Let's get virtual: Examination of best practices to provide public access to digital versions of three-dimensional objects

Abstract

Three-dimensional objects are important sources of information that should not be ignored in the increasing trend towards digitization. Previous research has not addressed the evaluation of digitized versions of three-dimensional objects. This paper first reviews research concerning such digitization, in both two and three dimensions, as well as public access in this context. Next, evaluation criteria for websites incorporating digital versions of three-dimensional objects are extrapolated from previous research. Finally, five websites are evaluated, and suggestions for best practices to provide public access to digital versions of three-dimensional objects are proposed.