Store even large point clouds in the cloud at once and share with stakeholders via a URL! Achieve on-site DX with LRTK

Table of Contents

• Introduction: the importance of point cloud data and sharing challenges

• What is point cloud data? Its role in surveying and construction management

• Traditional point cloud sharing challenges: data size, formats, and software dependence

• LRTK workflow from point cloud capture to cloud storage: smartphone → cloud → URL

• Advantages of URL sharing: simplicity, eliminating time lags, multi-device support

• Use cases: site ⇄ office, client briefings, remote construction management, interim inspections

• How shared URLs change team collaboration and speed

• Data security and access control mechanisms

• Case studies and feedback from the field (faster operations, improved verification accuracy, labor reduction)

• Conclusion: LRTK’s strengths that change the norms of point cloud sharing and recommendations for adoption

• FAQ: URL expiration, file size limits, viewing environments, whether others can edit, how to revoke sharing

Introduction: the importance of point cloud data and sharing challenges

In recent years, the use of point cloud data has rapidly expanded on construction and civil engineering sites. Because point cloud data can record site conditions as highly accurate 3D models, it is an important digital asset that is useful across a wide range of tasks—from construction planning to as-built inspections. However, at the same time, significant challenges remain in sharing large point cloud datasets among stakeholders. Constraints such as files being too large to send by email or requiring specialized software so not everyone can view them often mean that the valuable 3D data gathered stays on site and cannot be used in a timely manner.

This article introduces “LRTK” as a new mechanism to solve these challenges and promote on-site DX (digital transformation). With LRTK, large amounts of point cloud data captured on site can be saved to the cloud in bulk instantly and shared with the whole team via a simple URL link. The once cumbersome process of data sharing can be completed with one click, dramatically improving information flow between site, office, and clients. Let’s look in detail at how this works and the benefits it brings.

What is point cloud data? Its role in surveying and construction management

First, a brief review of point cloud data. Point cloud data is a dataset that records real terrain or structures in three dimensions as a collection of countless survey points. Each point contains X, Y, Z coordinate values (positional information), and lidar scanners may add reflectance intensity while photogrammetry may add color (RGB) information. Whereas traditional 2D drawings lose height information, point clouds capture spatial information including elevation, allowing the site’s shape to be reproduced three-dimensionally as it really is.

For this reason, point cloud data is used for various purposes in surveying and construction management. For example, on construction sites, drone photogrammetry or terrestrial laser scanning is used to convert pre- and post-construction terrain into point clouds, which helps with accurate earthwork volume calculations at design stage and as-built management (the process of verifying that completed structures match the design). Comparing pre-construction ground point clouds with post-construction fill or excavation surfaces allows accurate differential calculations such as fill and excavation volumes. In bridge and road maintenance, periodic point cloud surveys digitize current conditions into an archive to monitor displacements and inform future renovation planning. Because point clouds can record extensive current conditions in detail with a single measurement, they contribute greatly to reducing the number of surveys needed and to improving quality, thus enhancing operational efficiency and reducing labor.

Traditional point cloud sharing challenges: data size, formats, and software dependence

Despite their usefulness, sharing point cloud data by traditional methods poses many hurdles. First is the file size issue. Point clouds can consist of millions to hundreds of millions of points, and data sizes range from hundreds of MB to, in some cases, several GB. It is practically impossible to send such large files as email attachments, so people have had to rely on analog methods such as copying to USB drives or external HDDs and handing them over. But physical media transfers are time-consuming and cumbersome, and if a storage device is lost, there is a risk of confidential data leakage.

Second is the issue of data formats and software. Point clouds use specialized file formats like LAS or E57, and opening them requires dedicated point cloud viewers or high-performance CAD software. Some field personnel or subcontractors may not have such software, or their PCs may not be powerful enough to open and view the files easily. As a result, richly detailed 3D data is often reduced to static images or printed materials for sharing. This software dependence limits the scope of point cloud data utilization.

Moreover, during exchanges among multiple stakeholders, it is common to lose track of which version is the latest. For example, while passing data back and forth on USBs between site and design departments, it can become unclear which point cloud is the newest, or old versions may remain on individual PCs and cause confusion. Because sharing is cumbersome, update frequency drops, creating a time lag between actual site conditions and the office’s understanding. Traditional sharing methods that lack real-time capability have made it difficult to leverage point cloud data for quick on-site decision-making.

