Vertical stratigraphy is used for analyzing architecture which is derived from the practices used in archaeology. Through the recognition of different layers present on the surface of the building, a researcher is able to determine the different building phases of a monument. This paper is meant to present a description of the different methods and applications which need to be used in order to successfully analyze a standing building. Art historians, archaeologists, architects, restorers and other researchers have been developing this method since the 1970s. However, the method is still being developed and has different approaches depending on the country and region where it’s being used. The method has been applied to various researches in Croatia, amongst which there are also different approaches. An overview of the methods of documentation as well as dating techniques has been made in order to facilitate the application of this method in future projects. This has been taken from various research projects describing various types of buildings in different conditions and locations. This method offers many advantages in the research of architectural constructions and can be applied to many situations. Through its development and collaboration between different disciplines, it will help explorers in conducting a thorough and objective analysis.