With advances in 3D measurement technology, the use of point cloud data in construction, civil engineering, and surveying fields has attracted great attention in recent years. Until now, however, handling 3D data often required expensive equipment and specialized software, and the barrier to working with such data was far from low. Against this backdrop, a browser-based point cloud viewer called LRTK has appeared that requires no installation and can be used from a smartphone, ushering in an era where anyone can easily handle 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 using point cloud data

• Benefits of a browser point cloud viewer

• Features of the point cloud viewer LRTK

• Changes LRTK brings to the field

• Conclusion: Simple surveying anyone can do with LRTK

• FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Challenges in using point cloud data

Point cloud data is very rich 3D information composed of many points, but traditionally there have been several barriers to handling it. First, specialized point cloud processing software or CAD software was required to display and edit point clouds, and operation required advanced knowledge and experience. These specialized programs are often expensive, and it takes time and cost to become proficient, so the implementation hurdle is high for small and medium-sized enterprises and beginners. As a result, point cloud data has sometimes been avoided as "seemingly difficult," and even when acquired, it has not always been fully utilized. Also, point cloud files can become very large, ranging from several million to several hundred million points, so general PCs can run slowly, creating concerns that "you need a high-performance workstation to handle them."

Furthermore, processing required to obtain useful deliverables from acquired point cloud data is time-consuming and labor-intensive. Tasks such as aligning multiple point clouds, removing unnecessary points as noise, calculating terrain volumes and producing drawings can take days to weeks. With limited site schedules, it is often difficult to allocate that much time, and as a result the hard-earned point cloud data can become a wasted asset.

The difficulty of sharing point cloud data was also a problem. Large point clouds cannot be easily viewed on-site as-is, so the common practice was to bring them back to the office for processing and analysis on a high-performance PC. This introduced a time lag from data acquisition to result sharing and hindered quick decision-making. Sharing data with stakeholders also required handing over external storage or converting to still images for reporting, adding effort and preventing full sharing and utilization of the valuable 3D information.

In response to these circumstances, and with industry-wide calls for ICT utilization and on-site DX such as the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism’s *i-Construction*, there has been a strong demand for new technologies that can be used easily on-site.

Benefits of a browser point cloud viewer

A groundbreaking approach that lowers these barriers to point cloud utilization is the use of a browser-based point cloud viewer that can display and share point cloud data within a web browser. With an internet connection and a web browser, point cloud data can be viewed without installing specialized software, allowing immediate confirmation of 3D data 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 service is available anywhere, eliminating complicated installation tasks and license management on PCs. You can access it via your personal computer as well as tablets and smartphones through a browser.

• No high-spec PC required: Since optimization of point cloud data is handled on the cloud side, large data volumes do not burden the local device. Even highly detailed point clouds on the order of tens of millions of points can be operated smoothly on a typical laptop or mobile device. Large-scale point clouds can be handled seamlessly without an expensive workstation.

• Always share the latest data: Because data resides in the cloud, all stakeholders can access the same latest version of the point cloud. Complicated file handoffs and version control are unnecessary, eliminating the hassle of emailing files or passing USB drives. Sharing a link lets remote team members view and discuss the same 3D data in real time, facilitating smooth communication across distant locations.

• Intuitive operation: Intuitive 3D manipulation such as viewpoint movement by mouse drag or touch, and zoom with the wheel is possible in the browser. Even users unfamiliar with specialized software can explore 3D space as if using a game or map app. There is no need to learn complex commands or operations, lowering the barrier for beginners.

• Immediate on-site feedback: You can display and check point clouds in the browser on-site without launching heavy specialized software, enabling immediate quality checks and additional measurements after data acquisition. For example, omissions that would previously only be noticed back in the office can be discovered the same day via the browser, allowing immediate re-measurement and preventing rework.

By handling point cloud data in the browser, the effort of setting up environments and constraints of location are greatly reduced, dramatically accelerating data utilization.

Features of the point cloud viewer LRTK

Among browser-based point cloud services, LRTK particularly contributes to productivity improvement in construction and surveying sites. LRTK was developed by a startup originating from the Tokyo Institute of Technology and consists of a compact positioning device that attaches to a smartphone and a cloud service. It is an innovative surveying system that allows acquisition of high-accuracy point cloud data with positional information without special equipment, and immediate display and sharing on the cloud after acquisition. Despite being pocket-sized (weight approximately 165 g; thickness about 1 cm (0.4 in)), the dedicated device houses a high-precision GNSS antenna, an RTK receiver, and a battery; just attach it to a smartphone with one touch to achieve centimeter-level positioning. Compared to conventional equipment, the introduction cost is also kept low, making it realistic for each person to carry their own surveying tool and perform surveying and point cloud acquisition whenever needed.

