project outcome
Scientific development
At the core of the CHEK project is a strong foundation of scientific research aimed at modernizing and simplifying the building permit process through digital innovation. The project brings together expertise from architecture, engineering, planning, computer science, and public administration to develop a new, smarter way of managing building approvals.
CHEK focuses on turning complex planning rules and building codes into formats that computers can understand and check automatically. The scientific work behind CHEK also includes the development of tools that ensure data quality, allow digital signatures on IFC models, and convert city models from one format to another.
All research outcomes whether data models, rule-checking tools, or software prototypes are shared openly to encourage learning, collaboration, and further development. This approach supports open science and helps cities across Europe adopt modern, efficient, and digital-ready workflows for building regulation.
| Name | Partner | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Process Maps | FHI | The TO-BE process map illustrates the CHEK DBP process from the information collection phase to the final update of the as-built model in the city model. It reveals that the digital building permit process is complex and involves multiple steps and stakeholders. Therefore, it is essential to have a clear understanding of each step to ensure that the process runs smoothly. |
| Maturity Model | FHI | The main goal of the CHEK Digital Building Permit Maturity Model (CDBPMM) is to help building authorities and other organisations assess their maturity in implementing a digital building permit process. The CDBPMM defines a fully implemented and optimised digital permit process as the highest level of maturity. Using this model, organisations can evaluate their current maturity level, identify capability gaps, and develop a strategic roadmap to incrementally enhance their processes, organisation, technology, and information systems to achieve higher levels of digital integration, efficiency, quality, and transparency in permitting workflows. |
| CHEKWiki | UMinho | The CHEKWiki has the main goal of helping the process of upskill/reskill in the construction value chain by gathering the multidisciplinary knowledge of the partners of the CHEK consortium. Furthermore, the base of knowledge also helps to improve the communication within the project, since it contains definitions concerning terms of the building permit process of the municipalities involved, as terms of the digital domain that are related to the technologies that are going to be implemented in the project. |
| Entities and Attributes | UBS | Summary of entities and attributes identified through interpretation of the normative text. The data within refer to the first four control sets (distances, maximum building height, buildability index and minimum area of interior spaces) described in deliverable 2.1. In addition to containing the list of identified entities and attributes, this table contains an in-depth analysis of attributes. Precisely, the type of data (e.g., numeric, alphanumeric, boolean), the unit of measurement, the type of value (e.g., float numeric, integer numeric, classification), the comparative (e.g., =,>,<), if the data is numeric, the value is specified, while if the data refers to a list, the classification is specified, and finally, the regulation and municipality in which the attribute emerges. |
| LOIN | UBS | From the interpretation of the normative text and conceptual models, information requirements were identified with reference to standard EN 17412-1:2020. Information requirements contain geometrical information (e.g., detail, location, appearance), alphanumerical information (e.g., identification, information content) and documentation. This table is under development. To date, it contains LOINs referring to the first four control sets (distances, maximum building height, buildability index and minimum area of interior spaces) for the municipality of Ascoli Piceno, Italy |
