Solving Labor Shortages! Easy 3D Construction with LRTK on Your Smartphone

Introduction: The Challenges of Labor Shortages and Site Efficiency

The construction industry is currently facing two major challenges: labor shortages and improving site efficiency. While veteran workers are aging, fewer young people are entering the field, and the average age of site technicians is rising. In the 2020s it’s been reported that over 30% are 55 or older, while those 29 or younger account for only around 10%, raising concerns about a future shortage of skilled workers due to mass retirements. To handle workloads under these conditions, initiatives that enable labor-saving and productivity improvements—allowing sites to operate efficiently with fewer people—are essential.

At the same time, digital transformation (DX) of construction sites has been promoted recently, led by initiatives such as the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism’s *i-Construction*. Interest in digital technologies is growing among small-to-medium contractors and local governments, but many worry, “Doesn’t this require specialist knowledge?” or “Won’t expensive equipment be necessary?” One approach attracting attention is “3D construction.” This is a new construction method that leverages three-dimensional data and ICT technologies across surveying, design, and construction management, and it is expected to be a trump card for addressing labor shortages and improving site efficiency. This article explains the basics of 3D construction, its benefits, specific use cases and examples, and the challenges of implementation and how to overcome them. We will highlight how even small sites can start 3D construction right away, and introduce the smartphone-friendly tool “LRTK” at the end. If you’re interested in DX but haven’t taken the first step, please use this as a reference.

What Is 3D Construction and Why Is It Gaining Attention?

3D construction moves beyond traditional 2D drawings and reliance on craftsmen’s intuition by fully utilizing 3D data and ICT (information and communication technologies) throughout the construction process. From surveying and design to construction, inspection, and maintenance, using digital 3D models and data at each stage enables automation, precision, and efficiency. In the Ministry’s *i-Construction* initiative, 3D construction (ICT construction) is a pillar of a productivity revolution, aiming to reduce labor and time while ensuring quality.

A major reason 3D construction is drawing attention is the aforementioned severe labor shortage. With rising construction demand, manpower-intensive approaches have limits, so digital technologies are needed to “achieve high-quality construction with fewer personnel.” 3D construction also contributes to improved site safety and workstyle reform. Automated or remotely controlled heavy machinery reduces the need for people to enter hazardous work zones, and data-driven workflows shorten setup times, helping to correct long working hours. Moreover, by introducing digital technologies, construction sites—formerly avoided due to the “3Ks” of being tough, dangerous, and dirty—can be transformed into workplaces with a new 3K: “good pay, takeable time off, and promising careers,” making it easier to retain younger workers.

In short, 3D construction is a construction style where “data drives the site.” Digital data complement or replace parts that relied on experience and intuition, enabling anyone to perform high-precision work. This trend is expected to accelerate, and the Ministry of Land announced a policy to make ICT construction essentially mandatory for public earthwork projects from fiscal 2023. In other words, 3D construction is becoming a common technology across the industry, not just for a few advanced sites. That’s why it’s worth small-to-medium companies and local governments starting early instead of assuming it doesn’t concern them now.

Differences Between Traditional Construction Management and 3D Construction

So what specifically differs between traditional construction management and 3D construction? The main differences lie in how information is handled and the level of process digitization. Key differences include:

• Surveying and design: Traditionally, craftsmen used transits and levels for on-site surveying and performed design and quantity calculations on 2D drawings. Because measurement points were taken manually, available information was limited and experienced-based judgment played a large role in complex terrain. In 3D construction, three-dimensional surveying equipment (such as drone photogrammetry, 3D laser scanners, and GPS surveying devices) is used to capture detailed terrain data. Design is performed on the resulting 3D terrain model, and the design data itself is created as digital 3D models. This enables planning that precisely reflects the actual terrain from the design stage.

• Construction: Traditional construction relied on paper drawings and staking out (site marking) for craftsmen to operate machinery and tools, with veteran intuition strongly influencing quality and frequent rework. In 3D construction, created 3D design data is loaded into machines and surveying equipment. For example, ICT-equipped construction machines—bulldozers and excavators with GPS and sensors—can automatically control blade height based on 3D design data to perform accurate excavation and grading without operator assistance. On site, workers can constantly check the 3D model on tablets or smartphones, reducing the risk of misreading drawings. In other words, 3D construction sites are characterized by “machines that move automatically” and “people who act with data”.

• Construction management and inspection: Traditionally, a surveying crew would come after construction to perform cross-section surveys or elevation measurements to confirm the as-built shape and compare it to drawings for inspection. This is time- and labor-intensive, and you often don’t know if something was missed until you measure it. With 3D construction, drone or ground-based scanners—or LiDAR-equipped tablets—can capture 3D point cloud data during or after construction, enabling comprehensive digital verification of the as-built condition. Overlaying the design 3D model with the as-built point cloud reveals deviations or shortages over a wide area at once. Localized errors that humans might miss can be instantly highlighted with color-coding. Report creation is also simplified because quantities and diagrams can be automatically generated from the data, significantly reducing the workload of producing inspection documents.

