No Installation Required! Display Point Clouds in AR and Share Instantly with a Browser Point Cloud Viewer

Table of Contents

• Introduction

• What is a browser point cloud viewer?

• Benefits of a browser point cloud viewer

• Displaying point clouds in the real world with AR

• Expanding point cloud use through instant sharing

• Main use cases for browser point cloud viewers

• Simple surveying with LRTK

• FAQ

Introduction

In construction and surveying, the utilization of point cloud data acquired by 3D laser scanners or photogrammetry is rapidly expanding. However, it has long been a major challenge to easily display and share point clouds composed of countless points. Dedicated software installation and high-performance PCs were required, making it difficult to casually check 3D data on site or share it with stakeholders.

Recently, cloud-based point cloud viewers that run in web browsers have attracted attention as a solution to these hurdles. If you upload point cloud data to the cloud via the internet, recipients can display and inspect the 3D point cloud in their browser. Because no installation is required and they can be used not only on PCs but also on tablets and smartphones, the barrier to data sharing has been dramatically lowered. Moreover, the latest viewers offer features such as AR (augmented reality) support to overlay point cloud data onto the real world, and instant cloud synchronization to share data captured on site immediately.

This article introduces the specific benefits and use cases of browser point cloud viewers, and explains how AR display and instant sharing can change workflows. At the end of the article, we highlight our cloud service with absolute-coordinate point cloud AR integration and mobile real-time synchronization, LRTK Cloud, as a cutting-edge solution for simple on-site surveying.

What is a browser point cloud viewer?

A point cloud viewer is a tool for visualizing three-dimensional point cloud data obtained by laser scanners or photogrammetry. It displays the volumetric data formed by countless points on a computer and allows free rotation, zooming, and inspection. Generally, point cloud viewers are used to check the condition of point clouds, measure dimensions, and share data with others.

A browser-based point cloud viewer, in particular, is characterized by the ability to handle 3D point clouds using only a web browser without installing dedicated software. While complex editing and advanced analysis (such as noise removal or modeling) are not possible, it is designed to allow anyone to easily view point cloud data. Because a 3D model can be displayed simply by clicking a URL, sharing and reviewing point cloud data internally and externally becomes dramatically easier.

Benefits of a browser point cloud viewer

• No installation required — easy to use: There is no need to install dedicated software in advance or perform complicated setup. Anyone can view 3D point clouds immediately by clicking the received URL. Not only on-site personnel but also clients and partner companies can check data without worrying about whether they have special software.

• Multi-device support — works on PCs and smartphones: As long as there is a browser, point clouds can be displayed on desktops, tablets, and smartphones without device restrictions. For example, on-site personnel can check point clouds on a tablet, while in the office the team can review them on a large monitor — offering flexible usage.

• Easy sharing via URL: There is no need to email large point cloud files or hand them over on USB. If you upload point cloud data to the cloud, you can simply send a share link to stakeholders so they can view the latest data. Because everyone always refers to the cloud-hosted latest version, there is no risk of different members looking at outdated files. Viewing permissions can also be configured to flexibly control public or private access.

• Smooth display of large datasets: Even large-scale point cloud data consisting of tens of millions to hundreds of millions of points can be handled smoothly by modern cloud services. Servers spatially partition the data and stream only the necessary portions with LOD (level of detail) control, enabling smooth 3D display on typical PCs and network environments.

• Basic analysis such as distance measurement supported: Even in the browser, you can use basic analysis functions comparable to dedicated software, such as measuring distances and areas between point clouds and displaying cross-section slices. You can perform tasks on site — for example, rough volume estimates for earthworks using heavy machinery or checking dimensions of structures — that previously had to be done back at the office.

• Real-time collaboration via the cloud: With point cloud data on the cloud, team members in different locations can collaborate in real time. For instance, if you upload data immediately after scanning on site, an office-based person can check it in the browser and give instructions right away. This eliminates travel time and enables decision-making and situational awareness without being physically present, greatly improving operational efficiency.

Displaying point clouds in the real world with AR

Traditionally, point cloud use was limited to viewing 3D models on a screen, but with the advent of AR (augmented reality) technology, it is now possible to overlay point cloud data onto the real world. Through a smartphone or tablet camera, you can composite captured point clouds with the actual scene, allowing intuitive on-site comparison. For example, if you AR-display a scanned terrain point cloud on site, you can compare surface irregularities with the ground in front of you or visually verify discrepancies with design plans.