LRTK workflow from point cloud capture to cloud storage: smartphone → cloud → URL

The solution to these challenges is LRTK. LRTK is a system consisting of a compact RTK-GNSS receiver that mounts on a smartphone or tablet and a dedicated app, enabling anyone to perform centimeter-level high-precision positioning and 3D point cloud measurement easily. When you survey or scan on site using the LRTK app, the captured data is not only saved on the device but can also be synced (uploaded) to the cloud instantly with a single button. For example, if you scan terrain on site, you can send the data from your smartphone to the LRTK cloud right there. There is no need to return to the office to copy files to a PC or send them by email.

Example of the URL sharing link issuance screen on the LRTK cloud. You can select captured point cloud data, set a viewing password and an expiration date, and issue a shared URL with one click. Just send this link to stakeholders and they can immediately access the site’s point cloud data. Recipients can view the data via a web browser without logging into the LRTK cloud. Internal project members as well as external stakeholders such as clients and subcontractors can check the same 3D data in real time from their PCs or tablets. If needed, they can also download measurement coordinate lists or point cloud files to perform additional analysis in their own CAD software. LRTK makes the flow of on-site measurement → cloud storage → URL sharing smooth and lowers the barriers to point cloud data sharing.

Advantages of URL sharing: simplicity, eliminating time lags, multi-device support

LRTK cloud’s URL sharing function provides many benefits not found in traditional methods. The main advantages are as follows.

• Simple: Sharing is extremely straightforward. Even without specialized knowledge, you can select data in the cloud and press a button to share it with stakeholders. Recipients can view the data simply by clicking the URL, making it intuitive for anyone to use.

• Immediate sharing: Data uploaded to the cloud is immediately viewable, so the latest information captured on site can be shared almost in real time. There is no need to wait for USB shipping or email transfers, eliminating information transmission time lags.

• Multi-device support: Shared URLs can be used in web browsers on PCs, tablets, and smartphones. Whether out in the field or in the office, as long as there is an internet connection, data can be checked regardless of location or device.

• No special software required: Viewing does not require special applications—standard web browsers can handle large point clouds. Because processing is done on the cloud side, even if you don’t have a high-performance PC, you can smoothly display 3D data on a typical PC environment.

Use cases: site ⇄ office, client briefings, remote construction management, interim inspections

URL sharing via LRTK is powerful in many practical construction and civil engineering scenarios. It is effective in cases such as the following.

• Information sharing between site and office: If surveyors upload point cloud data to the cloud immediately after capture, designers or supervisors in the office can check the latest site conditions right away. Discrepancies with drawings or the need for additional work can be identified quickly, bringing site and office communications closer.

• Client briefings: For final checks or progress reporting, conditions that were hard to convey with paper drawings or photos are instantly clear with 3D point clouds. By sharing a URL with the client, you can give an immersive online briefing without the client having to visit the site. This deepens client understanding and can accelerate approval processes.

• Remote construction management: When site representatives or construction managers are responsible for multiple sites, they can monitor each site’s point cloud data via the cloud without traveling, quickly grasp progress and provide instructions. This enables the knowledge of experienced technicians to be shared remotely, supporting safe and reliable construction.

• Efficiency in interim inspections and reporting: Point cloud data sharing is also powerful for interim inspections and as-built checks. By sharing the 3D data via URL with inspectors or supervisors in advance, they can prepare for inspections and pre-check issues. In some cases, on-site attendance inspections can be replaced by online ones, reducing the number of in-person inspections. This improves inspection efficiency and flexibility.

How shared URLs change team collaboration and speed

Being able to share point cloud data instantly via URL dramatically improves project team collaboration and work speed. Because everyone always has access to the latest site information, common mistakes like “which file is the latest?” or rework caused by missing information are eliminated. When site, office, subcontractors, and clients can all view the same 3D data during discussions and decision-making, misalignments in understanding disappear and consensus is reached smoothly.

Faster information sharing directly boosts site productivity. For example, tasks that previously took several days to collect and distribute survey data can now be reviewed and have instructions issued by all stakeholders within the same day using LRTK. Decision-making time is shortened and overall construction progress management becomes more efficient. Also, using rich point cloud data as a shared foundation enables digital workflows characteristic of on-site DX. Parts that used to rely on paper drawings and verbal explanations become visualized in 3D, allowing less experienced members to intuitively understand site conditions and promoting organizational knowledge sharing.

