Table of contents

• What is point cloud data? Why it’s starting to be used on sites

• Challenges in sharing and viewing point cloud data

• Problems with existing methods that require dedicated software

• What is LRTK Cloud that lets you share with a single URL

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

• Benefits for recipients (no software, mobile compatible, measurements possible)

• Advanced features: overlay drawings, heat maps, comments

• Use cases on site (inspections, meetings, remote sharing)

• Easy to deploy & secure cloud data management

• Adopt easy surveying and point cloud capture with LRTK

• FAQ

What is point cloud data? Why it’s starting to be used on sites

Point cloud data (point clouds) are 3D data composed of countless points obtained by laser scanning or photogrammetry. Each point contains real-world XYZ coordinates (position) and often color information; when displayed on a computer, the collection of points reproduces a 3D space that closely resembles the real object. A major strength is that complex shapes that cannot be measured with photos or drawings can be digitally preserved in detail by point clouds. Recently, point cloud data has begun to be used in civil engineering and construction sites. This trend is driven by the spread of easy measurement methods such as drones, 3D laser scanners, and smartphone LiDAR, as well as digitalization initiatives like the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism’s i-Construction. Point clouds are attracting attention as a trump card for on-site DX (digital transformation).

Challenges in sharing and viewing point cloud data

Point cloud data is extremely useful, but several challenges arise when it comes to sharing and using it among stakeholders. First, the data size is large. High-density point clouds can reach tens of millions of points, and file sizes of hundreds of MB to several GB are not uncommon. Email attachments become impractical, and even with cloud storage, downloads can take time. Second, viewing point clouds typically requires dedicated software and a high-end PC environment. Unlike common images or PDFs, you cannot open point clouds immediately; a dedicated viewer or CAD software is needed to display and manipulate 3D point clouds. Not all field engineers or clients necessarily have such software or skills, so situations often occur where “we collected point clouds but can’t show them.” As a result, sharing detailed site conditions via point clouds is hindered, and communication can revert back to relying on 2D drawings and photos.

Problems with existing methods that require dedicated software

Currently, the common way to share point cloud data is to have the recipient also install dedicated viewer or CAD software. However, this approach has the following problems:

• Introduction and setup are time-consuming: Installing and initially configuring dedicated software takes time. Sometimes permission to install software on company PCs is not granted.

• High environment requirements: Smooth manipulation of point clouds requires high-performance PCs. The software itself may be paid and require licenses, making it impractical to provide for many users.

• Degradation of shared information: If you try to share point clouds without software by converting them to still images or videos, recipients cannot freely navigate the 3D space or perform measurements. The intrinsic value of the point cloud data is not fully conveyed.

Thus, conventional methods involve significant effort and constraints for sharing point clouds.

What is LRTK Cloud that lets you share with a single URL

So how can these challenges be solved? The answer is cloud utilization. LRTK is a solution that enables centimeter-level positioning and point cloud measurement with a smartphone, and its cloud service allows you to store acquired point cloud data in the cloud and share it with stakeholders via a single URL. Even people who do not have dedicated software or licenses can display 3D point clouds in a browser simply by clicking a link. There's no need for complicated file transfers or viewer installation, so anyone from field staff to clients can intuitively check the data. You can optionally set a password or expiration date for the shared URL, providing peace of mind for security. Furthermore, LRTK Cloud can manage and view not only point clouds but also measured coordinate points, trajectories, and site photos in one place, enabling one-stop sharing of all site-collected data.

In short, “sharing point cloud data via URL” becomes a reality.

How to share point clouds with LRTK Cloud (steps)

Sharing point cloud data with LRTK Cloud is very simple. The basic flow is as follows.

• Upload data: Upload measurement data (point clouds, photos, etc.) from the LRTK app to the cloud. You can send it directly from the smartphone over a field connection or upload via PC after returning to the office.

• Issue a share URL: Select the data you want to share on the cloud and click the “Share” button. The system issues a dedicated share URL (you can set a password or expiration date if needed).

