Table of contents

• Challenges of sharing point cloud data

• Advantages of sharing point cloud data via URL

• Real-time sharing and efficiency across multiple sites

• Security and data management

• Points to consider when introducing cloud services

• What you can do with LRTK Cloud

• Promoting simple surveying with LRTK

• FAQ

In recent years, 3D measurement using drones and smartphone LiDAR sensors has become widespread, and the range of uses for on-site point cloud data has been rapidly expanding. However, traditional sharing methods have involved many challenges—such as transferring very large files and preparing dedicated software—making point cloud data sharing a time-consuming task. One promising approach is uploading point cloud data to the cloud and sharing it via URL. By simply sending a link over the internet, recipients can view the latest 3D data, greatly reducing previous hassles. This article explains the benefits of sharing point cloud data via URL and what you can do with LRTK Cloud, which requires no software. Finally, we introduce simple surveying with LRTK that allows anyone to easily measure and share point clouds.

Challenges of sharing point cloud data

Three-dimensional point cloud data is indispensable for design, construction, and maintenance, but there have been many challenges in sharing it. Point cloud files can be extremely large (several GB to several hundred GB), so they cannot be attached to emails and often must be transferred via physical media such as HDDs or SD cards. In addition, viewing point clouds often requires dedicated viewer software or high-performance PCs, so not everyone involved could easily check 3D data. These factors caused time lags when sharing information between field sites and remote offices or other locations, leading to communication loss and decision-making errors. The main challenges are summarized below.

• Large file sizes: Point cloud data can range from several GB to several hundred GB, making email transmission difficult and transfers via physical media time-consuming.

• Transfer hassle: Copying data to physical media and shipping or delivering it incurs time and cost, introduces risks of data corruption or loss during transport, and causes delays in receiving and sharing data.

• Need for high-spec PCs: Viewing and editing 3D point clouds often requires dedicated software and high-performance PCs, so not everyone can easily inspect the data.

• Difficulty coordinating across sites: When sharing data between distant locations, network transfers and format differences can impede smooth exchange, causing time lags between field sites and other locations.

Advantages of sharing point cloud data via URL

The challenges above can be resolved by centrally managing point cloud data using a cloud service. Upload point clouds obtained on site to the cloud and share a URL link with stakeholders; anyone can then access the latest 3D data from anywhere with an internet connection. There is no need to provide expensive dedicated software or special workstations—large point clouds can be displayed and measured using only a web browser on a standard PC or tablet. Data scanned in the field can be synced to the cloud with a single click, allowing office or remote members to immediately grasp the situation and dramatically speeding up reporting and directives. In addition, storing data in the cloud makes it easy to compare and utilize point clouds from before and after construction or during inspections as a historical record. In summary, the main benefits of sharing point cloud data via URL in the cloud are:

• Access anytime, anywhere: With an internet connection, point cloud data can be viewed and measured via a browser on smartphones, tablets, and PCs, both inside and outside the company. Remote users can share the latest on-site conditions in 3D.

• No dedicated software or high-spec PC required: Heavy processing is done in the cloud, so viewers can use standard-spec PCs or tablets. Large point clouds can be smoothly displayed in the browser without installing software.

• Real-time sharing for faster decisions: Uploading point cloud data to the cloud immediately after capture lets remote team members view 3D information in real time. You can identify inconsistencies and issue design-change instructions on the spot, preventing rework and accelerating decision-making.

• Accumulation and use of data history: The cloud can store past point clouds in chronological order, allowing later comparisons for pre/post-construction or periodic inspections. This helps track crack progression or deformation and calculate fill/excavation volumes from pre/post construction terrain differences, aiding maintenance and quality control.

• Easier sharing of large files: Huge point cloud files can be shared via cloud links, eliminating the need for email attachments or USB delivery. Recipients can view data directly in the cloud without saving it locally, resolving transfer delays. Using services with large storage capacity reduces concerns about "not enough space to share."

• Advanced security management: Cloud services offer security features such as access control, encrypted communication, and automatic backups. You can restrict access so only authorized users can view data, and recover data in case of failure. These mechanisms enable safe and reliable long-term storage and sharing of point cloud data.

Real-time sharing and efficiency across multiple sites

For projects involving branches, affiliates, and construction sites, the benefits of cloud-based point cloud sharing are even greater. Aggregating data in the cloud allows geographically dispersed team members to view the same 3D point cloud simultaneously, enabling seamless information sharing between the field and the office. For example, while point clouds are being measured on site, headquarters engineers can monitor them in real time and immediately send instructions or advice to the field. Also, using screen sharing in a web conference to display the same point cloud model for a design review lets participants efficiently align their images and coordinate feedback. As a result, time spent traveling and transmission errors decrease, and the overall project decision-making speed greatly improves.