LRTK’s strengths go beyond being 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 cloud-based, so it runs with just a web browser and requires no software installation on PCs. From on-site tablets to office PCs, as long as there is an internet connection you can log in and display your point cloud data in 3D. Large point cloud processing is performed on the cloud side, so comfortable viewing is possible even without a high-performance PC. You can start using it immediately without troublesome setup.

• Easy point cloud measurement with a smartphone: By attaching the dedicated compact GNSS receiver (RTK-enabled) to a smartphone and using the LRTK app, anyone can easily perform point cloud scanning. Even smartphones without built-in LiDAR can generate point clouds from captured images, making it usable across a wide range of devices. Combining high-precision positioning with the smartphone’s built-in LiDAR or camera allows scanning of complex terrain or structures with just one-handed movement. There is no need to set up a tripod; you can obtain 3D point cloud data simply by walking around the site as if recording a video with your smartphone.

• High-precision georeferencing (absolute coordinates): LRTK employs Real-Time Kinematic (RTK) positioning, always determining the device’s location with centimeter-level accuracy. Therefore, accurate world geodetic coordinates (absolute coordinates) can be attached to all point clouds acquired with the smartphone. A typical smartphone-only LiDAR scan may not indicate where the obtained point cloud corresponds in real space or may become distorted while walking, but with LRTK such shifts do not occur. Data acquired in multiple sessions overlaps precisely without manual alignment, enabling immediate comparison of acquired point clouds with maps or design data.

• Comprehensive analysis and measurement tools: In addition to intuitive manipulation of point cloud data in the browser 3D viewer, a variety of measurement and analysis tools are built in. You can measure the distance between any two points, calculate the area of a polygonal region, and compute the volume of a region enclosed on the ground surface with one click. Advanced functions include extracting arbitrary cross-sections to inspect shapes and visualizing unevenness with heatmap displays that color-code points by elevation. You can also leave markings and comments on the point cloud to share observations or instructions in 3D space. Since you can measure necessary dimensions and calculate embankment/excavation volumes on the spot from acquired point clouds, there is no need to re-calculate 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 makes it easy to see discrepancies between as-built conditions and design data at a glance, helping to detect defects early. After completion, you can quickly inspect whether the built result matches the design, preventing rework and quality issues.

• Cloud storage and secure sharing: All measured data is automatically saved and centrally managed in LRTK cloud storage. Once scanning is finished on-site, the data synchronizes to the cloud from the smartphone, so by the time you return to the office you can check details on a PC. Point cloud data uploaded to the cloud can be viewed by simply sharing a link with stakeholders. Even if the recipient does not have specialized software, opening the sent URL in a browser launches the 3D viewer and anyone can view the data. You can set expiration dates and passwords on shared links, so sharing with external parties is secure. It is also possible to operate as an internal project, keeping important data within the team. Displaying and comparing multiple point clouds and 3D design models simultaneously enables real-time sharing of common 3D information among remotely located team members.

• Intuitive on-site checks with AR: LRTK supports augmented reality (AR), allowing point cloud data or design models to be overlaid on the actual scene through a smartphone. For example, you can AR-display a previously scanned point cloud of buried pipes on-site to visualize them on the ground, or project a model of a planned structure to confirm the finished image. High-precision positioning enables accurate alignment of virtual objects with real-world scenes, allowing highly intuitive inspection while walking around the site.

By adopting LRTK, you can realize a new surveying workflow of "quickly measuring it yourself on site, instantly checking the 3D data there, and sharing it." Let’s look at the concrete benefits this technological innovation brings to the field.

Changes LRTK brings to the field

LRTK, with the above features, brings various changes to surveying and construction management sites. One major change is a dramatic improvement in work efficiency. Surveying work that previously required several people and a full day can sometimes be completed quickly by one person using LRTK. For example, when calculating the volume of large embankments or soil, conventional methods required measuring many points and performing calculations, whereas with LRTK you can obtain a 3D model simply by quickly scanning the surroundings with a smartphone and the cloud will immediately calculate the volume. Time previously spent compiling survey results into drawings can be greatly reduced, freeing up resources for other tasks.