• Distribute to stakeholders: Notify internal members, clients, subcontractors, and others by sending the issued URL. Email or chat the URL— that’s all.

• View in browser: Recipients open the URL in a browser. Without logging in or installing software, they can immediately view the point cloud in a 3D viewer. They can move the viewpoint, measure, and freely inspect the data on the spot.

In this way, when you want to show point clouds to someone, you can complete sharing in just a few clicks. The difference in effort compared to conventional methods is obvious.

Benefits for recipients (no software, mobile compatible, measurements possible)

There are also big benefits for recipients (those who receive the shared link). Key points include:

• No dedicated software required—view immediately: Simply click the received URL to view the point cloud in the browser. No special app installation or complicated operations are required.

• Mobile and tablet compatible: In addition to PCs, point clouds can be viewed from smartphone and tablet browsers. You can use devices on hand at the site to check point clouds on the spot.

• Free manipulation of the 3D space: Recipients can freely rotate and zoom the displayed point cloud using mouse or touch controls. They can check details from desired angles or get an overview of the entire site.

• On-the-spot measurements: As with dedicated viewers, you can measure distances and heights in the browser. Recipients can directly measure points on the point cloud to answer questions like “How far is it between these points?”

• Easy data transfer: If needed, the point cloud data itself can be downloaded from the shared link. There’s no need for separate file transfer services; recipients can obtain the original data smoothly via the link.

With just a browser, anyone can access 3D data, greatly lowering the barrier to point cloud sharing. Even clients or supervisors unfamiliar with field work can intuitively grasp the situation by opening the link.

Advanced features: overlay drawings, heat maps, comments

LRTK Cloud offers not only sharing and viewing but also convenient features to make deeper use of site data. Here are some representative ones.

• Overlay drawings and models: You can overlay design drawings or 3D design models on the uploaded point cloud. For example, you can display a 2D plan (DWG, etc.) directly on top of the point cloud to compare and evaluate as-built conditions.

• Heat map display: A “heat map” function visualizes differences between the point cloud and a design surface with color coding. It automatically calculates whether the current site is a few cm higher or lower than the design and visualizes it on the point cloud. This is useful for checking earthwork volumes and quickly identifying construction deviations.

• Comment feature: You can write comments (annotations) while viewing the point cloud in the cloud. Place pins on points of interest, leave notes, or record questions directly on the shared data. Members in different locations can interact on the same 3D screen, reducing miscommunication.

With these features, LRTK Cloud enables one-stop workflows from simply viewing point clouds to comparing them with designs and facilitating communication.

Use cases on site (inspections, meetings, remote sharing)

Once you can share point clouds in the cloud, many on-site scenarios become possible. Examples include:

• Streamlining inspection attendance: For as-built inspections with clients or supervising engineers, not everyone needs to gather on site. If point clouds are shared in advance, details can be checked from the office, shortening the time needed for on-site attendance or substituting remote participation.

• Sharing in internal meetings: Project stakeholders—site agents, designers, headquarters managers—can project a shared URL in a meeting room and review the point cloud together. Situations hard to convey with text or drawings become easier to share as everyone can view the 3D data, facilitating smoother decision-making.

• Collaboration with remote locations: With a share link, distance disappears between a rural site and an urban headquarters or between branches. Experts can advise remotely, or headquarters can centrally manage data from multiple sites. The ability for the right people to access 3D site information at the right time without travel saves time and travel costs.

Accumulating point cloud data in the cloud also helps with construction history management. You can retrospectively check “what the site looked like at a given time,” which is powerful for progress records and aligning stakeholder understanding.

For example, in a road construction project, the site was scanned with LRTK after every process, and the point cloud data was shared with the client in real time. Previously, attendance was required for as-built confirmation, but by sharing point clouds, problem areas could be identified and corrected in advance, making the final inspection smoother. Such use of point cloud sharing is beginning to reduce rework and improve communication on site.