• Information sharing: Traditionally, site managers and staff reported progress daily with photo logs and paper drawings and explained to subcontractors or clients as needed, which required experience and caused time lags when communicating information to remote parties. In 3D construction, cloud platforms enable real-time sharing of on-site 3D data and progress models with stakeholders. Office staff can check point cloud models and machine operation logs remotely, and give instructions from a distance. Visualized 3D information is intuitive and useful for explaining things to clients and local residents.

Thus, 3D construction stands apart from traditional construction management by “managing the site with data.” Data and machines support craftsmen’s individualized work, enabling more reproducible processes and promising quality standardization and dramatic productivity gains. Implementation does bring new hurdles such as creating 3D data and preparing equipment, which are discussed later. Next, we’ll look at what 3D construction actually enables by reviewing representative technologies and functions.

What Can Be Achieved with 3D Construction? (Point Cloud Data, AR, As-Built Management, etc.)

By adopting 3D construction, various advanced methods can be utilized on site. Here we introduce three particularly notable technologies and uses.

• Understanding and measuring the current state with point cloud data: The foundation of 3D construction is using point cloud data. Point clouds are collections of countless measurement points captured by laser scanners or photogrammetry that digitally reproduce site terrain and structures in detail. For example, aerial drone photography over a development site can create a wide-area terrain point cloud model in a short time. On the ground, LiDAR in smartphones and tablets now enables easy scanning of surrounding point clouds. Because point clouds are measurement data that closely capture reality, even subtle irregularities of complex terrain and structures that were previously hard to capture can be understood. Distances, areas, and volumes can be measured from the captured point cloud—e.g., calculating excavated soil volume by point cloud comparison or analyzing slope angles on the point cloud. If you digitize the current state comprehensively, you don’t have to worry about “forgotten measurements” or “unrecorded data.” The ability for anyone to perform precise surveying makes point cloud technology the backbone of 3D construction.

• Intuitive construction support with AR: AR (augmented reality) is another powerful tool for 3D construction. AR technology can overlay design data onto the real world through a tablet or smartphone screen. For example, AR display of a final paving model makes it immediately clear how much fill is needed to reach the design elevation. In pipe work, showing a transparent 3D model of buried pipes on the ground helps verify excavation zones and check for interference with other buried utilities. Modern smart devices have greatly improved GPS and sensor accuracy, and combined with dedicated applications, AR positioning with centimeter-level accuracy is achievable. Even while moving around the site, the model stays aligned with the real environment, giving the sensation that the completed structure exists on site. This AR usage advances visualization of designs that are hard to understand from drawings alone. It can be used to share the completion image with clients during inspections, serve as a training tool to show site staff work procedures, and more. If you record the positions of buried pipes and cables in 3D, you can later display subterranean utilities via AR, reducing the risk of accidental damage during future work. AR construction improves spatial awareness for everyone regardless of skill level, leading to safer and more accurate work.

• Enhancing and streamlining as-built management: As-built management is the quality control process of verifying whether a completed structure or development matches the design geometry and dimensions. Digital technologies play a major role in as-built management within 3D construction. Using the point cloud data mentioned earlier, you can comprehensively verify the post-construction terrain. For example, in road construction, overlaying the design model with the as-built point cloud and displaying deviations as a heat map shows compliant areas in blue-to-green and over-excavation or insufficient fill in red, enabling immediate acceptance decisions. This can identify errors that partial traditional surveys would miss, preventing rework. If the software calculates volume differences from the design, you can instantly know “add X cubic meters of soil to meet the design.” Cross-sections and numeric tables for reports are automatically generated, greatly reducing time spent preparing inspection documents. Additionally, if point clouds and photos are recorded with global coordinates (latitude/longitude in a world geodetic system), they become useful for future maintenance. For example, keeping 3D-data-attached photos for bridge or tunnel inspections lets you accurately reproduce the same location for subsequent inspections and compare changes over time. In this way, 3D construction data remains an asset after project completion and adds value to long-term infrastructure management.

These are the primary functions enabled by 3D construction. Other related technologies—such as remote monitoring of equipment operation and VR-based construction planning simulations—are advancing daily. The key is that “using data and digital technology can make site operations smarter.” Even inexperienced personnel can rely on machines for accurate excavation, or complete all surveying alone, delivering direct effects on labor and effort reduction. The next chapter presents case studies and specific on-site uses of these 3D construction technologies.

