DEVB TC(W) No. 1/2025
BIM as-built verification on SpatialSense
DEVB TC(W) No. 1/2025 requires BIM on Hong Kong capital works above HK$30 million, and makes design BIM models part of the tender and contractually binding from April 2025. SpatialSense checks what is built against the model and keeps a dated record of as-built conditions.
Construction-stage BIM uses, and where SpatialSense fits
Annex 1 of the circular lists the BIM uses a project adopts at each stage. These are the construction-stage uses that touch what is physically on site.
| BIM use | What the circular says | In SpatialSense |
|---|---|---|
| 3D Control and Planning, construction checking | For projects that require a DWSS, digital setting-out and construction checking by means of 3D laser scanners, robotic total stations and similar, as far as practicable (Annex 1, note m). | Live |
| As-Built Modelling | A mandatory construction-stage use. A process of preparing an accurate record of the physical conditions and assets of a project, such as the as-built BIM model. | Supports |
| Existing Conditions Modelling | A mandatory use. Collecting the existing site conditions, for example by laser scanning and photogrammetry. | Supports |
| Contractually binding design models | For construction tenders with BIM adoption invited on or after 1 April 2025, the design BIM models form part of the tender and are contractually binding, covering the parts that correspond to the 2D tender drawings (paragraph 12). | Supports |
| Design authoring, 3D coordination, drawing generation | Creating and coordinating the BIM models, and producing drawings from them. | Not covered |
| Asset management and as-built model handover | Handover of as-built BIM models in open BIM format with the asset information requirements (paragraph 17). | Not covered |
Live means SpatialSense does the work. Supports means SpatialSense provides the capture and comparison the use relies on, while the model itself is authored in BIM software.
Compare
Check what is built against the model.
Lay the 360 capture next to the BIM view of the same space and see where the two disagree. A missing beam shows up on screen, not three weeks later in a dispute.
Measure
Take measurements off the point cloud.
Distances and areas straight from the scan, so nobody goes back to site with a tape. Every capture is dated, so the as-built record builds as the work does.
Why SpatialSense for BIM as-built
What it adds to a BIM project on site.
Model against site, on one screen
The 360 capture sits next to the BIM view of the same space, so a difference shows up on screen.
Measure off the point cloud
Distances and areas come straight from the scan, so nobody goes back to site with a tape.
The requirement at a glance
- Circular
- DEVB TC(W) No. 1/2025, issued 21 January 2025 and effective 1 February 2025. It supersedes TC(W) No. 2/2021.
- Policy
- Capital works projects with project estimates above HK$30 million shall use BIM technology, in the investigation, feasibility, planning, design or construction stages (paragraph 10).
- Construction tenders
- All tenders for construction contracts are required to stipulate the use of BIM, including Design-Build and Design-Build-Operate projects (paragraph 15).
- Binding models
- Design BIM models form part of the tender and are contractually binding for construction works tenders with BIM adoption invited on or after 1 April 2025 (paragraph 12).
- Standards
- Design and as-built BIM models are prepared according to the DEVB BIM Harmonisation Guidelines, aligned with the Construction Industry Council BIM Standards (paragraph 19).
- Applies to
- Works undertaken by government staff, consultants or contractors (paragraph 2).
BIM questions
What does DEVB TC(W) No. 1/2025 require?
Capital works projects with project estimates above HK$30 million shall use BIM (paragraph 10). For construction tenders with BIM adoption invited on or after 1 April 2025, the design BIM models form part of the tender and are contractually binding (paragraph 12). The circular supersedes TC(W) No. 2/2021.
Does SpatialSense create BIM models?
No. Models are authored in BIM software. SpatialSense uses your model to check what is built, and keeps the dated capture that shows the as-built conditions.
Why does the contractually binding model matter on site?
When the design model is part of the contract, a difference between model and built work can become a commercial question. A dated capture laid over the model shows where the work departs from it.
Is BIM adoption required on my project?
Capital works projects with project estimates above HK$30 million shall use BIM technology under the circular (paragraph 10). Check the circular and your contract for the stages that apply.
Does this connect to the DWSS?
The circular ties construction checking with 3D laser scanners to projects that require a DWSS (Annex 1, note m). SpatialSense is both the DWSS and the capture and comparison tool.
See it on your own model
Send us the project and a model if you have one. We will show you the capture laid over it.