Table of contents

• Introduction

• What is a browser point cloud viewer?

• Benefits of a browser point cloud viewer

• Display point clouds in the real world with AR

• Expanding point cloud use with 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 spreading rapidly. However, easily visualizing and sharing point clouds, which are made up of countless points, has long been a major challenge. Dedicated software installation and high-performance PCs have been 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 view and inspect 3D point clouds directly in their browsers. Because no installation is required and the service can be used not only on PCs but also on tablets and smartphones, the barrier to data sharing has been dramatically lowered. The latest viewers also offer features such as AR (augmented reality) support to overlay point clouds onto the real world and immediate cloud synchronization to share data collected on site.

This article explains the concrete benefits and use cases of browser point cloud viewers and how work practices change through AR display and instant sharing. At the end of the article, we introduce our cloud service "LRTK Cloud," which supports AR integration for point clouds with absolute coordinates and real-time mobile synchronization, presenting it as a cutting-edge solution that can be used 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 three-dimensional data formed by countless points on a computer, allowing free rotation and zooming for 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, allows users to handle 3D point clouds using only a web browser without installing dedicated software. Although it cannot perform complex editing or advanced analysis (such as noise removal or modeling), it is designed so that anyone can 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 pre-install dedicated software or perform complicated setup. Anyone can view 3D point clouds immediately by clicking a received URL. Not only on-site personnel but also clients and subcontractors 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 desktop PCs, tablets, and smartphones. For example, you can check point clouds on a tablet at the site and view them on a large monitor in the office for team discussions, offering flexible usage.

• Easy sharing via URL links: You don’t need to email large point cloud files or hand them over via USB. If point cloud data is uploaded to the cloud, just send a share link to stakeholders so they can view the latest data. Because everyone refers to the cloud-based latest version, there is no risk of different team members using outdated local files. Access permissions can also be set to flexibly manage public or private sharing.

• Smooth display of large datasets: Even very large point clouds with tens of millions to hundreds of millions of points can be handled smoothly by modern cloud services. By spatially partitioning data on the server side and streaming only necessary parts with LOD (level of detail) control, smooth 3D rendering is possible on typical PCs and network environments.

• Basic analysis such as distance measurement: Even in the browser, you can use basic analysis functions comparable to dedicated software, such as measuring distances and areas between point clouds and viewing cross-sectional slices. You can perform on-site tasks like rough volume estimates for earthworks or verifying structural dimensions immediately, instead of taking data back to the office for processing.

• Real-time collaboration via the cloud: With point cloud data in the cloud, team members in different locations can collaborate in real time. For example, if data scanned on site is uploaded immediately, office staff can check it in the browser and issue instructions at once. This reduces travel and enables remote situational awareness and decision-making, greatly improving operational efficiency.

Display point clouds in the real world with AR

In conventional point cloud use, you could only view 3D models on a screen, but AR (augmented reality) technology now makes it possible to overlay point cloud data onto the real world. Through a smartphone or tablet camera, acquired point clouds can be composited into the actual scenery, allowing you to intuitively compare the data with on-site conditions. For example, if you display a scanned terrain point cloud in AR on site, you can compare surface irregularities with the ground in front of you or visually inspect discrepancies with design drawings.

If a browser point cloud viewer supports AR, you can perform AR display in the device’s browser without a dedicated app. If the measured point cloud data contains absolute coordinates (such as geodetic coordinates), you can place the model in the real world at nearly full scale and precise position. Without special equipment or expensive MR goggles, you can reproduce 3D point clouds on site using just a smartphone, which is powerful for explaining things to stakeholders and reaching agreements. Because everyone can share the point cloud’s scale and positional relationships on site, 3D data that used to be difficult to convey becomes intuitively understandable.

Expanding point cloud use with instant sharing

Cloud-integrated browser point cloud viewers drastically reduce the time required to share point cloud data. Previously, data measured on site had to be brought back to the office, processed and converted, and then distributed to stakeholders—a process that took time and effort. Now, if you upload point cloud data to the cloud immediately after acquisition, colleagues in the office can view it in the browser within minutes. For example, if you laser-scan an excavation area at a construction site and share the data immediately, remote office staff can quickly confirm the location of buried objects or decide whether additional excavation is needed. Instant sharing of point clouds closes the information gap between the site and the office and greatly accelerates decision-making.

Recently, services have also emerged that automatically generate point clouds in the cloud from photos taken with a smartphone app. Even without a specialized scanner, anyone with a LiDAR-equipped smartphone or tablet can easily perform a 3D scan on site. Because the point cloud is generated in the cloud immediately after capture, you can share it with colleagues for advice or request additional measurements on the spot, enabling real-time collaboration. This is ideal for small-scale site assessments and trial point cloud use, allowing users unfamiliar with point clouds to handle 3D data more readily.

Main use cases for browser point cloud viewers

• Construction site as-built management and progress sharing: Record as-built conditions of structures on construction sites as point clouds and verify whether construction matches the design. Comparing as-built point clouds with design data in the browser makes it possible to detect construction errors or omissions early. Regularly scanning the site and sharing progress chronologically in the cloud enables real-time site visibility for remote offices and clients.

