Using a mouse or touch controls in the browser, they can rotate, zoom, and move the viewpoint to inspect the point cloud from various angles. Supported browsers allow viewing not only on PCs but also on smartphones and tablets.

• Q: How reliable is the accuracy of point cloud data obtained with LRTK? A: LRTK combines high-precision GNSS (RTK mode) positioning and the smartphone’s LiDAR sensor, ensuring centimeter-level positioning accuracy (cm level accuracy (half-inch accuracy)). Point cloud density is also high, capturing fine details of objects. Accuracy can be further adjusted and verified with known control points as needed, achieving quality comparable to conventional terrestrial laser scanner surveys. There are cases where LRTK-acquired point clouds have been used for public works acceptance inspections, demonstrating its reliability.

• Q: Is it really possible to measure point clouds with just a smartphone? Is no additional equipment required? A: LRTK is a solution composed of a smartphone and a dedicated GNSS receiver (and app). The GNSS receiver is compact enough to fit in the palm and can be attached to the smartphone, so it feels like you’re measuring with only a smartphone. Strictly speaking, you do use a small device attached to the phone, but no large tripods or laptops are required. All units are battery-powered, enabling cable-free field operation. Its mobility makes it feasible to perform point cloud surveys in mountainous or high places where bringing conventional equipment would be difficult.

• Q: Can it be used in places without cell reception? Can you acquire and share point clouds offline in remote mountain areas? A: LRTK supports Japan’s Quasi-Zenith Satellite System Michibiki (CLAS signals), allowing high-precision positioning even in areas without cellular connectivity. You can acquire point clouds on site without internet. Data captured offline can be uploaded to the cloud and share links issued later when you move to an area with reception. In other words, you can measure on-site in remote areas and share with stakeholders after returning to the office.

• Q: How do I adopt LRTK? A: LRTK is currently offered primarily to the surveying and construction industries. If you are interested, please contact LRTK through the official website or through authorized dealers. You can inquire about detailed implementation methods, pricing, or request a demo. You should be able to experience unprecedented efficiency with this smartphone-based surveying workflow. Please feel free to contact them.