Case Studies and On-Site Use Cases

Even if you grasp the concept of 3D construction, it may be hard to imagine how it’s actually used on sites. Here we present specific use-case examples to show the usefulness of 3D construction.

• Case 1: Streamlining earthwork quantity management and as-built verification: In one medium-scale development project, site supervisors and surveyors traditionally spent days doing cross-section surveys to calculate earthwork volumes. After switching to 3D construction, they rapidly acquired point cloud models of the current state using drone aerial surveys and smartphone LiDAR scans, and were able to complete volume calculations and as-built verification on the same day. Sharing point cloud data via the cloud allowed distant design staff to review immediately. As a result, personnel required for surveying dropped dramatically, and as-built management could be handled by a single person. Visualizing discrepancies with point cloud heat maps enabled early detection and correction of needed rework, contributing to quality improvement.

• Case 2: 3D recording of buried pipes and AR usage: In municipal sewer replacement work, it’s required to accurately record replacement locations for future maintenance. Traditionally, records were kept on paper drawings, but at one site, 3D scanning with a smartphone was used during open excavation to capture the position and depth of pipes as point cloud data and store it in the cloud. After backfilling, pipes that were no longer visible could be checked with a tablet’s AR functionality to “see the unseen.” This approach achieved zero accidental damage from excavation mistakes and enabled precise location identification for future repairs. No special markers or veteran intuition were required—anyone could intuitively find and confirm buried utilities, which was highly valued.

• Case 3: ICT adoption on small sites: A sole proprietor civil contractor with just a few employees handles small development and exterior works. Unable to afford a surveyor due to labor shortages, site management was always tentative. As a simple 3D construction initiative, they installed an aftermarket machine guidance device on a backhoe, allowing the operator to check design and current excavation depth on an in-cab monitor while working. They also used smartphones and RTK receivers to survey sites themselves and create 3D models before and after work. After adoption, a single machine and operator could perform highly accurate excavation, and tasks that used to take half a day to grade a site were completed in a few hours. The ICT technologies that are usable even on small sites boosted productivity and gave the team confidence that “digital construction is achievable for us, too.”

As shown above, 3D construction is useful across site sizes. While it can be fully leveraged in large infrastructure projects, the point is that “small sites can also reap significant benefits with the right approach.” Recently, the Ministry has prepared ICT construction guidelines for small-scale works to support adoption by SMEs. For example, criteria indicating that ICT can be used for earthworks of about 100 cubic meters or less have been presented, creating mechanisms that allow contractors to adopt 3D construction by choice. If you think “our projects are too small,” remember that limited manpower on small jobs means the advantages of 3D construction are often greater. The growing number of nearby case studies makes it easier to consider adoption.

Challenges of 3D Construction and How to Overcome Them

Although 3D construction is convenient, there are several challenges when implementing it. Here we summarize common concerns and ways to overcome them (countermeasures).

• Cost of introduction: Cost is often the first concern. High-end equipment like 3D laser scanners and ICT-compatible machines can be expensive. A practical approach is to start with affordable, easy-to-use equipment. Recently, products that enable high-precision surveying with a smartphone plus a small GNSS receiver, and simple machine guidance devices that can be retrofitted to existing machinery, have appeared as low-cost solutions. Renting equipment only when needed, or outsourcing only the drone surveying, are phased approaches to consider. You don’t need to procure everything at once; start small and expand according to needs to control expenses. Also check for subsidy programs or local government support.

• Technical skill requirements: Some worry, “We don’t have the expertise to handle 3D and ICT.” While some software operation and data processing differ from conventional methods, many modern tools have refined, intuitive UIs. There are software packages that let you survey and process point clouds with a smartphone-app feel, and cases where site staff could use them without training. Systems designed for site use are made to be operable by non-experts. If necessary, use manufacturer or dealer training and support services. In the early stages, seek expert advice and gradually build capability through on-the-job training (OJT). If you have digitally savvy younger staff, actively involve them and let them lead DX efforts.

• Creating and managing 3D data: 3D construction relies on 3D design data (BIM/CIM models). Concerns include “Converting design drawings to 3D is time-consuming” and “We’re not used to CAD on PCs.” There are two countermeasures: one is utilizing external resources. Services that create 3D design data and BIM/CIM-compatible design support tools are now plentiful. Don’t try to create everything in-house from scratch—outsourcing parts to specialists is often faster. The other approach is to realize you don’t need a perfect 3D model from day one—apply 3D selectively. For instance, keep design drawings in 2D while combining them with current point clouds for construction planning, or use 3D only for as-built inspections. Gradually expand 3D use as you gain experience and recognize its convenience.

