No Special Software Needed! Double Your Work Efficiency with LRTK, a Browser-Based Point Cloud Viewer

Table of Contents

• Challenges in utilizing point cloud data

• Benefits of viewing point clouds in a browser

• What is the point cloud viewer "LRTK"?

• Why LRTK can boost work efficiency by 200%

• Simple surveying with LRTK

• FAQ

In recent years, opportunities to use 3D point cloud data have increased in construction, civil engineering, and surveying sites. Point cloud data, which records detailed shapes of objects and terrain by acquiring a large number of points with laser scanners, drones, or mobile LiDAR, has become an indispensable information asset for on-site digitization and DX promotion. The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) also encourages the use of digital data such as 3D point clouds under i-Construction, and their use is expected for construction progress management and inspection. However, there are many voices saying, "Even though we acquired point clouds, we can't make good use of them," or "We have the data but can't check it on-site, so it's a waste of resources." In practice, there have traditionally been several barriers to making point cloud data useful for operations.

Challenges in utilizing point cloud data

Point cloud data contains very rich 3D information, but a traditional challenge has been that handling it requires specialized software and high-performance computers. For example, until recently you needed dedicated point cloud processing software or CAD software to display and edit point clouds, and mastering them required advanced knowledge and experience. Moreover, dedicated software is often expensive and takes time and cost to become proficient, so the barrier to adoption was high for small and medium-sized businesses and beginners. As a result, many people avoided point clouds thinking "they seem difficult." Point clouds can also become very large data sets ranging into the millions to hundreds of millions of points, so they can run slowly on general-purpose PCs, fueling concerns that "you need an expensive workstation to handle it." Furthermore, the process to obtain useful deliverables from point cloud data has been time-consuming. Tasks such as aligning multiple point clouds, denoising unnecessary points, calculating volumes, and creating drawings could traditionally take days to weeks. Given limited on-site construction schedules, it's understandable that teams felt they couldn't allocate time for this. In busy field conditions, this burden sometimes turned valuable point cloud data into a "waste of resources."

Benefits of viewing point clouds in a browser

A groundbreaking approach to lowering these barriers is the use of a viewer that can display and share point cloud data in a web browser. With just a web browser, you can view point clouds without installing dedicated software, allowing immediate confirmation of 3D data both on-site and in the office. Browser-based point cloud viewers offer the following benefits:

• No software installation required: As long as you have an internet connection and a web browser, you can use it anywhere, eliminating the need to install software on PCs or manage licenses. You can access it from desktop PCs as well as tablets and smartphones.

• No high-spec PC required: Because point cloud data is optimized and processed in the cloud for display, large data volumes do not burden local devices. Even highly detailed point cloud data on the order of tens of millions of points can be manipulated smoothly on a local device. Typical laptops and mobile devices can interact with large point clouds with fluid performance.

• Always share the latest data: Because data is stored in the cloud, all stakeholders can access the same up-to-date point cloud. Complicated file exchanges and version control are unnecessary, saving the hassle of emailing files or handing over USB drives. Simply sharing a link lets remote team members view and discuss 3D data in real time.

• Intuitive operability: Browser-based controls such as mouse drag to change viewpoint and wheel zoom enable intuitive 3D interaction. Even users unfamiliar with specialized software can move through 3D space as if using a game or map app. There is no need to memorize complex commands, so the learning barrier for beginners is low.

• Immediate feedback: You can check point clouds on the spot in the browser without launching specialized software, enabling immediate quality checks and additional measurements as needed after data acquisition. For example, omissions that used to be noticed only back at the office can now be discovered on-site via browser viewing, and re-surveying can be done the same day to avoid rework.

By handling point clouds in a browser, you can greatly reduce the time and effort required for traditional environment setup and location constraints, dramatically accelerating data utilization.

What is the point cloud viewer "LRTK"?

Among services that enable point cloud use in a browser, "LRTK" particularly contributes to productivity improvements on construction sites. LRTK provides a cloud-based point cloud viewer that lets you upload point cloud data acquired on-site and display and analyze it in a browser. No dedicated software is required—just access LRTK’s web application over the internet and display 3D point clouds on your PC or tablet.