If a browser point cloud viewer supports AR, you can use AR display in your device’s browser without a dedicated app. If the measured point cloud data includes absolute coordinates (such as geodetic coordinates), the model can be placed in the real world at nearly full scale and in accurate positions. Without special equipment or expensive MR goggles, you can recreate 3D point clouds on site using just your smartphone, which is powerful for explanations and consensus building with stakeholders. Sharing the scale and positional relationships of point clouds on site enables anyone to intuitively understand 3D data that was previously hard to convey.

Expanding point cloud use through instant sharing

Cloud-connected browser point cloud viewers dramatically shorten the time required to share point cloud data. Previously, data measured on site had to be taken back to the office, processed and converted, and then distributed to stakeholders — a process that took time and effort. Now, if you upload point clouds to the cloud immediately after acquisition on site, colleagues in the office can view the data in their browsers within minutes. For example, if you laser-scan an excavation on a construction site and share the data instantly, remote office staff can promptly confirm the location of buried objects and decide whether additional excavation is needed. Instant sharing of point clouds bridges the information gap between field and office and significantly accelerates decision-making.

Recently, services that automatically generate point clouds in the cloud from smartphone app captures have also appeared. Even without specialized scanners, anyone with a LiDAR-equipped smartphone or tablet can easily perform on-site 3D scans. Because the cloud generates point cloud data immediately after capture, you can share it with colleagues to get advice or request additional measurements on the spot, enabling real-time collaboration. This is ideal for small-site situational awareness and experimental point cloud use, making 3D data accessible to users who previously had little exposure to point clouds.

Main use cases for browser point cloud viewers

• Construction site as-built management and progress sharing: Record the as-built condition of structures on a construction site with point clouds to verify whether construction is proceeding according to design. Comparing as-built point clouds with design data in the browser makes it possible to detect construction errors or deficiencies early. Regularly scanning the site and sharing progress chronologically in the cloud allows remote offices and clients to understand site status in real time.

• Surveying and terrain understanding: Terrain undulations that were difficult to grasp from traditional survey maps or photos can be accurately visualized with point cloud data. Broad-area terrain point clouds acquired by drones or mobile mapping can be uploaded to the cloud for all stakeholders to view in a browser. This helps with checking elevations and cross-sectional shapes and calculating volumes (cut and fill), improving the accuracy of design and construction planning.

• Infrastructure inspection and maintenance management: Record bridges, tunnels, and plant equipment as point clouds to monitor aging and detect deterioration. High and narrow locations can be measured non-contact, contributing to improved safety. Sharing acquired point clouds in the browser allows experts to assess deterioration and plan repairs without visiting the site. Comparing with past point clouds to examine displacements is also easy.

• Disaster site recording and sharing: 3D-scan landslides, floods, and earthquake-affected sites for immediate information sharing among relevant agencies. Point cloud data that provides an overview of damage is useful for planning rescue operations and recovery strategies. Because everyone can view the same data in the browser, communication is streamlined when multiple departments or companies coordinate disaster response.

• Renovation planning for buildings and facilities: Scan existing buildings or plant equipment as point clouds for use in renovation or layout change planning. Even old buildings without drawings can yield accurate dimensions from point clouds. Stakeholders can review the current 3D condition from their desks via a browser and exchange opinions, reducing mistakes and inconsistencies during planning. You can also use AR to show the client the post-renovation image and help build consensus.

Simple surveying with LRTK

As a concrete example of a browser point cloud viewer, we offer LRTK Cloud. LRTK Cloud is a cloud service that requires no installation and supports display of absolute-coordinate point clouds and an AR mode. Just scan the site with a smartphone and upload it — the data is automatically converted to a point cloud and the 3D data can be shared instantly. The guided workflow from capture to sharing makes it easy to use even for those new to point clouds. Without expensive dedicated surveying equipment, anyone can start simple on-site surveying by combining their smartphone with LRTK Cloud.