• Surveying and terrain understanding: Terrain undulations that were hard to grasp from survey maps or photos can be accurately visualized with point cloud data. Upload large-area terrain point clouds captured by drones or mobile mapping to the cloud so all stakeholders can view them in a browser. It 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 or confined areas can be measured non-contact, contributing to safety improvements. If point clouds are shared via the browser, experts can assess deterioration and consider repair plans without visiting the site. Comparing with past point clouds makes it easy to examine displacements.

• Recording and sharing disaster sites: Use 3D scans of landslides, floods, and earthquake-damaged sites to share information immediately among relevant organizations. Point clouds that provide an overview of damage are useful for planning rescue operations and recovery. Because everyone can view the same data in the browser, communication is smoother during disaster response involving multiple departments and companies.

• Renovation planning for buildings and equipment: Scan existing buildings and factory equipment as point clouds for 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 discrepancies during planning. Showing the finished image in AR to clients to facilitate agreement is also an expected application.

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 point clouds with absolute coordinates and an AR mode. Simply 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 for first-time users of point clouds to use without confusion. Even without expensive dedicated surveying equipment, anyone can start simple on-site surveying by combining a smartphone with LRTK Cloud.

Furthermore, by utilizing devices from the LRTK series, you can seamlessly achieve centimeter-class high-precision positioning and 3D measurement (cm level accuracy (half-inch accuracy)). LRTK was developed for use in construction, civil engineering, and surveying, and is a state-of-the-art solution compatible with i-Construction promoted by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism. By fusing high-precision GNSS positioning with point cloud data, it dramatically improves the efficiency and accuracy of field work. With centralized data management in the cloud, information sharing inside and outside the company also becomes smooth. By using LRTK Cloud, surveying tasks that previously had to be left to specialists can be handled by on-site personnel themselves, greatly advancing digitalization and efficiency.

With the advent of an era where point clouds can be handled in the browser, on-site digitalization is accelerating further. Why not take this opportunity to adopt 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. It displays three-dimensional data composed of many points, allowing free rotation and zooming for inspection. A web browser–compatible point cloud viewer, in particular, enables display and simple analysis in the browser without installing dedicated software. While it cannot perform advanced editing like comprehensive noise removal or modeling, it serves to easily check completed point clouds, measure dimensions, and share data with others.

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

A: The biggest benefits are ease of use and effortless sharing. With a browser-based point cloud viewer, anyone can view 3D data by clicking a shared URL. No software installation is required, so viewers do not need to prepare high-performance PCs or perform complicated setup. Because data is processed and managed in the cloud, everyone can access the latest information and share the same point cloud data. It also eliminates the need to repeatedly send files from the site, enabling “anytime, anywhere, anyone” use of point clouds.

Q: Can large point cloud datasets be displayed?

A: Yes. Modern cloud-based point cloud viewers support large datasets. Even point clouds on the scale of tens of millions to hundreds of millions of points are streamed to the browser only for the necessary parts using server-side spatial partitioning and LOD (level of detail) control. Therefore, even huge datasets such as citywide scans can be viewed smoothly by narrowing the display range. However, if the network connection is extremely slow or the viewing device is extremely low-spec, loading may take time. Generally, a high-speed network (equivalent to fiber optic) and a standard PC with WebGL support are sufficient to handle large point clouds in the cloud.

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 that only authorized users can access data. Therefore, in general, storing and sharing data in the cloud can be operated securely. However, for highly confidential projects, you should consider stricter measures such as building an open-source viewer on an internal server isolated from external networks. When using cloud services, it is also advisable to review each provider’s terms of service and understand data ownership and handling policies before adoption.

Q: Are distance and area measurements made in a browser viewer reliable?

A: If the point cloud data itself is accurate, measurements in the browser are also accurate. Viewers essentially compute distances between two points or the area of enclosed regions on the point cloud, so they can produce results comparable to desktop software. However, since point clouds inherently include measurement errors from laser scanners or photogrammetry, you should be mindful of measurement conditions and error ranges when using results as official surveying deliverables. For routine tasks such as rough volume calculations or on-site dimension checks, the accuracy is practically reliable. What matters is the quality of the source data and that proper scale settings and coordinate alignment are applied 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 display, you can use it without special devices or goggles. Allowing camera access in a typical smartphone or tablet browser enables overlaying point clouds onto the real world on the spot. For example, many recent iPhones and Android phones can use AR mode in the web browser without installing additional apps. The ability to utilize AR for point clouds without preparing advanced MR glasses is another attractive feature of browser viewers.

Q: Are there point cloud tools that beginners can use easily?

A: Yes. There are an increasing number of point cloud services that can be used without specialized knowledge. For example, services that convert smartphone photos to point clouds in the cloud are simple to operate and recommended for beginners. Services like LRTK Cloud provide a guided process from on-site capture to data sharing, enabling first-time users to use them without confusion. Because dedicated equipment is unnecessary, they are suitable for small-scale site verification and trial uses. Starting with such tools and then transitioning to a full-featured platform as you become familiar is a practical way to gradually promote point cloud utilization.