Sicher 3D produces as-built drawings in Dubai from fresh measurements, not old CAD files. We survey plots with robotic total stations and scan buildings with handheld LiDAR, then deliver plans, sections, elevations and Revit models that show what was actually built.
As-built drawings record a building or plot exactly as it was constructed — every wall, column, opening and level in its real position, including the changes made on site. An as-built survey is the measurement work that produces them.
No project is built exactly to the approved drawings. Columns move a few centimetres, openings change, services get rerouted. An as-built drawing that is not based on a survey simply repeats the design and hides those changes until they cause a problem in a renovation, a fit-out or an authority inspection.
This page explains the two types of as-built survey, what we capture, how we check built against approved, and the files you receive.
The words “as-built survey” are used for two very different jobs in Dubai. Knowing which one you need saves a second site visit.
Proves the building sits where — and how high — it was approved.
Records what is actually inside the walls — not what the drawings say should be there.
From structure to services to finishes, our as-built surveys record what designers and facility managers actually need — not just the outline of the walls.
Many as-built drawings in Dubai are simply the last design revision with the word “AS-BUILT” added to the title block. Ours start from a fresh survey. We scan the building with handheld LiDAR and fix control with a total station, so every wall, column and opening on the drawing is a measured position. The same point cloud can later become a Revit model without going back to site.
Wall positions and thicknesses, door and window openings, stairs, shafts and every room as built.
Structural grid, column and core-wall positions, beam soffits and slab edges — checked against the design grid.
Ducts, pipes, cable trays, risers and plant-room equipment that can be seen and scanned on site.
Finished floor levels, ceiling heights, bulkheads and soffit levels for fit-out and coordination.
Elevations with openings, cladding zones and heights, captured from ground level without scaffolding.
Measured areas for design, leasing plans and FM. Title-deed area surveys are a separate DLD-regulated service.
Hardscape, ramps, boundary walls, gates, landscaping and external levels around the building.
We overlay the measured as-built on your approved drawings and flag every difference larger than the tolerance you set. You get marked-up drawings and a schedule of deviations — clear evidence for completion, handover, claims or redesign.
As-built drawings are needed at the end of a project — and again every time someone has to change the building.
| When | Why an as-built matters | Typical scope |
|---|---|---|
| Completion certificate | Completion submissions to DM, DDA or Trakhees normally include as-built drawings of the final construction | Plot as-built plus building drawings in the authority's format |
| Handover | The owner and FM team need a reliable record of what was actually built | Full as-built set, optionally with a Revit model |
| Renovation or extension | Old drawings are rarely accurate; design from measured dimensions instead | Building as-built from a 3D laser scan |
| Interior fit-out | Shell-and-core conditions decide what the interior design can do | Floor plans, reflected ceiling levels and visible MEP |
| Buying or leasing | Check the real layout and dimensions before you commit | Measured floor plans |
| Dispute or claim | Measured evidence of built versus approved | Deviation report with marked-up drawings |
| Facility management | Maintenance and space planning need current, accurate data | Scan-to-BIM model and point cloud |
In DDA areas, completion also requires a Third Party Building Survey by a surveyor registered with Dubai Land Department (villas excepted). We tell you at the scoping stage if your project falls under it.
Not sure which as-built you need?Send your approved drawings and what the as-built is for — we will recommend the scope.
WhatsApp your drawings →Critical points such as setbacks, corners and column positions are measured with a total station. Interiors, services and facades are captured with handheld LiDAR and tied to that control. Figures are published manufacturer specifications; achieved accuracy also depends on control and site conditions.
| Method | Published accuracy | Used for | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Robotic total stationHi-Target HTS-820 | Angle 2″ · 2 mm + 2 ppm with prism · 3 mm + 2 ppm reflectorless | Plot as-builts: corners, setbacks, heights, column checks | Point-by-point; slower for full interiors |
| Handheld SLAM LiDARGeoSLAM SLAM2000 | < 1 cm relative (post-processed) · < 5 cm absolute · 200,000 points/s | Building as-builts: interiors, MEP, facades, occupied buildings | Tied to total station control for coordinates |
| RTK + SLAM receiverHi-Target V700S | RTK 8 mm + 1 ppm (H) with built-in laser scanning | Large sites: external works and building outlines in one pass | RTK needs open sky; switches to laser positioning under cover |
| RTK GNSSHi-Target iRTK5 | 8 mm + 1 ppm horizontal · 15 mm + 1 ppm vertical (RMS) | Control and external works on open plots | Not used for interiors or close to tall facades |
ppm = parts per million of the measured distance. RMS figures as published on Hi-Target and GeoSLAM specification sheets.
We survey with the same Hi-Target, FJD and GeoSLAM instruments we distribute across the UAE. Each one is also available to buy from Sicher 3D.
Completion rules depend on the authority, and some as-built work in Dubai is regulated. We settle both before any measurement is taken.
Dubai Municipality, DDA and Trakhees each set their own completion requirements. In DDA areas, a Third Party Building Survey by a DLD-registered surveyor is mandatory before the completion certificate, except for villas. We confirm what your project needs before we start.
DDA third party building survey ↗Plot as-builts are surveyed on the Dubai Local Transverse Mercator grid (EPSG:3997), so setbacks and footprint coordinates compare directly with your affection plan and approved site plan.
Dubai Municipality geodesy ↗Our measured areas are for design, leasing plans and facility management. Official real-estate area and title surveys are regulated by Dubai Land Department and carried out by DLD-accredited survey companies.
DLD accredited survey companies ↗Send approved drawings, plot number and purpose. We agree as-built type, detail, tolerance and files.
Control points are fixed with a total station, tied to DLTM for plot as-builts.
Total station and RTK outside; handheld LiDAR through every floor, plant room and riser.
Plans, sections and elevations are drafted from the scan and compared with the approved design.
Drawings are checked against the point cloud, then DWG, PDF, RVT, E57 and the deviation report are issued.
Layers, title block, drawing list and tolerance are agreed before fieldwork. Revit and point-cloud files are available from the same survey.
Completion and handover as-builts that match the work on site
Measured existing conditions for redesign and submissions
Record sets for handover, sales and owner associations
Shell-and-core plans, ceiling levels and visible MEP
Up-to-date plans and BIM for maintenance and space planning
Accurate floor plans of villas, apartments and offices
Share your approved drawings, plot number and what the as-built is for. A surveyor will confirm the scope, tolerance, authority requirements and a clear, fixed quote.
Tell us about the building and what the as-built is for — completion, handover, renovation, fit-out or FM. We'll respond with a clear, fixed quote within 24 hours.
Prefer to talk? Call +971 50 108 0764 or WhatsApp us.
