No Installation Required, Smartphone Compatible! Easily Visualize Point Cloud Data with a Browser Point Cloud Viewer

With advances in 3D measurement technology, the use of point cloud data has been attracting significant attention in recent years in construction, civil engineering, and surveying. However, until now, expensive equipment and specialized software were required, and the barrier to handling 3D data was far from low. Against this backdrop, a browser-based point cloud viewer called "LRTK" has emerged that requires no installation and can be used from a smartphone, ushering in an era where anyone can easily work with 3D point cloud data. This article explains the challenges in utilizing point cloud data and the innovative features of LRTK, and introduces the changes this new tool brings to the field.

Table of Contents

• Challenges in utilizing point cloud data

• Advantages of browser point cloud viewers

• Features of the point cloud viewer LRTK

• Changes LRTK brings to the field

• Conclusion: Simple surveying anyone can do with LRTK

• FAQ

Challenges in utilizing point cloud data

Point cloud data is an extremely rich 3D information set composed of a large number of points, but there have traditionally been several barriers to handling it. First, displaying and editing point clouds requires dedicated point cloud processing software or CAD software, and operating them demanded advanced knowledge and experience. These specialized programs are often expensive, and mastering them takes time and cost, so adoption barriers are high for small and medium-sized enterprises and beginners. As a result, point cloud data is often avoided as “too difficult,” and even when acquired, it is not fully utilized.

Point cloud files can also be very large, ranging from millions to hundreds of millions of points, which can make performance sluggish on general-purpose PCs and raise concerns that “you can’t handle them without a high-performance workstation.”

Moreover, processing required to obtain useful deliverables from acquired point cloud data is time-consuming. Tasks such as aligning multiple point clouds, removing unwanted noise points, and calculating terrain volumes for drafting can take days to weeks. With limited onsite schedules, teams often can’t keep up, and the point clouds acquired with great effort can end up being a bolded waste of effort: a treasure gone to waste.

The difficulty of sharing point cloud data was also an issue. Gigantic point clouds cannot be easily viewed in the field as-is, so it was common practice to return to the office and process and analyze them on a high-performance PC. This created a time lag between data acquisition and result sharing, hindering quick decision-making. Sharing data with stakeholders also involved handing over external storage or exporting still images for reports, creating extra steps that prevented full sharing and utilization of 3D information.

In response to these circumstances, and with industry-wide calls for ICT utilization and field DX promoted by initiatives like *i-Construction*, there has been a strong demand for new technologies that can be easily used on-site.

Advantages of browser point cloud viewers

A groundbreaking approach that lowers the barriers to point cloud utilization is the use of a browser point cloud viewer that can display and share point cloud data in a web browser. As long as there is an internet connection and a web browser, point cloud data can be viewed without installing dedicated software, allowing 3D data to be checked instantly both on-site and in the office. Browser point cloud viewers offer the following advantages:

• No software installation required: As long as there is internet access and a web browser, the viewer can be used anywhere, eliminating complex installation procedures and license management on PCs. Access is available from desktop computers as well as tablets and smartphones via the browser.

• No high-spec PC required: Optimization processing for point clouds is handled in the cloud, so large data volumes do not burden the local device. Even highly detailed point clouds on the scale of tens of millions of points can be operated smoothly on typical laptops and mobile devices. Large point clouds can be handled smoothly without an expensive workstation.

• Always share the latest data: Because data is stored in the cloud, all stakeholders can access the same latest version of the point cloud. Complex file transfers and version control are unnecessary, and time-consuming email or USB handoffs are eliminated. By sharing a link, remote team members can view and discuss the same 3D data in real time, facilitating smooth communication across locations.

• Intuitive operation: Browser-based 3D controls such as click-and-drag or touch-based viewpoint movement and wheel zoom make navigation intuitive. Even users unfamiliar with specialized software can explore 3D space as naturally as using a game or map app. There is no need to learn complex commands, lowering the barrier for beginners.

• Immediate on-site feedback: Without launching heavy specialized software, point clouds can be displayed and checked in the browser on-site, enabling immediate quality checks or additional measurements after data acquisition. For example, omissions that used to be noticed only after returning to the office can be discovered that same day in the browser, allowing immediate re-measurement and preventing rework.

By handling point cloud data in the browser, the overhead of setting up environments and location constraints is greatly reduced, and the speed of data utilization increases dramatically.

Features of the point cloud viewer LRTK

Among services that enable point cloud use in a browser, LRTK particularly contributes to productivity improvements in construction and surveying fields. LRTK was developed by a startup originating from Tokyo Institute of Technology and consists of a small positioning device that attaches to a smartphone and a cloud service. It is an innovative surveying system that acquires high-accuracy georeferenced point cloud data without specialized equipment and displays and shares it on the cloud immediately after acquisition. Pocket-sized (weighing about 165g, thickness about 1 cm (0.4 in)), the dedicated device contains a high-precision GNSS antenna, an RTK receiver, and a battery; attaching it to a smartphone with a single touch achieves centimeter-level positioning (cm level accuracy, half-inch accuracy). Compared to traditional equipment, the introduction cost is kept low, making it realistic for each person to carry a surveying tool and perform measurements and point cloud acquisition whenever needed.

