140820 CIDOC2014_Full_paper.pages

In view of proliferation of digital technologies and increasing popularity of digital 3D documentation of cultural heritage — being a result of both digitization of existing artefacts and computer-based 3D reconstruction of lost art and architecture — the implementation of reliable standards is of growing importance. The paper considers potential benefits and inherent problems of digital reconstruction, which the Author understands as research and documentation tools. Some thoughts are devoted to the technological advancement and the risk of the digital obsolescence. The upcoming transition to the Web 3.0 is also considered. Concepts proposed for semantic data-modelling in the field of cultural heritage make it apparent that the future of e-documentation depends on the long-term availability and interoperability of data sets. Drawing on selected directives (e.g. London Charter) and projects (e.g. CARARE, 3D ICONS), current research in access to and understanding of 3D data sets is discussed. The ongoing, joint German-Polish-Russian project called Virtual Reconstructions in Transnational Research Environments – the Web Portal: Palaces and Parks in Former East Prussia, offers the opportunity to present a prototype of a Virtual Museum. Exemplary in its interdisciplinary methodology, semantic indexing of sources and description of 3D objects, and of visualization based on interactive 3D models, the project is presented to encourage its critical discussion.