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Abstract. In this paper, we outline the problem of historic preservation and the opportunities that rigorous CAD models provide to address it, describe the particular class of buildings in Makkah that we are concerned with, and discuss a modeling strategy that takes advantage of common elements, symmetry and repetition in the buildings ' construction, and standard operations in current CAD programs. We briefly discuss tools for architectural heritage recording, construction of CAD models of historic buildings, and systematic analysis of built form. Finally, the paper shows how the method can streamline the construction of accurate CAD models. 1. Architectural Heritage Recording, from Traditional to Digital Documenting historic buildings is important. It preserves information for future generations to learn from the past. A rich architectural heritage provides future architects and planners with design solutions to various problems. In addition, many cities gradually lose their rich artifacts and history, as historic buildings are destroyed to make room for new projects. Architecture results from interaction between different cultures throughout history reflecting the social values, economic situations, and behaviors of a particular time. Traditional recording tools for historic buildings provide various formats to address different documentation needs. Measured drawings register accurate dimensions of the features and the spaces of buildings. Perspective drawings simulate what the human eye sees. Photography records scenes includin