Virtual research environment for digital 3D reconstructions: Standards, thresholds, and prospects

Abstract

Since the 1990s, the application of digital 3D reconstruction and computer-based visualization of cultural heritage has increased. Virtual reconstruction and 3D visualization have revealed a new “glittering” research space for object-oriented disciplines such as archaeology, art history and architecture. Nevertheless, the scientists concerned with the new technology soon recognized the lack of documentation standards in the 3D projects, leading to the loss of information, findings and the fusion of knowledge behind the digital 3D representation. Based on the methodological fundamentals of digital 3D reconstruction, the potentials and challenges in the light of emerging Semantic Web and Web3D technologies is introduced here. The presentation describes a scientific methodology and a collaborative web-based research environment followed by crucial features for these kinds of projects. As the groundwork, a human- and machine-readable “language of objects” and the implementation of these semantic patterns for spatial research purposes on destroyed and/or never realized tangible cultural heritage will be discussed. Using examples from the practice, the presentation explains the requirements of the Semantic Web (Linked Data), the role of controlled vocabularies, the architecture of the VRE and the impact of a customized integration of interactive 3D models within WebGL technology. The presentation intends to showcase the state-of-the-art steps on the way to a digital research infrastructure. The focus lies on the introduction of scholarly approved and sustainable digital 3D reconstruction, compliant with recognized documentation standards and following the Linked Data requirements.