3D Information Technologies for Tangible and Intangible Cultural Heritage

A special issue of Applied Sciences (ISSN 2076-3417). This special issue belongs to the section "Computing and Artificial Intelligence".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 July 2024 | Viewed by 16791

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Lublin University of Technology, Department of Computer Science, ul Nadbystrzycka 36B, 20-618 Lublin, Poland
Interests: software engineering; project management; 3D information technology; 3D motion acquisition and analysis; human-computer interaction
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Computer Science, Lublin University of Technology, ul Nadbystrzycka 36B, 20-618 Lublin, Poland
Interests: computer graphics; 3D scanning and visualization; 3D-imaging
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue of Applied Sciences, entitled “3D Information Technologies for Tangible and Intangible Cultural Heritage”, will present the most recent advances and developments in the use of digital 3D technologies for the preservation of cultural heritage, both tangible and intangible. All interested authors are invited to submit high-quality papers for possible publication in this Special Issue that highlight the use of 3D digital technology to record, document, research and protect cultural heritage, as well as those focused on making such documentation available online.

All papers must present original, previously unpublished work and will be subject to the normal standards and peer-review process of this journal. Potential topics include but are not limited to:

  • 3D scanning of objects and other elements (e.g. dances, performances and folk customs) of cultural heritage, both tangible and intangible;
  • 3D information technologies for research of cultural heritage;
  • Virtual and augmented reality technologies in cultural heritage research, presentation and dissemination;
  • Virtual and interactive exhibitions, museums and performances;
  • Virtual 3D historical worlds;
  • 3D modelling and visualisation of historical artefacts and habits;
  • 3D digitalisation technologies, devices and methods;
  • Digital reconstruction of damaged historical artefacts and buildings;
  • Information technologies for documenting archaeological sites and artefacts;
  • Motion capture and similar techniques for cultural heritage data acquisition;
  • 3D printing of models of historical objects;
  • Digital simulations of the process of development and deterioration of buildings, settlements or cities;
  • Digital archives of 3D models of cultural heritage;
  • Visualization and dissemination of digital 3D models of historical artefacts and buildings;
  • Historical digital games for cultural heritage popularisation;
  • 3D information technologies in the renovation of historical objects.

Prof. Dr. Marek Milosz
Dr. Jacek Kęsik
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Applied Sciences is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • IT in cultural heritage
  • digital availability of cultural heritage
  • 3D scanning and visualization
  • motion capture for cultural heritage
  • mixed reality
  • 3D modelling
  • cultural heritage dissemination
  • 3D models archiving
  • virtual reconstruction
  • virtual presence
  • modern exhibition techniques
  • gamification in cultural heritage
  • 3D printing
  • games for cultural heritage promotion and education
  • 3D techniques for research of cultural heritage

Published Papers (9 papers)