| CHEKClauses | UMinho | The CHEKClauses base in Airtable is being developed as a centralized source of information about the regulatory analysis in the project. The goal is to streamline the delivery of information to other teams within the project related to the information requirements and software implementation. |
| IFC CHEK (IDS and PSD files) | RDF | CHEK IFC is a standardized solution to allow automated validation. |
Generated sample datasets
| Data | Formats | Purpose | Size | Repository |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3D city models generated in CHEK | GML, SQL, JSON | Support 3D city model-related developments | M 1GB – 250 GB | Github (OGC repository) |
| Sample data to exemplify CHEK CityGML | GML, SQL, JSON | Support CHEK CityGML and related tools developments, including GeoBIM conversions | M 1GB –250 GB | Zenodo |
| Sample data to exemplify CHEK IFC | IFC | Support CHEK IFC and related tools developments including GeoBIM conversions | S < 1GB | Zenodo |
| BIM for demonstration scenarios | IFC | Support CHEK demonstrations | S < 1GB | DOI |
Change supporting tools and CHEK results
| Data | Formats | Purpose | Size | Repository |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CHEK To-be process map D1.1 | VISIO, PDF, BPMN | Design the CHEK process supporting platform and plan the change in municipalities | XS<50 MB | Zenodo as open data https://zenodo.org/records/7789036 |
| CHEK Maturity model D1.2 | XLS, PDF | Support digitalization of building permitting maturity assessment | XS<50 MB |
Zenodo as open data https://zenodo.org/records/10277474 Additional evolution of the maturity model, through an additional study within a wider working group from EUnet4DBP: |
| CHEK roadmap D1.2 | Support planning building permit digitalization actions | XS<50 MB | Attached to the deliverable available on the CHEK website | |
| CHEK Level of Information Need | text, XLS, PDF | Specify data requirements and support standard data model profiles definition | XS<50 MB | Zenodo as open data https://zenodo.org/records/17226009 |
| bSI Use Case Management document for digital building permit | text, PDF | Collect process and data and systems requirements in a standardized format | XS<50 MB |
Draft submitted: https://tud365.sharepoint.com/:w:/r/sites/CHEK205/_layouts/15/doc2.aspx?sourcedoc=%7BA096A1B3-B527-4C98-9C64-2126E1EAEF91%7D&file=CHEK%20DBP%20bSI%20UCM%20Rel%205.0.0_EN.docx&wdLOR=cC09973D0-0F13-4741-B5B6-3D336ADBA58B Once approved it will be published at: https://ucm.buildingsmart.org/ |
| CHEK IFC D2.2 | bSI IDS, mvdXML/JSON, EXPRESS, Gherkin | IFC data requirements definition and validation | S 50 MB–1 GB | Github: https://github.com/I-Sokolov/RDFApps/tree/main/IDSChecker/CHEK |
| CHEK CityGML D2.3 | OGC profile specs | CityGML data requirements definition and validation | S 50 MB–1 GB |
Github https://github.com/ogcincubator/chek-profiles-bblocks https://ogcincubator.github.io/chek-profiles-bblocks/ https://github.com/ogcincubator/chek-profiles-bblocks/tree/master/_sources/profiles |
| Demonstration scenarios results D6.2, D6.3, D6.4 | Document, PDF, publication | Demonstrate and validate CHEK developments | XS<50 MB |
https://chekdbp.eu/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/D6.2_CHEK_101058559_Results-Demonstration-S1_V1.1.pdf |
| Best practices and scalability guidelines D6.5 | Document, PDF | Summarize and disseminate lessons learnt from demonstrations and the project overall | XS<50 MB | Zenodo https://zenodo.org/records/17591772 |
Software development
CHEK’s DBP software stack
CHEK delivers a suite of interoperable software tools that support every stage of the digital building permit processes spanning from design phase to regulatory review. Built on open standards like IFC and CityGML, these tools are modular, practical, and designed to meet the real needs of both designers and municipalities.
CHEK’s DBP software stack is result of joint effort, a cross-disciplinary collaboration in order to deliver practical, scalable, and innovative solutions that advance the digitalization of permitting processes across Europe.
