Have you ever used conventional surveying instruments in the field and thought, "Isn't there an easier way to do this?" For example, tasks that cannot be done by one person and always require a partner, struggling to carry heavy equipment while moving around, or the time it takes to bring back recorded field data for drafting and sharing... If you work in surveying, you've likely been troubled at least once by such hassles and inefficiencies. For instance, it is not uncommon for work to be temporarily halted because no specialist surveyor could be found when a quick height check was urgently needed on site.

In fact, these concerns are not individual problems but major issues pointed out across the surveying industry. In particular, labor shortages, costs, and delays in data sharing and digitalization are said to be the three major challenges in on-site surveying work. It has become increasingly difficult to resolve these problems with only conventional surveying instruments and methods. These challenges cause unnecessary waiting times and work interruptions on site, which can affect overall schedules and costs.

What is attracting attention now is a new approach to surveying equipment called "LRTK." Developed by a startup spun out of Tokyo Institute of Technology, LRTK is a pocket-sized, all-purpose surveying device that attaches a compact high-precision GNSS receiver to a smartphone. It achieves centimeter-level positioning accuracy (cm level accuracy (half-inch accuracy)) while holding the potential to simultaneously solve the three major on-site challenges. In this article, we organize the main issues faced at surveying sites and clearly explain, with specific use cases, how LRTK can provide solutions.

Three challenges facing the surveying industry

First, let’s review three representative challenges that many people feel in current surveying operations.

Challenge 1. Labor shortage and aging technicians The construction and surveying industries are experiencing a serious labor shortage. As veteran survey technicians age, the number of young successors declines, making it difficult to secure experienced personnel on site. As a result, the workload per person increases, and operations are often impeded. Tasks that should ideally be performed by two people are increasingly being handled by a single person due to lack of staff. However, conventional surveying instruments have limits for solo operation, raising concerns about work efficiency and safety. Many tasks still rely heavily on the intuition and skills of experienced craftsmen, and maintaining quality as the number of skilled workers decreases is also a challenge.

Challenge 2. Equipment costs and work efficiency issues Precise surveying has required expensive, specialized instruments. If you need to prepare multiple devices according to purpose—total stations, high-precision GNSS receivers, 3D laser scanners, and so on—initial investments of millions of yen are not uncommon. Transporting, setting up, operating, and measuring with each device takes time and effort. Under circumstances where a limited workforce must handle many sites, the burden of equipment costs and low work efficiency becomes a major problem. If cost constraints prevent the adoption of the latest technologies, inefficient practices persist and hinder productivity improvements.

Challenge 3. Delays in data sharing and digitalization To make use of survey data, post-processing such as drawing creation and quantity calculation is indispensable. However, traditionally, on-site data has been recorded in paper field books and later manually entered in the office—an analog workflow. When multiple people work together, simply aggregating data can be a struggle. As a result, there tends to be a time lag in sharing site conditions, and input errors from manual entry can occur. Even if surveys are performed, delayed data reflection can lead to delayed decisions on site, causing rework risks. While the industry calls for DX (digital transformation), the lack of real-time information sharing and effective data utilization remains a major issue.

How LRTK solves on-site challenges

Next, let’s look at how LRTK provides solutions to the three challenges mentioned above.

Solution to labor shortages: surveying completed by one person with one device LRTK’s greatest feature is that it allows tasks that used to require multiple people to be completed by a single person. A compact GNSS receiver attached to a smartphone and a dedicated app enable accurate surveying even when working alone. For example, total stations required an assistant to hold a prism, but with LRTK, a single person can measure points and guide stake positions (layout) by watching the phone screen. The device itself is lightweight and compact—about 125 g—and pocket-sized, so there is no need to carry heavy tripods or surveying machines. This reduces on-site burdens and allows surveying to be carried out safely and efficiently by fewer people.

Also, because LRTK is operated via intuitive smartphone controls, even those without specialized training can quickly become proficient. Tasks that previously relied on veteran experience can be handled easily by anyone with device assistance, strongly supporting sites suffering from labor shortages. Compared to traditional roadside surveying that involved flagging in hazardous locations, many measurements can now be taken from safe positions by a single person, contributing to both safety and work efficiency.