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Research

13 pages, 15683 KiB  
Article
Optimising Amber Processing Using 3D Scanning: New Perspectives in Cultural Heritage
by Sylwester Korga, Krzysztof Dziedzic, Stanisław Skulimowski and Sebastian Gnapowski
Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(24), 12973; https://doi.org/10.3390/app132412973 - 05 Dec 2023
Viewed by 544
Abstract
This article aims to present the practical and functional application of advanced 3D scanning technologies in the process of designing products made of amber. The processing of amber is complex and expensive because mass or serial production is not possible. Moreover, processing is [...] Read more.
This article aims to present the practical and functional application of advanced 3D scanning technologies in the process of designing products made of amber. The processing of amber is complex and expensive because mass or serial production is not possible. Moreover, processing is challenging because each product is treated as unique and requires individual handling. The optimisation process is illustrated using the example of amber blocks that were scanned to obtain virtual 3D models. The scope of this work includes the characterisation of three-dimensional jewellery design processes, along with a description of a wide range of methods and functions used in computer-aided jewellery design. The use of computer-aided design software for developing virtual models of decorative products used in goldsmithing is described in this paper. The obtained sets of models underwent engineering analysis using Boolean algebra and data science calculations. In this way, a design methodology was developed regarding the selection of input material as the unprocessed stone for jewellery modelling. The developed method allows for the minimisation of material waste, which is associated with reducing costs in the processing of amber. This article also describes the differences between previous traditional methods and the authors’ proprietary method. The proposed methodology can be implemented in jewellery workshops specialising in the processing of materials. Full article
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12 pages, 30676 KiB  
Article
3D Reconstruction of Celadon from a 2D Image: Application to Path Tracing and VR
by Seongil Kim and Youngjin Park
Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(11), 6848; https://doi.org/10.3390/app13116848 - 05 Jun 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1149
Abstract
We present a straightforward approach for reconstructing 3D celadon models from a single 2D image. The celadon is a historical example of the surface of revolution. Our approach uses a surface of revolution technique to generate the basic shape of the celadon and [...] Read more.
We present a straightforward approach for reconstructing 3D celadon models from a single 2D image. The celadon is a historical example of the surface of revolution. Our approach uses a surface of revolution technique to generate the basic shape of the celadon and then applies texture mapping to create a realistic appearance. The process involves detecting the contour and corners of the celadon image, determining an axis of revolution, generating a profile curve, and finally constructing a 3D celadon model. Additionally, we create models as triangular meshes at multiple resolutions, employing a B-spline curve as the profile curve. It enhances the adaptability of the models for various purposes. We render various scenes using a path tracer to assess the suitability of the generated 3D celadon models and generate a VR celadon museum with the models. Overall, our approach offers a simple and efficient solution for reconstructing a 3D celadon model, generating VR content, and demonstrating extensive applicability across numerous disciplines. Full article
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14 pages, 4421 KiB  
Article
Use of Cloud-Based Virtual Reality in Chinese Glove Puppetry to Preserve Intangible Cultural Heritage
by Der-Lor Way and Yu-Hsien Wei
Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(9), 5699; https://doi.org/10.3390/app13095699 - 05 May 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1820
Abstract
Chinese traditional glove puppetry is a folk art with a long history. It is worth inheriting and safeguarding this distinguished intangible cultural traditional art using virtual reality. With this background, this study integrates the digital resources of glove puppetry from the perspective of [...] Read more.
Chinese traditional glove puppetry is a folk art with a long history. It is worth inheriting and safeguarding this distinguished intangible cultural traditional art using virtual reality. With this background, this study integrates the digital resources of glove puppetry from the perspective of satisfying users’ performance needs. In this study, a multi-user, cloud-based virtual reality glove puppetry system was developed that enhances the classic works of glove puppetry. Each user has a unique perception of the virtual environment and can interact remotely. The system involves human–computer and human–human interactions. This study also describes the design and control of glove puppets. The virtual reality system provides a unique entertainment experience to users of all ages. Through a questionnaire administered to 30 subjects after the user play, this study investigated the operation and experience of this system. According to the research findings, the proposed cloud-based VR system is not only easy to use, but also helps to preserve traditional intangible culture. Our research has high theoretical value and can help preserve traditional glove puppetry. Our cloud-based virtual reality system offers a new application for disseminating and preserving intangible cultural heritage. Full article
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21 pages, 13899 KiB  
Article
Hash Indexing-Based Image Matching for 3D Reconstruction
by Mingwei Cao, Haiyan Jiang and Haifeng Zhao
Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(7), 4518; https://doi.org/10.3390/app13074518 - 02 Apr 2023
Viewed by 1618
Abstract
Image matching is a basic task in three-dimensional reconstruction, which, in recent years, has attracted extensive attention in academic and industrial circles. However, when dealing with large-scale image datasets, these methods have low accuracy and slow speeds. To improve the effectiveness of modern [...] Read more.