Specific points to enable real-time collaboration with remote locations include:

• Easy sharing via URL links: Cloud-based point clouds can be shared by sending a URL to clients or subcontractors. Remote clients can immediately display 3D data in a browser for review and discussion.

• Sharing the site in online meetings: Participants can discuss while viewing the same 3D point cloud during a web conference, intuitively sharing site conditions and design content. Accurate remote instructions and progress checks become possible, improving meeting and approval efficiency.

• Multi-device support: In addition to office desktop PCs, you can access the cloud from laptops on the go or tablets used on site. Field personnel can show point clouds on a tablet to supervisors or share newly captured measurement results on the spot, enabling flexible use regardless of location or device.

Security and data management

Cloud environments also excel in data storage and management. Many cloud services provide enterprise-grade security measures such as access control, encrypted communications, and regular backups. By setting user permissions according to internal policies, you can ensure that unauthorized personnel cannot access point cloud data. Cloud infrastructures often include automatic backups and redundancy to minimize the risk of data loss even in large-scale disasters. The ability to securely store important 3D data for the long term while quickly sharing it when needed is another advantage of using the cloud.

Key security features to keep in mind when handling point cloud data in the cloud include:

• Granular access permissions: You can set view/edit permissions for each internal user. Only authorized members can view data, reducing the risk of confidential information leaks.

• Encrypted communication: Cloud services support encrypted communication such as HTTPS (SSL/TLS) to prevent eavesdropping and tampering during data transmission. Many services also encrypt stored data, making it difficult to read even if data is leaked.

• Backup and disaster preparedness: Automatic backups and redundant storage protect against unexpected failures. Storing data in the cloud ensures that data is not lost if your on-premises server or PC fails, making it effective as part of BCP (business continuity planning).

Points to consider when introducing cloud services

When considering or introducing cloud sharing for point cloud data, there are several points to check in advance. First, because you will frequently upload and download large amounts of data, it is desirable to have a high-speed network environment at the field and office. Especially when sending data directly from the field over a mobile connection, make sure your plan has sufficient data capacity and no restrictive speed limits.

Next, the storage capacity of the cloud service you use is important. Choose a plan with enough capacity for the scale of your projects. Services that allow you to add capacity later are preferable to accommodate future data growth flexibly.

Also check the supported data formats and integration with other systems. Verify that you can upload your point cloud formats (for example, LAS or E57) and whether the service integrates with BIM/CIM tools or CAD software. A cloud that supports many formats and can combine with other design data makes secondary use of point clouds smoother.

From an operational perspective, establish operational rules such as upload procedures and file naming conventions. Make sure you can track who uploaded which data and when, and maintain change history. In the early stages of adoption, use free or trial versions and share small datasets internally to test. Once users experience the convenience of "experiencing the site in 3D from their desks" via the cloud, field staff resistance will likely diminish and adoption will proceed smoothly.

Checklist of points to review during consideration:

• Network speed: Handling large point clouds requires a fast and stable internet connection. When using mobile networks at the field, ensure sufficient data caps and speed.

• Sufficient storage capacity: Secure cloud storage according to project scale. Choose services that allow flexible capacity increases or plan changes.

• Supported file formats and integration: Confirm supported point cloud formats (LAS, E57, etc.). Integration with existing CAD/BIM software or available plugins makes it easier to incorporate into your workflow.

• Communicate operational rules: Define upload methods, folder structures, and file naming conventions to avoid confusion. Share rules with all stakeholders so update status is clear at a glance.

What you can do with LRTK Cloud

One cloud service that meets these point cloud sharing needs is LRTK Cloud. LRTK Cloud is a platform that makes it easy to upload, share, and view point cloud data obtained with the LRTK series, including smartphone surveying devices. There is no need to install dedicated software on a PC; after measurement, simply sync to the cloud and the 3D point cloud will be displayed in a web browser. Because you can share data by sending a URL link to remote colleagues, smooth collaboration is possible both within and outside the company.

Main features and functions of LRTK Cloud include:

• On-site cloud sharing: Point cloud data captured on site can be uploaded to LRTK Cloud from a dedicated app with one tap. You can issue a URL link and share immediately without returning to the office.

