# How do you add a building information model to BIS?

In Latvia's Construction Information System (BIS), open Būvprojekts, then Būvprojekta modelis, and choose Augšupielādēt būvprojekta modeli. The form takes one .ifc file per upload, the design sections it covers, a model name and a version, and it opens only once at least one design section is approved. You then approve the model with your building specialist certificate, the same way as a design sheet, and tick Iesniegt Būvprojekta modeli in the application that submits it.

Updated: 2026-11-04

## When do you need to do this?

For a new third-group building financed by a public-law legal person, [Cabinet Regulation No. 529](https://digitalyse.eu/articles/is-bim-mandatory-in-latvia/) requires a model of the architecture, structural and engineering-systems parts, added to BIS in an open format. It belongs with the final design submitted for approval, not with the application that opens the construction case.

## What are the steps?

BIS is in Latvian, so the labels here are as it shows them.

1. In the construction case, open **Būvprojekts** and its section **Būvprojekta modelis**.
2. Choose **Augšupielādēt būvprojekta modeli** (upload the design model). You can add a model once at least one design section is approved.
3. Tick the design sections the model covers. The form offers only sections approved by the section's lead and the design manager.
4. Fill in **Modeļa nosaukums** (model name) and **Versijas** (versions). Both are mandatory.
5. Upload the file, one .ifc file per upload. A large file can take a while, and an error is shown if the upload fails.
6. The form then shows the file's name and size, with icons to edit or delete it.
7. Approve the model the same way as a design sheet, with your building specialist certificate.

## How do you submit it?

Uploading and approving do not submit the model. It goes with a document: a construction intention application (Ieceres iesniegums), an application on fulfilling the design conditions, an application to change the design, or the design approval (Būvprojekta saskaņojums).

Once the case has an approved model, these documents have a step **Būvprojekta modelis**. Tick **Iesniegt Būvprojekta modeli**. The step lists the approved models linked to the design sections ticked in the documentation step.

If you tick no model although those sections have one, BIS shows an informational warning asking whether you really don't want to add it. On a project that Regulation No. 529 covers, don't click past it.

## Who can do what?

| Role | What the form allows |
| --- | --- |
| Design manager or their assistant | Tick all approved parts, mark the model as covering all parts (the federated model), delete model entries |
| Lead of a design part | Tick only the parts where they are named as lead |

## What happens after the upload?

- **Conversion.** BIS queues the file, oldest first, and converts it to GLB for its 3D view. This does not stop you making changes, and the IFC file stays available to download.
- **Changes.** The edit form works like the upload form. If the model is tied to a document already submitted to or registered with a technical conditions issuer or the building authority, BIS warns you but does not block the change.

## What does the help page leave out?

It states no IFC version and no size limit, and describes no check of the model's content. So agree the IFC version with the client and in your BIM execution plan, and check the file yourself before uploading. Open it in an IFC viewer to see that classes, properties and coordinates came through, and if the client's requirements are in an IDS file, check the model against them with [IFC Checker](https://ifcchecker.com), our own tool.

The form allows a model per part as well as one covering all parts. The regulation speaks of a model of each part, so settle which you upload with the design manager.

## How Digitalyse can help

We set up and run BIM on projects like this, from the requirements to the models that go into BIS. See [BIM management and coordination](https://digitalyse.eu/projects/).

## Sources

Checked on 4 November 2026.

- [BIS help: adding the design model (BIM), handbook version of 2 November 2026](https://bis.gov.lv/bisp/lv/help/buvprojekta-modela-pievienosana)
- [BIS help: linking the design model to an application](https://bis.gov.lv/bisp/lv/help/buvprojekta-modela-piesaistisana-pie-iesnieguma)
- [Cabinet Regulation No. 529 “Ēku būvnoteikumi”, point 74.¹](https://likumi.lv/ta/id/269164-eku-buvnoteikumi)
- [Annotation to the amendment, 23-TA-816](https://tapportals.mk.gov.lv/annotation/5d21dee4-ced4-4777-8686-afbb37e90ec5.docx)