State departments of transportation (DOTs) have been investing in 3D modeling and sharing 3D digital models with contractors. Some DOTs have piloted the use of 3D digital models as contract documents, others continue to provide contractors with 3D digital models for information purposes, and some have not begun using 3D digital models in construction.

The TRB National Cooperative Highway Research Program's NCHRP Synthesis 593: 3D Digital Models as Highway Construction Contract Documents details the current state of DOT practices for delivering 3D digital models to highway contractors and the use of these models as part of the legal construction contract document.