Complete Surveying Work Alone｜LRTK for Successful One-Man Surveying

In recent years, the working style known as "one-man surveying"—where a single person completes surveying tasks—has been attracting attention in construction and civil engineering sites. This method, which does not rely on multiple personnel and allows one person to finish surveying work, is spreading thanks to the combined effects of on-site needs and technological advances. This article explains the basic concept of one-man surveying and the reasons it is gaining attention, the necessary equipment and environmental preparations, the concrete workflow of "measure, record, share," and the advantages and disadvantages. It also introduces the technical overview and benefits of the new surveying solution "LRTK" in a way easy for beginners to understand, and provides concrete points for efficiently conducting on-site surveying alone.

Challenges of Traditional Surveying and Why One-Man Surveying Is Needed

Traditionally, surveying work was typically carried out by teams of two or more people. In a typical setup, one person operates the surveying instrument (such as a total station) while another stands at a distant point holding a staff (rod) or prism at the survey point. In some cases a recorder was added, forming a three-person team. Such labor- and time-intensive surveying places a heavy burden on sites chronically short of staff. In Japan in particular, experienced survey technicians are aging while younger personnel are decreasing, increasing the need to run sites efficiently with limited staff.

Conventional surveying also tends to consume large amounts of time and effort. Equipment is often large and heavy, and when survey points number in the hundreds across a wide site it is not uncommon for a team to spend a whole day on the work. After surveying, there is still office work such as plotting surveyed points on drawings and calculating quantities. Because field-acquired data cannot be immediately used for construction, efficiency suffers, and measurement mistakes or missing data are sometimes discovered later, requiring rework. Moreover, advanced surveying equipment operation requires specialized skills, so teams tend to rely on particular veterans; if that person is absent, the whole construction may halt while waiting for surveying. Faced with staff shortages, operational inefficiencies, and error risks inherent in traditional methods, expectations for surveying techniques that can be completed by one person have grown year by year.

One reason one-man surveying is gaining attention is the dramatic recent advances in surveying technology. For example, the emergence of robotic total stations allows equipment to automatically track targets (prisms), making tasks that once required two people easier for one person to perform. Advances in GNSS (satellite positioning such as GPS) technology are also significant. In particular, the use of RTK-GNSS (Real-Time Kinematic positioning) enables the combination of data from a rover and a base station to achieve centimeter-level positioning accuracy in real time, allowing a single person to perform high-precision position measurements. Furthermore, initiatives such as the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism’s i-Construction and the construction industry's DX (digital transformation) are accelerating efforts to streamline on-site surveying using ICT. These technological innovations and rising industry needs are gradually spreading the idea that "if one person can measure accurately, that's preferable."

Equipment and Environmental Preparations Needed for One-Man Surveying

• High-precision surveying equipment: To perform surveying alone, compact equipment capable of obtaining high-precision position information is essential. A representative example is an RTK-GNSS receiver. For instance, the pocket-sized high-precision GNSS device LRTK can be attached to a smartphone and strongly supports one-man surveying.

• Smartphone/tablet and dedicated app: A smartphone or tablet is required to display, record, and operate the data obtained from the positioning device. A familiar personal device is sufficient. In the case of LRTK, a dedicated smartphone app (iOS/Android) is provided, allowing users to start/stop positioning, save data, and link to the cloud with a single button. Because the smartphone can serve as the controller, intuitive operation is possible even without special knowledge.

• Communication environment (internet connection): To obtain high precision with RTK positioning, correction information from a base station must be received in real time. Therefore, in many cases an internet connection at the site (such as a mobile 4G/5G line) is required. Devices like LRTK support Ntrip, a networked RTK correction service, and can obtain correction data via the smartphone. In areas without mobile coverage, it is also possible to receive correction information using the Quasi-Zenith Satellite System (QZSS) "Michibiki"'s satellite augmentation signal (CLAS), though limits apply depending on region and circumstances.

• Other preparations: Accessories that stabilize the device, such as monopods or poles (tripods), are useful for ensuring measurement accuracy. For example, LRTK offers an optional dedicated pole that helps when placing the device on a specific ground point for measurement. Also, for long working periods, carrying spare batteries for the smartphone and positioning device is advisable.

One-Man Surveying Workflow (Measure・Record・Share)

• Survey preparation: Before starting surveying on site, attach the positioning device (LRTK) to your smartphone and launch the dedicated app. On the app, check the current positioning mode and reception status of correction information and confirm that an RTK centimeter-level accuracy (fixed solution) has been achieved.

• Measuring points (Measure): Move the device to the point you want to measure and press the measurement button in the app at that point. For example, when measuring a ground point, place the tip of the pole at that point and simply tap the button on the smartphone screen. High-precision latitude, longitude, and height data at that moment are obtained.