• View 3D point clouds in the browser: Uploaded data is delivered over the internet, and recipients can freely rotate, zoom, and view the 3D model in a web browser. High-resolution point clouds are optimized to display on any PC without special viewer software.

• Measurement and commenting functions: In the LRTK Cloud viewer, you can intuitively measure distance, area, and volume. Even without drawings, you can check dimensions on the point cloud, enabling concrete instructions and verification from remote sites. You can also add comments to measurement results and share screenshots for communication.

• AR display on tablets: Accessing LRTK Cloud on a field tablet enables AR display, overlaying captured point clouds on camera images. This allows verifying as-built conditions and visualizing displacement by overlaying 3D point cloud models on the real environment. You can perform AR point cloud checks with common mobile devices without expensive dedicated AR equipment.

• All-in-one platform: LRTK Cloud is an integrated platform that supports everything from point cloud measurement to data sharing and utilization. Point clouds captured on site are automatically geotagged with high-accuracy positioning using RTK, so they can be used as accurate 3D data immediately after uploading to the cloud. Cloud-based management and downloads centralize point cloud handling, eliminating the need to distribute files across internal file servers.

Promoting simple surveying with LRTK

Some may worry, "I understand the benefits of sharing point clouds, but isn’t 3D measurement difficult?" Historically, 3D surveying required expensive 3D laser scanners or outsourcing to specialized surveying companies, creating a high barrier. Now, however, simple point cloud measurement tools that dramatically lower these barriers have emerged. A prime example is the simple surveying capability of the LRTK series.

The LRTK Phone is a compact 3D surveying device that attaches to a smartphone; field personnel can obtain high-accuracy, geotagged point cloud data simply by walking around with their phone. When used with a smartphone’s built-in LiDAR sensor, it is notable for achieving centimeter-level accuracy (half-inch accuracy) comparable to dedicated surveying equipment. Captured point clouds are automatically aligned in real time, allowing on-the-spot measurement results such as distances and volumes while walking around. It is revolutionary that 3D measurement, which previously required experienced surveyors and heavy equipment, can now be completed with just a smartphone and a small device.

The LRTK series also offers a lineup of products tailored to field needs, including lightweight fixed 3D scanners and tablet-integrated surveying devices. These are lower cost and easier to handle than traditional large machines, making point cloud utilization realistic even at small to medium-sized sites. Coupled with the aforementioned LRTK Cloud, point clouds captured on site can be shared over the internet as-is. For example, you can hold meetings while viewing the same 3D point cloud with office staff, or use a tablet’s AR function to overlay and check on-site images—enabling surveying, sharing, and utilization all on a single platform.

By leveraging the LRTK series, anyone can readily incorporate point cloud measurement and sharing into everyday operations without specialized technicians or costly equipment. If you’re considering using point clouds in your company, please also visit the LRTK official website. The site provides case studies of on-site DX using LRTK, detailed information on devices, and introduction plans to help you take the next step. LRTK supports digital transformation in the construction and civil engineering industries and contributes to closing information gaps and reducing construction errors at your sites.

FAQ

• What is point cloud data? It is three-dimensional data consisting of countless points obtained by laser scanning or photogrammetry. It digitally records the shape of an object as-is and includes positional information such as X, Y, and Z coordinates for each point. It’s characterized by the ability to accurately record complex site shapes that drawings or photos cannot fully capture.

• What are the benefits of sharing point clouds in the cloud? You can reference the latest 3D point cloud data anytime, anywhere via the internet. Without using physical media, you can share data across multiple locations and align everyone’s understanding. This enables faster reporting of site progress and issuing of design change instructions, helping prevent construction errors and speeding up decision-making.

• How do you share point cloud data between remote locations? If each site has internet access and a browser-equipped device, anyone can access the cloud-based point cloud data. No dedicated software is required—simply send a URL link to let remote parties easily view and verify the same 3D data.

• Is point cloud data stored in the cloud safe? Yes—if you choose an appropriate cloud service, your data can be stored safely. Many services offer encrypted communication, access permission settings, and automatic backups, allowing you to control who can view the data. Compared with managing data on your own servers, storing it in the cloud reduces the risk of data loss in major disasters.

• What kind of surveying tool is LRTK? LRTK is a compact positioning and measurement device that attaches to a smartphone, enabling anyone to perform centimeter-level accuracy (half-inch accuracy) 3D surveying easily. Point clouds captured on site are automatically synced to LRTK Cloud and can be immediately displayed in 3D in a browser, with distance and area measurements available. LRTK eliminates cumbersome data processing traditionally required and dramatically improves on-site situation awareness and sharing.