Data security and access control mechanisms

Uploading and sharing data to the cloud raises concerns about security and access control. LRTK cloud addresses these points thoroughly. All communications are encrypted, and cloud servers are operated in high-security data centers. Even if a field device is damaged or lost, data is backed up in the cloud and can be restored quickly. Entrusting important survey data to a professionally managed cloud is generally safer and more reliable than scattering data across individual PCs and USB drives.

Shared links can also be protected with passwords and expiration dates as needed. Highly confidential data can be shared via password-protected URLs so only authorized people can access them, and you can set time-limited sharing such as “viewable for X days.” Once the period expires, access is automatically disabled, so you don’t have to worry about links being left open indefinitely. Additionally, you can revoke sharing at any time from the LRTK cloud management screen, invalidating previously issued URLs to stop access immediately.

For internal teams, access rights can be configured in detail per user. You can assign “edit” or “view-only” permissions for project data, preventing accidental overwrites by others while enabling smooth collaboration. By handing third parties view-only links while giving internal members edit rights, LRTK balances secure yet open information sharing.

Case studies and feedback from the field (faster operations, improved verification accuracy, labor reduction)

Sites that have actually adopted LRTK and cloud sharing report numerous benefits. Here are some representative comments.

• Significant improvement in work speed: On one site, it used to take several days to send survey data to headquarters for drafting and checking, but after introducing LRTK, stakeholders were able to review data and issue instructions on the same day. The elimination of data transfer waiting times has accelerated the whole schedule.

• Improved verification accuracy: Sharing point cloud data has enabled early detection of construction errors and discrepancies with designs that had previously been overlooked. Details that could not be noticed in paper reports can be checked in 3D data, reducing rework and ensuring quality. Users also report that client briefings became smoother and trust deepened.

• Labor reduction and effective remote responses: Even at distant sites, data can be checked and instructions issued without frequent travel, enabling more efficient personnel allocation. Headquarters can monitor multiple sites without a manager being on-site, allowing some projects to be managed with fewer people. Also, tasks that previously required two people can be done by one person with LRTK, who can then share data immediately—helpful for addressing labor shortages.

Conclusion: LRTK’s strengths that change the norms of point cloud sharing and recommendations for adoption

Cloud sharing with LRTK is a game changer that substantially alters conventional point cloud data operations. Even large point cloud datasets can be uploaded directly from the site to the cloud and shared with a single URL, dramatically expanding the speed and scope of data utilization. This is not just an efficiency improvement—it is a powerful tool that shifts on-site work styles toward a digital-first approach.

Where point cloud data used to be considered “hard to handle,” adopting LRTK makes point clouds the common language everyone on site can use. For companies and organizations looking to drive on-site DX, LRTK is a very reliable partner. Take this opportunity to experience the benefits of point cloud data sharing with LRTK. Adopt cutting-edge tools to elevate site productivity and communication to the next level.

FAQ: URL expiration, file size limits, viewing environments, whether others can edit, how to revoke sharing

Q. Can an expiration date be set for shared URLs? A. Yes, an expiration date can be set when issuing a URL. You can share data for a specified period such as “link invalid after X days.” Once the period has passed, access from that URL is automatically disabled, so you can safely share data you don’t want publicly available for extended periods (you can also choose to share indefinitely without setting an expiration).

Q. Is there a limit on the size of point cloud data that can be uploaded or shared? A. While typical email attachments are limited to tens of MB, the LRTK cloud is designed to handle large datasets, so point clouds on the order of hundreds of MB to several GB can be uploaded and shared. Actual limits depend on the plan, but point clouds typically acquired on construction sites can be stored in bulk without issue.

Q. Can recipients view shared links on any device such as PC or smartphone? A. Yes, as long as they have a major web browser, shared links can be viewed on PCs, tablets, or smartphones. Whether on a tablet at the site, a smartphone on the go, or a PC’s large screen in the office, data can be checked regardless of location or device. No dedicated viewer installation is required.

Q. Can others edit the data at the shared link? A. No, data shared via URL is basically view-only. Recipients can display and check data and, if permitted, download it, but they cannot modify the original cloud data. Editing or adding data can only be done by users with the appropriate permissions on the LRTK cloud.

Q. How do I revoke (invalidate) a link once data has been shared? A. From the LRTK cloud management screen, you can delete the link for the data you want to stop sharing. Once the link is deleted, accessing the previously issued URL will no longer display the data. If you set an expiration when sharing, access will also become unavailable automatically when the period ends. Administrators can control sharing status at any time, so you have peace of mind.