Developed in the PURE3D project, a 3DSEs is a virtual research environment for viewing and editing interactive 3D content for digital heritage and digital humanities. 3DSEs do not only contain 3D models, but also multiple other types of source material, such as annotations, images video, (un)structured data and documents. This gives users access to modelling and interpretative choices such as creating virtual tours of objects, creating a multimodal resource that is impossible to replicate in printed form.
Managing and depositing of 3DSEs in a FAIR way
The multimodal and often complex nature of 3DSEs creates certain challenges when depositing this data with a repository such as DANS’ Data Stations in a FAIR way. For example, 3DSEs may contain both 3D models, video, photos, and articles, including potentially copyrighted materials from secondary sources. The data will also include scripts and software-specific files determining how this data is joined together and displayed within the virtual research environment. This may pose challenges to the researcher, e.g. in how to properly assign metadata and access conditions, and to make it clear to users how to use the data and recreate the experience of the 3DSE.
DANS’ role in the PURE3D project was to create procedures and guidelines for the managing and depositing of 3DSEs in a FAIR way. The PURE3D project is run under the direction of Dr. Costas Papadopoulos and Prof. Susan Schreibman from the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences at Maastricht University. The project has helped multiple research projects create and publish 3DSEs from their data.
The guidebook provides a step-by-step walkthrough of the process of depositing a 3DSE, including specific advice for the specific requirements of 3DSEs. Although the guide is mainly aimed at 3DSE users, it is also of relevance for researchers working with other forms of 3D data.
The guide can be found here.
For more information about the 3DSEs published with PURE3D, see here (These projects can be viewed on the PURE3D website).