| Data | Formats | Purpose | Size | Repository | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CHEK Change Management Virtual Assistant D1.3 | Programming code | Support digitalization level assessment and consequent planning of building permit digitalization actions | XS<50 MB |
https://chek.fraunhofer.app/login Zenodo as open data https://zenodo.org/records/17236331 Zenodo: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17236331 |
|
| CHEK data validity-supporting tools D2.4: CityJSON validator (OGC Data Exchange Toolkit + Val3dity) | Val3Dity: Programming code (C++, python) and Executable binaries | Validate if the GIS/CityJSON models include valid geometry and the required attributes | S 50 MB–1 GB |
https://github.com/ogcincubator/chek-data-completeness/ Live application on a demo server: https://defs-dev.opengis.net/chek-validator/ The first two are repositories, while the third is the live application (on a demo server) |
|
| Web (JS/CSS) | BIMServer Connector to Val3dity and OGC validators and report visualization | XS<50 MB |
https://github.com/abdoulayediak/chek-bimserver-gis-validator |
||
| CHEK data validity-supporting tools D2.4: CHEK IFC exporters | Software | Export CHEK IFC-compliant BIM from Revit and ArchiCAD | S 50 MB–1 GB | ||
| Geo to BIM converter D3.1 | Programming code | Provide the designers with data about the context | S 50 MB–1 GB |
source code: https://github.com/peterrdf/gml2ifc executable: https://github.com/peterrdf/gml2ifc/tree/main/x64/Release/CityGML2IFC.exe New versions are compiled by average twice a week and can be found in the following packages: https://compiled.rdf.bg/ifcengine/ifcengine-latest.zip |
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| IFC georeferencing tool D3.2 | Programming code | postprocessing to adjust IFC models in desired CRS | S 50 MB–1 GB |
https://github.com/tudelft3d/ifcgref License: MIT |
|
| BIM to Geo converter D3.3 | Programming code (C++), Executable binaries | Extract a set of building envelopes (inc. relevant semantic data) from an IFC model to allow analysis on a city scale/ incorporation in city scale models | S 50 MB–1 GB |
https://github.com/tudelft3d/IFC_BuildingEnvExtractor License: LPGL-3.0 |
|
| IFC georeferencing tool D3.2 & BIM to Geo converter D3.3 | Web (TS/JS/CSS) | Conversion of IFC models to GeoJSON with georeferencing support for direct visualisation on GIS tools | XS<50 MB |
https://github.com/abdoulayediak/ifc2geojson Licence: MPL 2.0 |
|
| CHEK process management platform D4.3 | c, php, css, js | Support the building permitting process | M 1GB–250 GB | https://bimserver.center/en | |
| Open APIs D4.4 | Pdf, website (github/swagger) | Document the API to be able to be used by third parties | S 50 MB–1 GB | https://apis.bimserver.center/swagger/swagger.html | |
| IFC digital signature module D4.5 | Programming code | Digitally sign submitted IFC models | S 50 MB–1 GB | DiStellar – Free Web IFC Viewer | |
| IFC-based checking software D4.6 | Programming code (js), Executable binaries | Automation or semi-automation to check buildings geometrical rules with a building model in IFC | M 1GB–250 GB |
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| CityGML-based checking software D4.8 | Programming code (js), Executable binaries | Automation of checking building designs against rules that require geolocation and geospatial context information | XS<50 MB |
https://chek.virtualcitymap.de (requires BIMserver.center account for login/connection with the DBP platform) |
| Tool name | Partner | Description |
|---|---|---|
| API REST | CYPE | The API REST for BIMserver.center is an Open API that provides the necessary framework for any software or service to access and manage data in BIMserver.center platform. The API will facilitate communication and interoperability between the different tools and services that CHEK will provide for the digital building permit process. |
| Bimserver.center | CYPE | BIMserver.center Validation provides a framework for public and private institutions which daily work is dealing with building permitting processes. BIMserver.center Developers is specific part of BIMserver.center from which any software developer can manage access to BIMserver.center from their applications through the API. |
| CYPEURBAN | CYPE | CYPEURBAN is a free program for carrying out urban planning compliance documents on BIM models in IFC format. The program includes logical calculation which allows users to obtain some of the urban planning checks required by municipal bylaws from the BIM model. It also includes a series of tools for defining and checking parameters such as distances from the building to adjoining plots, plot checks, occupancy, buildability, crown height and free heights, among others. |
| Open BIM Accessibility | CYPE | Open BIM Accessibility is a tool for the analysis and verification of accessibility requirements in building projects. The application allows the customization of the regulatory accessibility requirements to be examined. The software imports IFC models to check against accessibility rules. |
| Open BIM Site | CYPE | Open BIM Site is a free application for defining the initial conditions of a project site. Using this tool, users can establish the geographical location of the models, manage different types of maps, enter topographic surfaces and add elements specific to the site, such as parcels and buildings. |
| IFC Digital Signature | DiRoots | The IFC Digital Signature core service includes two main components: the IFC signing and the signature validator. Designed with a modular, decoupled architecture, this service supports a variety of integrations and workflows.