LRTK’s strength is that it is more than a viewer: it is an all-in-one platform that can complete surveying and verification work on-site. Specifically, it includes the following functions:

• Support for a wide variety of point cloud data: You can import and display point cloud data acquired by laser scanners, drones, or mobile devices. LRTK supports common formats such as LAS and PLY, and also handles colored point clouds to reproduce detailed 3D models.

• High-precision alignment: LRTK integrates with positioning systems and can assign geographic coordinates (latitude, longitude, elevation) to acquired point clouds. This automates alignment when merging multiple point clouds, enabling accurate overlay in site coordinate systems.

• Built-in measurement and analysis tools: The browser viewer allows you to measure distances, areas, and volumes directly. For example, you can measure the distance between two points on the point cloud or automatically calculate earthwork volumes (cut-and-fill) for a specified area with one click. You can also display arbitrary cross-sections to check shapes or visualize elevations with heatmap displays based on point heights.

• Comparison with design data: You can overlay current point clouds with design drawings or 3D model data and display differences in color. During construction, this makes it possible to instantly grasp discrepancies between as-built conditions and design, enabling early detection of problem areas. After completion, it allows rapid checks of whether as-built results match the design for acceptance inspections.

• Cloud storage and sharing: Since point clouds and related documents can be centrally managed on LRTK, there is no need to transfer USB drives or large amounts of paper drawings between site and office. Stakeholders can access the same dataset from their own devices and always share the latest information. Access rights can be configured so you can safely share data with external contractors or clients within the necessary scope.

• On-site verification with AR: LRTK also supports augmented reality (AR), allowing you to overlay point cloud data or design models onto the actual scene viewed through a smartphone. For example, you can visualize the point cloud of buried pipes on the ground using AR or project a 3D model of the planned building on-site. Because high-precision positioning information keeps virtual objects from drifting as you walk around, AR enables highly intuitive on-site verification.

In this way, LRTK seamlessly connects the process from point cloud acquisition to utilization and strongly supports on-site digitalization. Output point cloud data and measurement reports from LRTK can be exported in formats that conform to MLIT standards, so they can be submitted as official as-built deliverables.

Now let's look at specifically how using LRTK improves work efficiency.

Why LRTK can boost work efficiency by 200%

Why can introducing LRTK achieve "200% work efficiency," meaning more than double the traditional efficiency? Here are five main reasons.

• Ready to use immediately – No need to install dedicated software or go through complicated initial setup, so you can start using point cloud data the day you introduce it. Even if you can't install software on a site PC due to lack of administrator rights, browser access removes that obstacle. Initial hurdles that commonly occur when introducing new tools are nearly zero, allowing you to integrate LRTK into your workflow without losing time.

• Comfortable on site PCs – Because data processing and display optimization are done on the cloud, site laptops and tablets can handle large point clouds without stress. Analyses that once required high-performance machines can now be performed directly on site. For example, analyses that used to be brought back to the office can now be completed on the spot, reducing travel time.

• Reduce rework with immediate feedback – Because you can check results in the browser immediately after point cloud capture, you can greatly reduce rework such as "we got back to the office and found missing data, so we had to return to the site." LRTK automatically uploads and processes scanned data to the cloud, so a 3D model is viewable on-site within minutes. If any missing areas are found, re-surveying can be done immediately and completed the same day. As a result, tasks that used to take several days for as-built checks can be completed within the same day.

• Everyone on the team can visualize data simultaneously – A 3D point cloud shared in a browser can be viewed simultaneously by multiple people, from on-site staff to headquarters managers. Viewing the same 3D model from each person's screen and discussing in real time—"there's a step here," "let's remedy the finish on this part"—greatly speeds up decision-making. It also eliminates the need for repeated back-and-forth between site and headquarters, significantly reducing the number of days spent on communication. Situations that were difficult to convey with photos or drawings alone can be shared with common understanding using realistic 3D point cloud data.

• Consolidate surveying and analysis workflows – Because you can measure, compare, and create drawings on LRTK, there's no need to switch between multiple software tools. For example, the traditional workflow of measuring necessary distances and heights from point clouds, recording values, and then creating drawings in separate CAD software can be completed on a single platform with LRTK. This removes the effort involved in data conversion and import/export between software, simplifying tasks. It also prevents mistakes during conversions between multiple tools, improving quality. As a result, each person's workload is reduced and overall productivity improves.

