Research-based 3D modelling for built heritage environments: dynamic data linkage, interoperability and the documentation of uncertainty
Lead Research Organisation:
UNIVERSITY OF EXETER
Department Name: Modern Languages
Abstract
This research focuses on improving the research-based 3D modelling workflow. It builds on the initial work of the Florence4D project and places a strong emphasis on maintaining academic rigour. The primary aim is to refine how 3D reconstructions are created, how they are linked to historical research data, and how this process works with an interdisciplinary team.
Building on existing standards, including the London Charter, the Seville Principles, and the FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable) Principles, the project critically evaluates previous attempts to visualise and document uncertainty in 3D heritage models. It also uses different methods from various fields to achieve the best results and aims to deliver outputs that are independent of specific software tools.
The research will develop two main case studies: the Palazzo Medici and the Church of San Pancrazio in Florence, Italy. These examples will be used to test and demonstrate the revised workflow, with a particular focus on how visualisations can be linked to their underlying research data, and how collaboration between the art historian and technical specialist can be improved to make best use of the time available. The connection is made using Python scripts and the data is structured using the CIDOC Conceptual Reference Model (CIDOC CRM) to ensure interoperability.
By integrating collaborative processes, data interoperability and the clear documentation of uncertainty, this thesis provides a methodological framework that supports more transparent, sustainable and reusable 3D modelling practices in the cultural heritage sector.
Building on existing standards, including the London Charter, the Seville Principles, and the FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable) Principles, the project critically evaluates previous attempts to visualise and document uncertainty in 3D heritage models. It also uses different methods from various fields to achieve the best results and aims to deliver outputs that are independent of specific software tools.
The research will develop two main case studies: the Palazzo Medici and the Church of San Pancrazio in Florence, Italy. These examples will be used to test and demonstrate the revised workflow, with a particular focus on how visualisations can be linked to their underlying research data, and how collaboration between the art historian and technical specialist can be improved to make best use of the time available. The connection is made using Python scripts and the data is structured using the CIDOC Conceptual Reference Model (CIDOC CRM) to ensure interoperability.
By integrating collaborative processes, data interoperability and the clear documentation of uncertainty, this thesis provides a methodological framework that supports more transparent, sustainable and reusable 3D modelling practices in the cultural heritage sector.
People |
ORCID iD |
| Luca Brunke (Student) |