The IFC signing component retrieves necessary data from an IFC file to secure a digital signature from supported providers, which is then attached directly to the file without altering its structure. The validator module enables compliant IFC files to display a visual indicator of the signature’s validity, ensuring the file has not been tampered with and maintaining trust between the creator and user. This flexible system is compatible with any eIDAS trusted provider for strong legal compliance and can also integrate with bespoke in-house solutions, enhancing its adaptability for secure digital practices. |
| IFC Exporter | DiRoots | The CHEK IFC exporter tool helps the user to easily export their models from their BIM authoring software (Revit or ArchiCAD27), based on the predefined Information Delivery Specification (IDS) files for each municipality of Lisbon, Gaia, Ascoli Piceno, and Prague.
The IDS-based IFC exporter simplifies the export process by eliminating the need for complex, time-consuming, and error-prone manual configurations. This tool allows users to easily configure IDS requirements and accurately map the required IFC data for each municipality, making the export workflow more efficient. |
| IFC to CityGML | TU Delft | The software is able to extract the outer shell of an ifc file and store it as CityJSON file. It will help the automated conversion between scales. something that is seen as challenging with current software |
| IFC Georeferencing | TU Delft | IFC Georeferencing tool will help with georeferentiation of IFC files during the Digital Building Permit Process. |
| Plugin CityJSON to Revit (Coming soon) | TU Delft | The new software solution is a plugin for Autodesk Revit, aimed at harmonizing 3D city models and Building Information Models (BIM) in the context of GeoBIM. Its primary purpose is to enable the integration of 3D geographic data from CityJSON into BIM projects. It promotes better interoperability, informed decision-making, and efficient data management in the CHEK project. |
| Verify 3D | Xinaps | Verifi3D is a SaaS (cloud-based), rule-based model checker with a scheme for integration with other cloud services and support for openBIM workflows. Verify 3D will building permit related rules on our product as rule templates and integrate our product with the CHEK platform. |
| VC Map + VC Map CHEK plugin | VirtualCity Systems | The VC Map is a browser-based application to show 2D and 3D spatial data as well as oblique imagery in one unified viewer application. The application provides a set of tools such as measurements in 2D/3D, drawing tools, split-screen, transparent terrain mode, real time shadows, clipping planes, camera paths, share link, image/PDF export, and others more, which allow users to explore and work with the shown datasets. The software will provide the geospatial environment that is required to perform checks that require spatial context information such as parcels, 3D buildings, terrain, etc. |
| CityGML to IFC, IDS | RDF | CityGML / CityJSON to IFC converter will be based on the Semantic Web based Geometry Modelling Kernel library and inherits all API calls and functionality, library named ‘GISEngine’ + IDS validator will be based on the IFC / STEP Engine (with generic EXPRESS schema validator) |
| BIM+GIS Viewer (IFC+CityGML) | RDF | BIM and GIS viewer connected to the platform BIMserver.center that facilitates and combine the visualization of IFC, CityJSON and CityGML formats under the same viewer. |
| OGC Data exchange toolkit and OGC RAINBOW | OGC | Support data requirements definition for geospatial data in aligned human and machine readable format, and related validation. It provides a solution for data requirements provision for standard-based geospatial information and (geo)data validation |
| CHEK change virtual assistant | Fraunhofer Italy | CHEK – Change management virtual assistant. Interactive web-based tool to support municipalities in assessing their level of maturity, their objectives, setting up their customized strategy and implementation plan to go through the digital transformation process. Will include functionalities and features like: chatbot assistant, assessment tool, process map generator/visualizer, roadmap generator, maturity matrix calculator. |