• Recording data (Record): When the measurement button is pressed, the positioning data are automatically recorded on the smartphone. Records include the date and time, point number, and positioning status (e.g., fixed solution (FIX) or float solution (FLOAT)). The LRTK app performs conversions to Japan’s plane rectangular coordinate system and automatic geoid height calculations, so practical coordinate values are available immediately on site. You can name points or leave notes as needed, making detailed record management possible without a paper field notebook. When measuring multiple points in succession, simply repeat the button operation to accumulate data.

• Uploading and sharing to the cloud (Share): After measuring a certain number of points, you can upload the data to the cloud with a single tap from the app. Integrated with LRTK's cloud service, field-acquired positioning information is instantly plotted on a cloud map. colleagues and other stakeholders in the office can view the latest surveying results from a browser. This eliminates the need to bring data back via USB or transcribe handwritten notes, allowing seamless information sharing between field and office.

• Data utilization: Survey data shared to the cloud can be used directly for the next steps such as drawing production, volume calculations, and report creation. For example, you can measure distances between points or areas enclosed on the cloud, or generate as-built drawings immediately from acquired point cloud data. This greatly reduces the time spent processing data after returning to the office and leads to overall operational efficiency.

Advantages of One-Man Surveying

• Labor savings and reduced personnel costs: If surveying can be completed by one person, tasks that previously required two or more people can be handled with fewer personnel. This helps alleviate labor shortages and reduces personnel costs.

• Improved efficiency and rapid response: Without waiting for staff arrangements, surveys can be performed as needed. With one-man surveying, you can respond immediately when you need to measure a point on the spot. Reduced waiting time contributes to shorter overall construction schedules and faster decision-making.

• High-precision data acquisition: Surveying using RTK-GNSS yields far more accurate data than conventional simple GPS measurements. Because centimeter-level position information can be obtained instantly, it is suitable for tasks requiring precision such as as-built management and checking against design drawings.

• Real-time information sharing: Cloud integration allows acquired data to be shared in real time with the office or other devices. Since information can be shared before returning from the site, you can consult with supervisors or colleagues on the spot and receive further instructions. This reduces communication loss and helps prevent rework.

• Portability and ease of use: Devices like LRTK are small and lightweight, making them easy to carry so workers can keep them on hand. The convenience of taking them out of a pocket and measuring immediately is a major advantage. This enables "opportunistic surveying," allowing small measurements that tend to be postponed to be completed on the spot.

• Multifunctional use: Modern devices for one-man surveying offer a variety of functions beyond simply measuring points. For example, by combining with a smartphone camera or LiDAR, you can acquire surrounding point clouds (3D data), or use AR functions to project planned lines from drawings onto the site for layout (staking out). This lets a single person perform both surveying and on-site recording/verification tasks simultaneously, reducing overlapping processes and improving efficiency further.

Disadvantages and Cautions of One-Man Surveying

• Dependence on positioning environment: High-precision positioning depends on satellite signals and communication environments. In places where GNSS signals are weak, such as between tall buildings or in mountainous areas, adequate accuracy may not be achievable. Also, in areas without network coverage, network RTK corrections cannot be received (while LRTK supports satellite augmentation signals, limits exist depending on region and conditions). It is important to understand the survey area's environment beforehand and, if necessary, prepare to combine traditional methods.

• Power management and durability of equipment: One-man surveying relies entirely on the smartphone and positioning device, so battery depletion or device malfunction can interrupt work. For long surveys, carry spare batteries and fully charge devices in advance. Pay attention to device management in the field, such as waterproofing in rain and preventing overheating in direct sunlight.

• Initial investment and learning curve: Introducing new surveying devices and software requires some initial cost. However, products like LRTK are more affordable compared to traditional expensive surveying equipment, making individual deployment more feasible. While convenient, users will need time to become familiar with device operation and data processing. It is advisable to have a trial operation period and sufficient practice before using the equipment in actual work.

• Safety management: Just because work can be completed alone does not mean safety considerations should be neglected. Always pay attention to surroundings during surveying, and implement appropriate safety measures in hazardous locations. Working alone carries the risk that detection and rescue in the event of an accident may be delayed. Share work plans with other staff in advance and maintain regular contact to ensure thorough safety precautions.

• Verification of survey results: Even if one person can perform all tasks, systems for verifying measurement accuracy and checking for errors should be in place. In multi-person surveying, people checked each other’s work to prevent errors; in one-man surveying, it is wise to measure key control points using traditional methods for cross-checking or have supervisors double-check data on the cloud to ensure quality assurance.

Steps to Introduce One-Man Surveying and Success Stories

• Confirm needs and make a plan: First, identify where in your company or department one-man surveying could be applied. Pick out tasks where relieving labor shortages is urgent or surveying tasks occur frequently, and consider priorities for introducing one-man surveying.

• Select and prepare equipment: Next, choose appropriate equipment. Prepare high-precision GNSS devices (for example LRTK) along with compatible smartphones/tablets and necessary communication contracts (data SIMs, etc.). Borrowing demo units or trying equipment at exhibitions to confirm usability on site is effective.

• Trial operation and training: Once equipment is ready, conduct trial operations before actual deployment. Test one-man surveying procedures on company premises or small sites to check data accuracy and operability. It is desirable to have not only the responsible person but also other staff practice, so the whole team gains understanding.