LRTK is not just a viewer; it is an all-in-one platform that completes everything from on-site measurement to analysis and sharing. Specifically, it offers the following functions and features:

• Ready to use without software: LRTK is a cloud-based service that runs in a web browser, so no software needs to be installed on a PC. From a tablet on-site to a PC in the office, users can log in and display their point cloud data in 3D as long as they have an internet connection. Large point cloud processing is handled in the cloud, so smooth viewing is possible even without a high-spec PC. No troublesome setup is required; you can start using it immediately.

• Easy point cloud measurement with a smartphone: By attaching a dedicated small GNSS receiver (RTK-capable) to a smartphone and using the LRTK app, anyone can easily perform point cloud scanning. Point clouds can be generated from photos even on smartphones without built-in LiDAR, enabling use across a wide range of devices. Combining high-precision positioning with the smartphone’s built-in LiDAR or camera allows scanning of complex terrain and structures with one-handed operation. There is no need to mount a tripod; by walking around the site as if shooting a video with your smartphone, you can acquire 3D point cloud data.

• High-accuracy georeferencing (absolute coordinates): LRTK uses real-time kinematic (RTK) positioning to always know its position with centimeter-level accuracy (cm level accuracy, half-inch accuracy). Therefore, accurate world geodetic coordinates (absolute coordinates) can be attached to every point cloud acquired with a smartphone. Typical standalone smartphone LiDAR scans may not indicate where the acquired point cloud corresponds in the real world or can become distorted while walking, but LRTK prevents such drift. Data scanned in multiple sessions aligns precisely without manual registration, allowing immediate comparison of acquired point clouds with maps or design data.

• Comprehensive analysis and measurement tools: In addition to intuitive 3D interaction in the browser-based viewer, various measurement and analysis tools are built in. You can measure distance between any two points, compute area of a polygonal region, and calculate volume for areas bounded on the ground with a single click. Advanced features include extracting arbitrary cross-sections to inspect shapes and heatmap displays that colorize points by height to visualize surface variations. You can also leave markings and comments on the point cloud, enabling on-site observations and instructions to be shared in 3D space. Because you can measure required dimensions and calculate fill/excavation volumes from acquired point clouds on-site, there is no need to recompute them later in separate software.

• Comparison with design data: You can overlay current point cloud data with design drawings or BIM/CAD models and visualize differences with color coding. During construction, this helps instantly identify deviations between as-built results and design, facilitating early detection of issues. After completion, it enables quick inspections to confirm conformance to design, preventing rework and quality problems.

• Cloud storage and secure sharing: All measured data is automatically saved to LRTK cloud storage and managed centrally. After scanning is finished on-site, data synchronizes from the smartphone to the cloud, so by the time you return to the office you can review details on a PC. Point clouds uploaded to the cloud can be viewed simply by sharing a link with stakeholders. Recipients need not have specialized software; opening the provided URL in a browser launches the 3D viewer so anyone can view the data. You can set expiration dates or passwords on shared links for secure external sharing. Multiple point clouds and 3D design models can also be displayed simultaneously for comparison, enabling real-time sharing of common 3D information with remote team members.

• Intuitive on-site checks with AR: LRTK supports augmented reality (AR), allowing point clouds or design models to be overlaid on the actual scene through a smartphone. For example, a previously scanned point cloud of buried utilities can be displayed on the ground in AR on-site, or a projected model of a planned building can be used to confirm the completion image. Thanks to high-precision positioning, virtual objects can be overlaid without misalignment with the real environment, enabling highly intuitive verification while walking around the site.

By introducing LRTK, you can realize a new surveying workflow of “quickly measuring it yourself on-site, instantly checking the 3D data, and sharing it.” Next, let’s look at the concrete benefits this technological innovation brings to the field.

Changes LRTK brings to the field

With the features described above, LRTK brings various changes to surveying and construction management sites. First is a dramatic improvement in work efficiency. Survey tasks that used to take several people a full day can, with LRTK, sometimes be completed by one person in a short time. For example, when calculating the volume of a large embankment or pile of earth, traditional methods required many point measurements and computations, whereas with LRTK you can quickly scan the surroundings with a smartphone to obtain a 3D model and have the volume automatically calculated in the cloud. Time previously spent compiling survey results into drawings is greatly reduced, allowing that time to be allocated to other tasks.

Improved safety is another notable benefit. With LRTK, data collection in hazardous locations or work that previously had to be done at night can be completed in a short time from relatively safe positions. For example, clearance measurements inside railway tunnels were traditionally performed at night after the last train, but with LRTK you can walk and scan inside the tunnel briefly during the day to safely obtain necessary dimensions. For high structures or steep slopes, workers can obtain required point clouds simply by scanning from around the structure with a smartphone, reducing the need to erect scaffolding or climb to heights. Operations that used to be performed overnight on tracks can be handled quickly during daytime openings.