| 3D City Database 5 | Virtual City Systems | The 3D City Database is a free and open-source solution for managing, analyzing, and utilizing virtual 3D city models on top of a spatial database system. Its database schema implements the OGC CityGML 3.0 standard, and it includes a suite of software tools for importing, exporting, visualizing, and integrating your 3D city models into automated workflows and processes. For details please check the online documentation: 3D City Database v5 documentation |
| ifc2geojson | TU Delft | This software is an open-source web library allowing to convert IFC files into GeoJSON for native support in GIS software such as QGIS. It handles the geometric conversion, preserves the attributes of the IFC elements and supports georeferencing data. It can be used in conjunction with the IFC Georeferencing tool to visualize IFC models directly in their geographic context. |
| BIMserver Connector | TU Delft | This software is a web tool allowing to connect to a BIMServer.centre account and perform model validation directly on city models stored in there. It runs the validations provided by the OGC-hosted CHEK validator which includes data completeness and geometry checks (using val3dity). The software offers a visualisation of the outcome of the validation with an intuitive navigation between the report and the 3D model. |
| CHEK Validation Results Viewer | TU Delft | This is a lightweight Flask-based web application for uploading, validating, and visualizing CityJSON files. It leverages the CHEK Validator to validate CityJSON data against SHACL profiles and converts the data to a GLB format for 3D visualization. |
Documentation, education and training
| Data | Formats | Purpose | Size | Repository |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Software workshops and documentation D4.9 | Videos, PDFs, webpages | Support software use | S 50 MB–1 GB | https://www.youtube.com/@changetoolkitfordigitalbui9107 |
| Wiki of DBP D5.1 | platform (.html, .css, .js, .sql) + assets (.svg, .png,. markdown) |
Merge the DBP knowledge, including the glossary, in an accessible wiki platform conversions | M 1GB –250 GB | https://wiki.chekdbp.eu |
| Glossary of DBP terms D5.1 | Support the interchange of information by providing a set of terms and definitions based on the partners integrated knowledge. | XS<50 MB | https://wiki.chekdbp.eu/en/glossary | |
| Training materials (documents, videos, course) + platforms such as moodle (D5.2 and D5.4) |
platform (.html, .css, .js, .sql) + materials (.mp4, .pdf, .ppt, .png, .svg) |
Enable stakeholders to actively take part in the building permit digitalization and use the developed systems for the goal of CHEK demonstration | M 1GB–250 GB |
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E2QS6p_L3eo&list=PLutxtFEZmTfVUZJn20-mYB8fRlUiNxVDz |
Communication & Dissemination
Scientific Papers & Publications
| Title | Authors | ISSN |
|---|---|---|
| Digital Transformation of Building Permits: Current Status, Maturity, and Future Prospects | Mariana Ataide, Orjola Braholli, Dietmar Siegele | ISSN 2075-5309 |
| Investigating building permit processes across Europe: characteristics and patterns | Judith Fauth et al. | |
| Taxonomy for building permit system – organizing knowledge for building permit digitalization | Judith Fauth, Tanya Bloch, Francesca Noardo et al. |
Conferences, Lectures & Presentations
Open Lectures
Open Science: What is it and what does it really mean?
- Date: March 12rd, 2023
- Format: Online
- Platform: Microsoft Teams
Open Event: Building the Basis to Launch Digital Building Permits
- Date: October 12th, 2023
- Duration: 3 hours
- Format: Online
- Platform: Microsoft Teams
- Participants: 60+
Deliverables
CHEK Project Deliverables
The CHEK project generates a wide range of technical, scientific, and policy-relevant deliverables that collectively contribute to transforming the way building permits are issued across Europe. These deliverables document the methodologies, software tools, regulatory frameworks, data standards, and pilot implementations developed throughout the project. In alignment with the principles of open science, transparency, and public value, all CHEK deliverables are made freely available for download. This approach not only supports the dissemination of innovation but also empowers municipalities, designers, researchers, and policymakers to replicate, adapt, and build upon the project’s breakthroughs. By sharing our work openly, CHEK reinforces its commitment to enabling a scalable, standards-based, and future-proof digital permitting ecosystem across the EU