Solution to cost and efficiency: productivity improvement with an all-purpose surveying device As its name suggests, LRTK is an all-in-one surveying tool that can play many roles with a single unit. Where multiple devices were previously required—GNSS for positioning, 3D scanners for point clouds, surveying instruments for stakeout—LRTK and a smartphone can substitute. This promises a significant reduction in equipment purchase costs, greatly lowering introduction costs. While specific prices are not discussed here, it is certainly much more accessible compared to conventional high-priced surveying instruments. Additionally, the LRTK device has a built-in battery and antenna, requiring no extra peripherals.

Because one device per person is feasible, wasted waiting time and scheduling adjustments for personnel and equipment are reduced. From data acquisition to sharing, the entire process can be completed quickly, dramatically improving overall site productivity. For example, if point cloud surveying that used to be outsourced can be done in-house, outsourcing fees and schedule coordination burdens are reduced. When working on multiple sites in parallel, each person can use LRTK simultaneously, increasing efficiency. In this way, LRTK eliminates waste in both "time" and "cost," helping achieve more results with limited resources. Because it can be introduced at low cost, LRTK can also be a strong ally for small businesses and local governments that were hesitant to adopt the latest technologies, advancing on-site DX.

Solution to data sharing and digitalization: cloud integration and real-time sharing LRTK dramatically simplifies digitalization and sharing of survey data. Position information and point cloud data acquired with the dedicated app can be uploaded to a cloud map with a single button. This enables real-time sharing of site conditions with colleagues in the office or clients from the moment measurements are taken. There is no need to rely on paper field books, and errors from handwritten notes or manual input are eliminated. The traditional effort of exchanging data between site and office is reduced, improving team-wide communication losses.

Furthermore, cloud data can be easily viewed and utilized by all authorized stakeholders. Coordinates of surveyed points are immediately plotted on a web map, so the latest measurement results can be checked remotely. Data can also be downloaded in CSV or drawing formats for easy import into CAD and other software. Accumulated digital data integrates smoothly with other systems such as BIM and GIS, expanding future uses for asset management and analysis. This structure enables centralized management and smooth information sharing of survey data, dramatically streamlining the previously complex exchange of data between site and office. Introducing LRTK accelerates site digitalization and significantly changes workflows that were once dominated by paper and manual processes.

How LRTK changes the field: use cases

Now let’s look at some typical scenes to see how work changes when LRTK is used on site.

Case 1: Easy for one person! Surveying and stakeout at small sites On one civil engineering site, tasks that had previously been contracted to a surveyor—such as setting batter boards and checking finished shapes—are now performed by the site supervisor using LRTK. With a smartphone fitted with the LRTK device, simply pressing a button at the desired location records latitude, longitude, and height with high precision. The app automatically handles conversions to plane rectangular coordinates and geoid height calculations, so accurate position coordinates can be obtained without specialized knowledge. Recorded survey points are automatically assigned serial numbers and titles, and notes can be added. This single device completes on-site recordkeeping, eliminating the need for paper field books. Measurement results are uploaded to the cloud instantly, allowing office staff to check finished shapes or issue instructions for additional measurements in real time.

Moreover, LRTK is powerful for stakeout work based on design drawings. Using the AR guidance function displayed on the smartphone screen, arrows and guides appear when approaching a planned stakeout point, allowing anyone to precisely identify stake positions without confusion. Even in locations where markers are obscured by vegetation or during dim early morning or nighttime work, following the screen guidance yields accurate point determination. Tasks that used to require two people are now smoothly handled by one, dramatically improving on-site productivity and in-house construction capability.

LRTK also offers photo-based positioning functions, enabling coordinates of inaccessible locations—such as the top of a cliff or high parts of a bridge—to be obtained remotely. The ability to make necessary measurements safely without arranging an aerial work platform or risking personnel climbing is a major advantage on site.

Case 2: Smart as-built and buried-asset management with point cloud scanning In another case, LRTK’s point cloud measurement function is used for as-built management on a roadworks project. The operator recorded surrounding structures and terrain as high-precision 3D point cloud data while walking around using the smartphone’s built-in LiDAR (light detection and ranging) sensor combined with LRTK. For example, scanning newly installed sidewalks or gutters and overlaying that data on design models with color-coded differences makes construction deviations immediately apparent. Volumes for fill or excavation can be calculated instantly as needed. Scanning a typical road section takes only a few minutes, and the acquired point cloud can be uploaded to the cloud for quality checks right away. Tasks that previously required a specialized measurement team and an expensive 3D scanner can now be completed quickly in-house. Because no specialized equipment operation training is required, staff unfamiliar with ICT-based surveying methods can adopt it easily.

