Analysis of Digitized 3D Models Published by Archaeological Museums

Abstract

Nowadays, many museums publish virtual versions of the artifacts they keep in their collections in different 3D model viewers available on the Internet. However, despite the wide experience that some of them have in this field, it is still possible to find many virtual models that do not meet the desirable requirements for their publication on the Internet, especially regarding the optimization of the mesh and color textures needed for greater efficiency in the visualization and downloading of 3D objects. In this study, a sample of virtual models of objects belonging to multiple archaeological museums from different countries is analyzed. We considered multiple characteristics of the models, such as the number of polygons that compose them, the quality of the meshes, filter effects applied during post-processing, etc. The results of this research indicate that it is still necessary to make a greater effort to improve the training and digital skills of the professionals in charge of the digitization process in this area of cultural heritage.

The Process of Museum Digitization Technology

“…It's worth noting that the appearance and color texture display of digital models do not depend on a high polygon count. Therefore, low-poly topology can effectively maintain the model's silhouette, laying the foundation for later texture mapping [5].…”

“…In the process of 3D modeling and digitization, using textures to transfer details from a high-polygon model to a reduced-polygon model is an effective technique. By converting various attributes of a high-polygon model into texture forms, visual details of the model can be preserved without significantly increasing its computational weight [5][3] [4].…”

Advancements in 3D Heritage Data Aggregation and Enrichment in Europe: Implications for Designing the Jena Experimental Repository for the DFG 3D Viewer

“…Most recently, the UK 3D Data Service Survey [28] was conducted in 2022. In addition, several surveys on available platforms, repositories, and frameworks were compiled recently [30][31][32][33][34] to provide an overview of particular technologies such as laser scanning [35], photogrammetry [36], machine learning [37], and extended reality technologies [38]. Moreover, several studies analyze data and digitization within specific domains with occasional links to 3D data.…”

3D digital conservation and restoration skills for the 21st century

“…Structural integration of 3D methodologies in CR programs can therefore also be considered a necessity, and may lead to the constitution of a new profession, which can be beneficial as a mediator or executor in CH institutions. The need for more expert skills and the proposal for a new profession has been previously suggested by Hawotte and by Hernández-Muñoz, mainly because of technical reasons and experienced limitations Hernández-Muñoz, 2023). However, and as mentioned in the previous section, because of the interdisciplinary and complex nature, the feasibility of a new profession is to be further investigated.…”

“…This divide hinders progress, leaving many opportunities for the beneficial preservation of CH unexplored. Recognising this discrepancy and the many practical limitations that arise and for which CR practitioners are not trained, proposals have been made for the emergence of a new professional role -a kind of 3D technologies skilled conservator-restorerwho can synergize CH/CR and 3D applications for seamless in-house integration into CH institutions and CR practices (European Commission, 2020;Hernández-Muñoz, 2023;International Forum of Virtual Archaeology, 2011).…”