LRTK also helps alleviate labor shortages. Advanced 3D measurements that used to rely on experienced surveyors can now be handled to some extent by anyone on-site. Intuitive smartphone operation and automatic analysis enable newcomers or staff without surveying specialization to obtain and use sufficient data, preventing work concentration on a single expert. This contributes to overall organizational productivity and is an effective measure against future technician shortages.

The ability to store detailed 3D point cloud data as records is also important. Construction conditions that used to be recorded on paper drawings or photos can now be saved as precise digital point clouds. This allows later review of terrain changes before and after construction, or 3D reconstruction of the site at the time of an incident to analyze causes. Centralized cloud management of on-site data reduces the effort to search past survey records and smooths information sharing.

LRTK can also integrate with drone photogrammetry. By applying RTK-derived high-accuracy positioning to point clouds generated from aerial photos, efficient and precise terrain surveys across large sites are possible. Combining ground smartphone measurements with aerial drone measurements can enable the rapid creation of more comprehensive 3D maps.

Conclusion: Simple surveying anyone can do with LRTK

LRTK is a key tool that strongly promotes digitalization (DX) of surveying sites. It is cutting-edge technology but easy to operate, enabling “simple surveying” that people without special qualifications can perform. The greatest advantage of simple surveying is the combination of speed, ease, and accuracy. With LRTK, you can measure when needed with your own team, share the data instantly, and move on to the next action. This speed will dramatically improve on-site productivity and be a driving force that allows high-quality results to be maintained even amid labor shortages.

If you currently feel issues with time or cost in your surveying operations, consider trying LRTK. Experiencing simple surveying with LRTK can greatly expand surveying possibilities, enabling efficiency improvements and new use cases you may have previously given up on. LRTK, which requires no specialized software and is easy to introduce, can become a reliable ally that dramatically improves on-site productivity.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: What equipment or environment is required to use LRTK? A: LRTK is a solution that can be used on smartphones and tablets. If you plan to perform point cloud measurement yourself, you will need the small LRTK device (a high-precision GNSS receiver) that attaches to a smartphone and the dedicated app. On the other hand, if you only want to view point cloud data shared by colleagues or other companies, no special equipment is required. Simply open the shared URL in a browser on an internet-connected PC or mobile device to view the data through the 3D viewer. The LRTK device itself attaches with one touch using a dedicated smartphone case, and if necessary you can attach a monopod (pole) to measure ground points precisely like a conventional GNSS survey instrument.

Q: What point cloud data formats does LRTK support? A: LRTK generally supports standard point cloud file formats. For example, LAS/LAZ, PLY, XYZ, PCD, and other formats output by many measurement devices and software can be imported and displayed as-is. Point clouds with color information or normal vectors are also supported and can be reproduced as detailed 3D models with color.

Q: Can it be used without surveying expertise? A: Yes, LRTK is designed to be easy to use even for those without specialized knowledge. The smartphone app is intuitive and guided, and visualization and measurement of obtained point cloud data can be done interactively in the browser, so complex settings are unnecessary. However, for professional surveying use, familiarity with coordinate systems and basic measurement items will make things smoother. It is advisable to have technicians provide initial on-site support. In practice, there have been reports of new staff mastering LRTK after a short training session and assisting with surveying tasks.

Q: What kinds of measurements and analyses can LRTK perform? A: The browser provides basic measurement functions such as measuring distances and heights, and calculating areas and volumes. For example, you can measure dimensions between two points, check the area of a polygonal region, and automatically calculate earthwork volumes (fill/excavation) from acquired terrain — all within the browser without switching to other software. You can also annotate measurement results and save screenshots for use in reports.

Q: How do I get started with LRTK? A: You can contact LRTK through the official website to receive detailed information and schedule a demonstration from a representative. As a cloud service, initial deployment is easy, and you can start using it immediately after an account is issued. Please feel free to inquire about pricing plans and usage options.

Q: Is the security of uploaded point cloud data assured? A: Yes, LRTK takes confidentiality and security of cloud data seriously. Uploaded data is securely managed and accessible only to authorized users. Shared links can have expiration dates and password protection, so external data sharing is secure. You can also operate projects as internal-only, keeping important data within your team for secure use.

Q: What are LRTK’s strengths compared to other free point cloud viewers? A: LRTK is a professional platform designed for field operations. It not only displays point clouds but also provides surveying measurements, comparisons with design data, AR display, and other practical features directly relevant to work. Many free viewers offer viewing only, but with LRTK you can handle acquisition, analysis, and sharing end-to-end, eliminating the need for additional software or cumbersome manual steps. LRTK’s strengths also include reliability backed by numerous field deployments in construction and surveying and a support system from a professional team. If you want to utilize point cloud data seriously in your operations, LRTK is an optimal all-in-one solution for improving efficiency.