• Internal buy-in and securing personnel: Introducing new technology often faces internal resistance or lack of understanding. Veterans may be cautious, thinking “the old way is fine” or “I don’t trust digital methods.” The best way to overcome this is to build small successes to convince people. Try 3D construction on a single project and present concrete results like “work time reduced by X%,” “we managed with fewer staff,” or “no quality issues reported.” Share successes through site tours and internal presentations to get others on board. Developing personnel to lead DX is also important: send young staff to external seminars, hire mid-career digital experts, or create an internal digital promotion team. To secure executive support, share the national policy context (mandatory ICT, future changes to competitive bidding conditions) to create a sense of urgency that “not acting now risks losing future contracts.”

The challenges of implementing 3D construction can be overcome through phased introduction and thorough support. Don’t try to change everything at once; digitize where you can, verify results, and expand understanding inside and outside the company. Fortunately, administrative guidelines and educational support are improving, making it easier than before to get started. Instead of avoiding it as “too difficult,” take the first step.

Conclusion: 3D Construction That Small Sites Can Start Right Away

So far we’ve covered the overview of 3D construction, use cases, and points to consider when introducing it. 3D construction is not just for large companies or major projects—it can bring significant benefits to small contractors and local government small sites. In an era of labor shortages, leveraging digital technology to deliver high-quality work with limited resources is essential.

Start DX with small steps. For example, on your next site try current-state surveying with a drone or smartphone, or hold meetings with craftsmen using a 3D model on a tablet instead of paper drawings. Even if it’s unfamiliar at first, once you find “it was surprisingly easy” and “efficiency improved,” that experience will lead to greater confidence. According to ministry statistics, companies that used ICT to improve productivity tend to see increased orders and profit margins. In other words, 3D construction is an investment, not a cost, and early adopters are likely to gain first-mover advantages.

For young staff, sites that use digital tools are attractive and rewarding workplaces. This helps with recruitment and revitalizes the company. If you’ve hesitated thinking “our scale is too small for 3D construction,” start where you can—the accumulation of small successes is the first step toward large-scale site reform.

Finally: Make 3D Construction Easier with LRTK. Why Not Start with Surveying?

If you’re starting 3D construction, a good first step is to capture the site in 3D. A solution that helps with this is “LRTK,” which enables easy, high-precision surveying and point cloud scanning using a smartphone.

LRTK is a portable surveying device that attaches a small RTK-GNSS receiver (positioning terminal) to smartphones and tablets like iPhones and iPads. By attaching a pocket-sized receiver weighing only a few hundred grams to a smartphone, you can correct satellite positioning errors to within a few centimeters, making centimeter-level positioning—previously requiring specialist equipment—available to anyone. A dedicated app that works with the phone’s built-in LiDAR and camera allows one person to walk the site and obtain precise 3D point clouds, which is a major feature. For example, using LRTK, a 30m-square site can be scanned in a few minutes and instantly generate a 3D terrain model. Captured data is automatically saved to the cloud and can be checked from office PCs in real time.

LRTK also includes all-in-one functions for the AR displays and as-built management discussed in 3D construction. If you upload the design 3D model to the cloud in advance, you can accurately project that model in the correct position via AR on a smartphone screen at the site. Since the model doesn’t drift while walking around, LRTK enables easy staking out and position alignment for anyone. If you save scanned data of buried utilities, AR visualization of subsurface objects is achievable with one touch, allowing safe site understanding without test pits. The app also supports as-built analysis, automatically creating heat maps by comparing as-built point clouds to design data. Even without expert knowledge, a single tap can tell you “how much and where to correct to meet the design,” easing inspection preparation.

With LRTK, surveying, construction management, and reporting can be completed with just a smartphone. There’s no need to carry bulky equipment; it’s convenient to keep in your pocket and use when needed—an attractive advantage for busy site managers. In areas with no mobile network, LRTK can directly receive the high-precision correction signals (CLAS) from Japan’s positioning satellite “Michibiki,” so high-precision positioning is maintained even offline. It can handle emergency surveys at disaster sites and measurements in GPS-shadowed locations (e.g., under bridges), making it a reliable ally in critical situations.

LRTK is designed so that anyone, anywhere, and immediately can take the first step toward 3D construction. If you’re wondering “where do I start with 3D construction?” begin with high-precision smartphone surveying using LRTK. Scan the site to create point clouds and try as-built checks or AR—chances are you’ll be surprised by the difference from traditional methods. For small sites especially, introducing digital surveying with LRTK can help relieve labor shortages and improve operational efficiency.

3D construction isn’t difficult—using the right tools, you can start tomorrow with just a smartphone. LRTK can be your reliable partner. Bring 3D construction to labor-short sites step by step. The digital revolution that will change the future of sites is right around the corner. Start your site DX today with a smartphone in hand!

(For details and implementation methods of LRTK introduced in this article, please refer to the manufacturer’s official website and documentation.)