Improved safety is another important benefit. With LRTK, data collection in hazardous locations or tasks that previously had to be performed at night can be completed in a short time from relatively safer positions. For instance, measuring clearances inside railway tunnels was conventionally done during late-night work after the last train, but with LRTK you can safely grasp the necessary dimensions by briefly walking and scanning the tunnel during daytime. For high structures or steep slopes, workers can capture necessary point clouds by scanning from surrounding positions with a smartphone, reducing the risks of erecting scaffolding or climbing heights. Tasks that once required night work on tracks could be done quickly during daytime gaps.

LRTK also helps alleviate workforce shortages. Advanced 3D measurement that once relied on experienced surveyors can now be performed to a sufficient degree by many on-site personnel. Intuitive smartphone operation and automated analysis enable new staff or non-survey specialists to acquire and utilize necessary data, preventing work from concentrating on a single expert. This improves productivity across the organization and is an effective measure against future technician shortages.

The ability to accumulate detailed 3D point cloud data as a record is also significant. Construction conditions that were previously recorded on paper drawings or photos can now be saved as precise digital records in the form of point clouds. This makes it possible to review and verify terrain changes before and after construction, or to reconstruct the site in 3D when troubleshooting to analyze causes. Centralized cloud management of site data reduces the effort to search past survey records and smooths information sharing.

Furthermore, LRTK can be integrated with photogrammetry using drones. Adding RTK high-precision positioning information to point cloud models generated from aerial images enables efficient and accurate terrain measurement over wide sites. Combining ground smartphone measurements and aerial drone surveys makes it possible to build more comprehensive 3D maps in a short time.

Conclusion: Simple surveying anyone can do with LRTK

LRTK is a key tool that strongly promotes digitalization (DX) of surveying sites. Although it uses cutting-edge technology, its operation is simple and enables “simple surveying” that even unlicensed individuals can perform. The greatest advantage of simple surveying is balancing speed, ease, and accuracy. By introducing LRTK, you can quickly measure when needed, instantly share the data, and move on to the next action. This speed dramatically improves on-site productivity and becomes a driving force for maintaining high-quality outcomes even amid labor shortages.

If you currently face time or cost challenges in surveying operations, consider trying LRTK. Experiencing simple surveying with LRTK will likely expand the possibilities of surveying, enabling efficiency improvements and new applications you may have previously given up on. LRTK, which requires no specialized software and is easy to introduce, can be a reliable partner 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 intend to perform point cloud measurements yourself, you will need the small LRTK device (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 a computer or mobile device with internet access to view the data through the 3D viewer. The LRTK device itself can be attached with one touch via a dedicated smartphone case, and if needed a monopod (pole) can be attached to measure ground points precisely as with conventional GNSS surveying equipment.

Q: What point cloud data formats does LRTK support? A: LRTK generally supports standard point cloud file formats. For example, it can import and display common formats such as LAS/LAZ, PLY, XYZ, and PCD generated by many measurement devices and software. It also supports point clouds containing color and normal information, reproducing detailed 3D models with color information.

Q: Can it be used without surveying expertise? A: Yes, LRTK is designed to be usable by those without specialized knowledge. The smartphone app operation follows intuitive guides, and visualization and measurement of acquired point clouds can be performed interactively in the browser, so complex settings are unnecessary. However, for full professional use in surveying tasks, knowledge of coordinate systems and basic measurement concepts helps smooth operation. It is advisable to have technicians support initial use on-site. In practice, there are reports of new staff mastering LRTK after a short training session and assisting with surveying tasks.

Q: What measurements and analyses can LRTK perform? A: The browser includes standard measurement functions such as distance and height measurement, and area and volume calculation. You can measure dimensions between two points, determine the area of a polygonal region, and automatically calculate earthwork quantities (embankment/excavation) for 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: Contact LRTK via the official website and a representative can provide detailed information on the service and demonstrations. As a cloud service, initial deployment is easy, and you can start using it immediately after an account is issued. Feel free to inquire about pricing plans and use cases.

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, ensuring safe sharing with external parties. You can also operate it as an internal project, keeping important data within the 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 on-site operational use. It offers not only point cloud display but also surveying measurements, comparison with design data, AR display, and many other features directly relevant to practical work. Many free viewers only allow viewing, but with LRTK you can handle everything from point cloud acquisition to analysis and sharing, eliminating the need for additional software and tedious manual work. LRTK’s reliability is backed by numerous field deployments in construction and surveying, and it has a dedicated support team. If you intend to use point cloud data professionally, LRTK is an all-in-one solution that can streamline your workflow.