• Full-scale introduction and operation: If trials go well, integrate one-man surveying into daily operations. Start with lower-priority tasks and gradually expand the scope to mitigate risk. Also, establish rules for storing and sharing collected data (which cloud service to use, etc.) to create an environment that enables smooth operation.

Success stories: There are already cases where one-man surveying has been introduced with good results. For example, at a civil engineering site, introducing one-man surveying with LRTK allowed a task that previously took three people about 20 minutes to be completed by one person in about 10 minutes. This saved roughly 50 person-minutes per point, shortening the overall construction schedule and significantly reducing costs. In another case, a municipality equipped disaster sites with one-man surveying devices and reported that a small team could rapidly survey and share data of affected areas. Properly utilized, one-man surveying is beginning to produce dramatic efficiency gains.

What is LRTK? Technology and Benefits of a Smartphone-Attached RTK System

LRTK is a cutting-edge surveying solution that strongly supports one-man surveying. It is a smartphone-attached RTK-GNSS receiver developed by a startup from Tokyo Institute of Technology (Lefixea Inc.). Traditionally, RTK-GNSS equipment capable of centimeter-level positioning has been very expensive and large, often requiring specialized operators. However, LRTK is a compact receiver weighing about 125 g and only 13 mm thick that attaches to a smartphone, enabling anyone to perform high-precision positioning easily. It can be attached with one touch to a dedicated smartphone case and includes a built-in battery, making it easy to carry.

Technically, LRTK’s high-sensitivity antenna receives signals from multiple satellites (GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, Michibiki, etc.), and the smartphone app combines these signals with correction data obtained from base stations via the internet (or satellite-based CLAS augmentation signals) to correct positioning errors in real time. This enables computation of highly accurate position coordinates within a few centimeters horizontally and vertically. The smartphone is not just a display terminal but works with the positioning engine to perform necessary calculations and coordinate transformations, presenting results to the user in an easy-to-understand manner.

One of the biggest advantages of using LRTK is its overwhelming ease of use compared to traditional surveying equipment. No special dedicated controller or complicated settings are required—just launch the app on your everyday smartphone and press a button when you want to measure. Because it can be handled without advanced specialist knowledge, even personnel who are not in a surveying department can autonomously perform quick on-site measurements.

In terms of cost, LRTK is also excellent. In the past, an integrated high-precision GNSS device often required an investment of several hundred thousand to millions of yen, but the LRTK device is available at a much more affordable price. The small LRTK Phone unit can be purchased for tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of yen, and the dedicated app is provided free of charge. With just a smartphone, you can start high-precision surveying without needing expensive dedicated controllers or fixed base stations. The price point allows everyone on site to have one device each, overturning the conventional idea that "surveying equipment is one set per team" and delivering excellent cost performance.

Moreover, LRTK is more than just a GNSS receiver; through software integration it provides an all-in-one surveying platform. Combining a dedicated app with cloud services enables seamless workflows from point measurement to data recording management, linking with drawings and photos, and sharing. For example, using AR functions you can project the positions of structures from design drawings onto the field for precise staking out, or use a smartphone’s LiDAR scanner to convert terrain or structures into point clouds and immediately generate 3D survey maps—advanced tasks that a single person can perform. You can calculate the volume of embankments from acquired point clouds on the spot or easily compare pre- and post-construction terrain. LRTK truly serves as a versatile surveying tool that realizes "measure, record, share" in one stop.

Conclusion: Start One-Man Surveying with LRTK

In an era of labor shortages, one-man surveying is emerging as a trump card to achieve efficiency and reduced staffing in surveying work. By leveraging the latest technologies, one person can now carry out surveys more quickly and with higher accuracy than before. Using tools like LRTK, the sequence of "measure, record, share" can be smoothly handled by a single operator.

Though initial preparation and practice are necessary for introduction, the hurdles are not high. Once you start using the tools, you will realize how much easier tasks that previously required multiple people have become. This reduces the burden on sites and contributes to work-style reforms, allowing freed-up personnel to be assigned to other productive tasks.

Surveying and construction managers considering improvements in operational efficiency and accuracy control should positively explore the potential of one-man surveying. Devices such as LRTK are rapidly evolving and the environment for easy adoption is coming together. As a starting point for one-man surveying, combine an advanced surveying tool with the smartphone you already have, and begin a new on-site challenge. You will surely be surprised by the convenience and efficiency. Become a driver of the next on-site reform and pioneer a smart, productive surveying style.

The LRTK series achieves centimeter-level high-precision GNSS positioning in the construction and civil engineering fields, enabling significant reductions in work time and large productivity gains. It is compatible with the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism’s i-Construction initiative and is an optimal solution for promoting digitalization of construction sites. For questions about products, estimates, or consultations about introduction, please feel free to contact us via the [inquiry form](https://www.lrtk.lefixea.com/contactlrtk). Let LRTK help take your site to the next stage.