With these benefits, using LRTK dramatically shortens the time required to process and utilize point cloud data. In some cases, you can complete the same work in less than half the time previously required, so "doubling work efficiency" is not just a dream. There are real cases where interactions between site and office that used to take days are now finished in a few hours, and where re-survey costs for final inspections were reduced to less than 1/10. The effects of introducing LRTK go beyond the convenience of viewing point clouds; they contribute significantly to improving the entire on-site workflow.

Simple surveying with LRTK

With a browser-based point cloud viewer like this, we are entering an era where anyone can perform "simple surveying" without specialized knowledge or heavy surveying equipment. LRTK is a solution that enables acquisition and use of high-accuracy point clouds using everyday devices, even if you don't have a high-performance laser scanner. For example, you can use LiDAR sensors or cameras built into the latest smartphones and tablets to walk around a site and capture surrounding point cloud data, then upload it directly to the cloud. Combining a smartphone app called LRTK Phone with a small positioning device makes it possible to attach centimeter accuracy (cm level accuracy, half-inch accuracy) positioning information from a ground station RTK to point cloud measurements. This enables absolute-coordinate 3D surveying, which used to require professional surveyors, to be easily performed by on-site personnel themselves.

Acquired point cloud data is processed and visualized on the LRTK cloud immediately, minimizing waiting time for survey results. For example, at one site, walking around with a smartphone for about five minutes captured topographic point clouds covering a range of several tens of meters. Using the automatically generated 3D point cloud model in the cloud, necessary dimensions and volumes were calculated on the spot, and rework and report creation were completed the same day. This rapid PDCA cycle is a key strength of LRTK-enabled simple surveying.

Because of this ease of use, small businesses and local governments that previously had little interaction with 3D point cloud measurement are beginning to adopt LRTK-based simple surveying for infrastructure inspection and maintenance. As on-site DX accelerates, the combination of a browser-based point cloud viewer like LRTK and simple surveying is likely to become the new standard. If you feel challenges in utilizing point cloud data, try experiencing simple surveying with LRTK. LRTK, which requires no dedicated software to get started, should dramatically improve on-site productivity. Use LRTK, which is easy to introduce without special software, and experience its effects on your site.

FAQ

Q: What devices and environments can use LRTK? A: LRTK can be used from PCs such as Windows and Mac as well as tablets and smartphones. It runs on major web browsers like Chrome and Edge, and no dedicated app installation is required. However, because it is a cloud service, you need an environment with internet access.

Q: What point cloud data formats does LRTK support? A: LRTK supports a wide range of standard point cloud formats. For example, it can import and display LAS/LAZ, PLY, XYZ, PCD, and other formats commonly output by many measurement devices and software. Data with color information or normal vectors can also be displayed.

Q: Can people without specialized knowledge use it? A: Yes. LRTK is designed for intuitive operation so people without surveying or CAD expertise can use it. Uploading data and basic measurements are easily performed by following guided steps, and difficult tasks like point cloud alignment are automated for reassurance.

Q: What kinds of measurements can be done with LRTK? A: LRTK includes basic measurement functions such as distance and height measurements, area and volume calculations. You can measure dimensions between points, check the area of an enclosed region, calculate earthwork volumes, and complete these tasks within the browser without switching to special software. Measurement results can be annotated and saved for use in report creation.

Q: How do I get started with LRTK? A: Contact LRTK through the official website, and a representative can provide detailed information about the service and a demo. Because it is a cloud service, initial setup is easy and you can start using it immediately after an account is issued. Please feel free to inquire about pricing plans and usage.

Q: Is uploaded point cloud data secure? A: Yes. LRTK takes data confidentiality and security seriously. Uploaded data is stored in an encrypted, secure cloud environment, so unauthorized third-party access is not a concern. You can also set access permissions per user so only authorized members can view data. If you have internal rules or privacy concerns about cloud usage, please contact us for tailored arrangements.

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 just point cloud display but also practical functions directly related to operations such as survey measurements, comparisons with design data, and AR display. Many free viewers are limited to basic viewing, but LRTK provides an integrated solution from acquisition to analysis and sharing, eliminating the need for additional software or manual steps. LRTK’s strengths also include proven operational experience in the construction sector and a professional support team. If you want to use point cloud data seriously for operations, LRTK is an all-in-one solution that enables efficient workflows.