Easy to deploy & secure cloud data management

As described, using LRTK Cloud makes sharing and using point clouds much smoother. Importantly, the system’s deployment hurdle is low. LRTK is a solution that uses a smartphone (iPhone) and a dedicated device, so you can operate it without conventional stationary laser scanners or special high-performance PCs. The app is intuitive and requires little specialized knowledge. Site deployment is as simple as attaching the LRTK device to an iPhone and starting measurements.

Data management security is also ensured. Storing data in the cloud reduces the risk of data loss from PC loss or failure. Communications are encrypted so there is no worry of data leaking to unauthorized parties (if you set a password, the link cannot be viewed even if a third party accidentally learns it). You can organize point clouds and survey data per project on the cloud, making it useful as an internal information-sharing platform. Access control is available, allowing flexible operations such as internal-only viewing for some data and limited external sharing for others.

While DX tools often raise concerns about deployment and security, LRTK minimizes such worries so anyone can start using it easily and safely.

Adopt easy surveying and point cloud capture with LRTK

We have introduced the challenges of sharing point cloud data and how LRTK Cloud addresses them. The ability to easily share 3D data via a URL directly improves on-site operational efficiency. You can expect faster information sharing and communication, reduced travel time, and prevention of mistakes and rework.

Moreover, with LRTK, point cloud measurement and surveying itself are also easy to perform. High-precision site measurements that used to require specialized equipment can now be done with just a smartphone. For example, you can quickly convert terrain surveys, as-built management, and buried object records into point cloud data with LRTK and immediately share them via the cloud. This lowers the barrier to bringing cutting-edge ICT to sites, making 3D utilization accessible even for small-scale projects and municipal work.

If you are struggling with point cloud data sharing, consider adopting LRTK. Its unprecedented ease makes it a great first step toward on-site DX. As demand for 3D site data continues to grow, this is an opportunity to advance your project’s “3D-ification.”

FAQ

Q: Do I need special software to view a shared link? A: No. The shared link works on common web browsers such as Chrome and Safari. You can open it on a PC or smartphone without installing a dedicated app, so you don’t need to go through the hassle of obtaining installation permission for company PCs.

Q: Does the recipient need an LRTK account or license? A: No. Recipients can view the data without registering as an LRTK user or having a license. Anyone who knows the link can open the specified point cloud data (if you set a password, be sure to provide it when sharing).

Q: Is the shared data secure? A: Yes. LRTK Cloud encrypts communications and securely stores data. You can set a password or expiration date for shared URLs, so even if a link leaks, unauthorized viewing is prevented. You can also deactivate links yourself when you want to stop sharing.

Q: Can I really view 3D point clouds on a smartphone or tablet? A: Yes. Mobile devices are supported. In actual field use, you can open the shared link on an iPhone or iPad and check the point cloud on the spot. Intuitive operations such as swiping to move the viewpoint and pinching to zoom allow easy handling of 3D data (for large datasets, Wi‑Fi is recommended).

Q: Can viewers measure or save data? A: Yes. The shared link provides tools to measure distances and heights on the screen, and viewers can download point cloud files if needed. Viewers cannot overwrite the data; their access is limited to viewing, measuring, and commenting. The original data remains safely stored in the sharer’s cloud.

Q: Can I share data other than point clouds? A: Yes. LRTK Cloud lets you share all kinds of survey data. For example, GNSS-measured coordinate points and site photos (with geotags) can be viewed together with point clouds on a map. You can package point clouds and related materials together so recipients can check everything they need in one place.

Q: What do I need to use LRTK? A: LRTK consists of a compact positioning device (LRTK Phone) that attaches to an iPhone and a dedicated app. Provide a compatible iPhone (LiDAR-equipped models improve measurement accuracy) and install the app to start high-precision surveying and point cloud measurement immediately. The LRTK device contains a high-precision GNSS receiver and, combined with the phone’s LiDAR camera, achieves cm level accuracy (half-inch accuracy) in point cloud measurement. The device is palm-sized and includes a battery and antenna, offering excellent portability. The cloud service is included, so backup of acquired data and issuing share links can all be done from the smartphone.