Definition
As-built drawings are updated drawings that show a building or structure exactly as it was actually constructed, rather than as it was originally designed. They capture all the changes made during construction, giving a true record of the finished result.
Because real projects often deviate from the original plans, as-built drawings are essential for knowing what was really built. They serve as a reliable reference for future work, maintenance, and renovation.
In simple terms, as-built drawings document reality on site, showing how a structure ended up rather than how it was first planned.
How It Works
Traditionally, as-built drawings were created by marking up the original plans with every change made during construction. Today they are increasingly produced using reality capture, where laser scanning records the finished structure precisely and the resulting point cloud is used to draw accurate as-builts.
This scan-based approach captures the true dimensions and positions of everything on site, avoiding the errors and omissions common with manual mark-ups. The result is a dependable, detailed record of the building as it truly exists.
Applications
As-built drawings are used in construction handover, facility management, renovation, and compliance. They guide maintenance and future alterations, support accurate planning for refurbishment, and provide documentation for owners and regulators. Scan-based as-builts are especially valuable for older or altered buildings.
Benefits
- A true record of what was actually built.
- Reliable basis for maintenance and renovation.
- Fewer surprises during future work.
- Highly accurate when created from laser scans.
- Valuable documentation for owners and regulators.
Related Terms
- As-Built Documentation
- Terrestrial Laser Scanning (TLS)
- Scan-to-BIM
- Point Cloud
Frequently Asked Questions
What are as-built drawings used for?
They record how a structure was actually built and are used for maintenance, renovation, handover, and compliance.
How do as-built drawings differ from design drawings?
Design drawings show the intended plan, while as-built drawings reflect the actual constructed result, including any changes.
How are as-built drawings created from scans?
Laser scanning captures the finished structure as a point cloud, which is then used to draw accurate, up-to-date as-builts.
Why are as-built drawings important?
They provide a reliable record of reality, reducing errors and surprises during maintenance and future work.
About Track3D
Track3D helps teams create accurate as-built documentation from laser scans and reality capture data. Learn more at Track3D.