LRTK also excels in recording and managing buried infrastructure such as pipelines. Traditionally, pipeline installation records were made from craftsmen’s experience and visual estimates before backfilling, and drawings were created later. With LRTK, scanning the pipe and its surroundings in the trench with a smartphone just before backfilling saves a 3D model—including shape, slope, and depth—to the cloud. When the same location is excavated later for another job, recorded point cloud data can be displayed in AR and overlaid on the real ground. In short, the locations of pipes beneath the road can be visualized through the smartphone. This greatly reduces the risk of damaging existing pipes and enables safe, smart management of buried assets.

Case 3: Effective in disaster sites, rapid situation sharing LRTK’s portability and cloud integration are extremely useful in emergencies. In the 2023 Noto Peninsula earthquake disaster area, recovery teams used LRTK to measure and record damage in a situation where communications infrastructure was disrupted and large equipment could not be brought in. LRTK can receive centimeter-level augmentation signals (CLAS) from Japan’s Quasi-Zenith Satellite System “Michibiki,” enabling high-precision positioning even in areas without cellular reception. On site, teams measured positions of collapsed structures and large-scale terrain changes with only a small LRTK terminal and a smartphone, and the data was immediately reviewed and shared at evacuation bases and government offices. This made nimble information gathering possible—something difficult with conventional surveying equipment—and greatly contributed to rapid situational awareness and coordination among stakeholders immediately after the disaster.

Case 4: Project the completed image on site with AR LRTK’s functionality goes beyond surveying. Its AR function can overlay 3D design models on the actual site so stakeholders can share the completed image even before construction. For example, in a road-widening project, loading a pre-made design model into the LRTK app and aligning it with the site coordinate system enables AR display to confirm the new road’s width and spatial relationships on the spot. Completed images that were difficult to convey with drawings alone can be visualized at full scale through a smartphone, aiding consensus building with clients and nearby residents. Since the AR display is backed by GNSS, there is no worry about positional drift, and you can walk around the site to check from various angles. LRTK enables a new intuitive communication method that seamlessly overlays drawings and reality for easy sharing.

Conclusion: A new era of surveying enabled by LRTK

For sites that are beginning to feel the limits of traditional surveying instruments, LRTK can truly be called a savior. Addressing the three major challenges—solving labor shortages, reducing costs, and promoting data utilization—LRTK offers smart, field-oriented solutions. The era has arrived in which a small, pocketable device can replace surveying tasks that once required specialist technicians and costly equipment. As the construction industry pursues productivity improvements through ICT and DX, such as the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism’s i-Construction, tools like LRTK will help drive that transformation from the field.

Of course, the optimal method varies depending on site conditions and needs, but it is clear that LRTK’s emergence is changing the nature of surveying. Using this new instrument that combines ease of use and high precision will further accelerate on-site DX and operational efficiency. By reducing on-site burdens while maintaining accuracy and speed, LRTK will be a reliable ally for everyone involved in surveying.

Main benefits of introducing LRTK

• Labor reduction: Ease of use by a single person addresses manpower shortages in surveying tasks

• Cost reduction: An all-in-one device reduces capital investment and outsourcing costs

• Digitalization promotion: Instant cloud sharing of survey data enables real-time utilization

• Improved safety: Lightweight, compact device and non-contact surveying reduce workload and risk

• Enhanced communication: AR functions share the completed image, eliminating discrepancies among stakeholders

By incorporating such advanced tools on site, the way surveying is done will change dramatically. With LRTK, surveying operations can be carried out with unprecedented speed and efficiency, enabling smart workstyles suited to the DX era. LRTK is sure to become a dependable partner.

If you who are involved in surveying often feel that “there must be an easier, more accurate way,” consider evaluating LRTK for your operations. This unconventional new tool may bring significant change to your site. Why not start the future surveying style today?