Furthermore, by utilizing devices from the LRTK series, centimeter-class high-precision positioning and 3D measurement can be realized seamlessly (cm level accuracy (half-inch accuracy)). LRTK was developed with use in construction, civil engineering, and surveying in mind and is the latest solution compatible with the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism’s i-Construction initiative. By fusing high-precision GNSS positioning and point cloud data, on-site work efficiency and accuracy are dramatically improved. With centralized data management in the cloud, information sharing both inside and outside the company is smooth. By leveraging LRTK Cloud, surveying tasks that previously had to be outsourced to specialists can be handled by on-site personnel themselves, significantly advancing the digitalization and efficiency of operations.

With the arrival of an era in which point clouds can be handled in a browser, on-site digitalization is accelerating further. Why not take advantage of advanced point cloud cloud services and evolve your operations to the next stage with simple surveying using LRTK? Introducing a platform that makes point cloud data easy to handle will visualize previously unseen site information and lead to new value creation.

FAQ

Q: What is a point cloud viewer?

A: A point cloud viewer is software that visualizes three-dimensional point cloud data acquired by laser scanners or photogrammetry on a screen. It displays volumetric data composed of many points, allowing free rotation and zooming for inspection. Browser-compatible point cloud viewers, in particular, allow display and basic analysis in the browser without installing dedicated software. They cannot perform advanced editing such as full noise removal or modeling, but they serve to quickly check completed point clouds, measure dimensions, and share with others.

Q: What are the advantages of handling point clouds in a web browser?

A: The biggest advantages are ease of use and simple sharing. With a browser-based point cloud viewer, anyone can view 3D data by clicking a shared URL. Because no software installation is needed, viewers don't need high-performance PCs or complex setup. Data is processed and managed in the cloud, so everyone can access the latest information and share the same point cloud. It also eliminates the need to send files from the field repeatedly, enabling “anytime, anywhere, anyone” use of point clouds — a core strength of browser viewers.

Q: Can large point cloud datasets be displayed?

A: Yes. Modern cloud-based point cloud viewers support large datasets. Point clouds on the order of tens of millions to hundreds of millions of points are streamed to the browser with server-side spatial partitioning and LOD (level of detail) control so that only necessary parts are transmitted. Thus, even massive data such as scans of an entire city can be viewed smoothly if you narrow the display range. However, if the network connection is extremely slow or the viewing device’s performance is very low, loading may take time. In general, a high-speed network (equivalent to fiber) and a standard PC with WebGL support are sufficient to operate large cloud-hosted point clouds.

Q: Is it secure to store point cloud data in the cloud?

A: Many cloud service providers implement robust security measures such as encrypted communications, access restrictions, and secure data center operations. Some point cloud viewers allow you to set viewing permissions per project so only authorized users can access data. Therefore, in general, it is considered safe to store data in the cloud and share it. For highly confidential projects, you may consider stricter operations like building an open-source viewer on an internal server isolated from external networks. When using cloud services, review provider terms of use and understand data ownership and handling policies before adoption.

Q: Can the distance and area measurements made in a browser viewer be trusted?

A: If the point cloud data itself is accurate, measurements in the browser will also be accurate. Viewers simply calculate distances between two points or areas enclosed on the point cloud, so they generally yield the same results as desktop software. However, point clouds inherently include errors from laser scanners or photogrammetry, so when using measurements for official surveying results you must pay attention to measurement conditions and error ranges. For routine tasks like rough volume calculations or on-site dimension checks, browser measurements are practically reliable. The key is the quality of the source data and correct scale and coordinate alignment in the viewer.

Q: Do I need special equipment or apps to use AR features?

A: No. If a browser point cloud viewer supports AR, you can use it without special devices or goggles. By allowing camera access in a smartphone or tablet browser, you can overlay point clouds onto the real world on the spot. For example, recent iPhones and Android smartphones can use AR mode in the web browser without installing additional apps. The ability to leverage AR for point cloud use without advanced MR glasses is another attractive feature of browser viewers.

Q: Are there point cloud tools that are easy for beginners to use?

A: Yes. Recently, more point cloud services have become accessible without specialist knowledge. Services that let you capture with a smartphone and automatically generate point clouds in the cloud are simple to operate and recommended for beginners. Services like LRTK Cloud provide guided workflows from capture to data sharing, making them easy for first-time users. Because dedicated equipment is unnecessary, they are suitable for small-site verification and trial use. Starting with such tools and, as you become familiar, migrating to a full-featured platform according to your needs is a practical way to promote point cloud use without undue burden.