Image matching is a basic task in three-dimensional reconstruction, which, in recent years, has attracted extensive attention in academic and industrial circles. However, when dealing with large-scale image datasets, these methods have low accuracy and slow speeds. To improve the effectiveness of modern image matching methods, this paper proposes an image matching method for 3D reconstruction. The proposed method can obtain high matching accuracy through hash index in a very short amount of time. The core of hash matching includes two parts: creating the hash table and hash index. The former is used to encode local feature descriptors into hash codes, and the latter is used to search candidates for query feature points. In addition, the proposed method is extremely robust to image scaling and transformation by using various verifications. A comprehensive experiment was carried out using several challenging datasets to evaluate the performance of hash matching. Experimental results show that the HashMatch presents excellent results compared to the state-of-the-art methods in both computational efficiency and matching accuracy. Full article
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22 pages, 13712 KiB  
Article
Investigating a Workflow for Obtaining Physical Models from Digital Twins Obtained through Photogrammetry and TLS: New Ways for a Sustainable Dissemination of Heritage
by Pablo Alejandro Cruz Franco, Adela Rueda Márquez de la Plata and María Pérez Sendín
Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(2), 1057; https://doi.org/10.3390/app13021057 - 12 Jan 2023
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1494
Abstract
The objective of this article is to generate and validate a workflow that allows us to print physical twins (models) from digital twins obtained from unique buildings of our architectural heritage. These physical twins will guarantee the preservation and diffusion of the cultural [...] Read more.
The objective of this article is to generate and validate a workflow that allows us to print physical twins (models) from digital twins obtained from unique buildings of our architectural heritage. These physical twins will guarantee the preservation and diffusion of the cultural asset, and will promote new pedagogical ways to spread the heritage. In addition, these physical cufflinks are an interesting tool to guarantee universal accessibility through low-cost and rapid distribution typological models. We can overcome physical barriers and reach many more users, regardless of their economic, physical, or location conditions. To obtain this workflow, digital twins of architectural elements of high cultural value obtained by photogrammetry or terrestrial laser scanner will be used. The digital twin will be optimized through different platforms, and an optimized exchange file will be generated for its dissemination and printing. A digital platform will be proposed that guarantees the free distribution of these digital twins to any user. Finally, the physical twins will be obtained. For the development of this work, we have chosen to use 3D resin printers with SLA technology (selective laser exposure to light by laser) due to their performance and high quality in the models obtained. Full article
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20 pages, 4487 KiB  
Article
A Methodical Approach to 3D Scanning of Heritage Objects Being under Continuous Display
by Jacek Kęsik, Kamil Żyła, Jerzy Montusiewicz, Marek Miłosz, Calin Neamtu and Marta Juszczyk
Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(1), 441; https://doi.org/10.3390/app13010441 - 29 Dec 2022
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1759
Abstract
Three dimensional digitization of cultural heritage resources gains a lot of attention from the European Union and the United Nations, which is clearly revealed in current strategic goals and financing perspectives. Existing methodological approaches to 3D scanning in a prevailing number of cases [...] Read more.
Three dimensional digitization of cultural heritage resources gains a lot of attention from the European Union and the United Nations, which is clearly revealed in current strategic goals and financing perspectives. Existing methodological approaches to 3D scanning in a prevailing number of cases assume that the procedure of scanning is performed in places that are closed to tourists, at least for the time of scanning. However, closing an exhibition for tourists or moving an artifact to be scanned is not always possible. Thanks to the long-term experience of the authors with 3D scanning of cultural heritage, the special procedure was designed for small and medium size objects to overcome difficulties expected in such cases. The procedure has been successfully implemented during 3D scanning of objects exhibited in the Silk Road region (on the territory of modern Uzbekistan), as well as objects being parts of wooden sacral architecture of the Maramures region (in Romania). It was revealed that the proposed procedure was successfully allowed to counteract organizational problems during 3D scanning of heritage objects being under continuous display, and that the achieved results of scanning were nevertheless of good quality. Full article
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19 pages, 5429 KiB  
Article
Real-Time Rendering Engines Help Visualize, Model, and Animate Ancient Cities: An Example in Antioch
by Kayhan Kaplan
Appl. Sci. 2022, 12(23), 12316; https://doi.org/10.3390/app122312316 - 01 Dec 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3172
Abstract
This study aimed to revitalize ancient cities’ history, culture, and social life, along with their physical environments, through computer-aided, three-dimensional (3D) images. This study will become an instrument for visualization in 3D ancient cities whose historical remains are not intact and are perhaps [...] Read more.
This study aimed to revitalize ancient cities’ history, culture, and social life, along with their physical environments, through computer-aided, three-dimensional (3D) images. This study will become an instrument for visualization in 3D ancient cities whose historical remains are not intact and are perhaps known only through books, maps, pictures, and inscriptions. Following historical investigations and comparative analyses of similar examples, objects or structures subject to change over centuries, partially damaged, or lost were visualized through the production of models that reflect their original historic design. The images obtained were converted to animations of 3d models with motion, sound, light, and related effects. In addition to animations, this study implemented another technique concerning cities: the Ancient Antioch—the modeled space was installed in a game engine to obtain simultaneous images. Despite certain limitations, the study findings, adequately based on scientific evidence, provide rich visual content for practical use in the three domains of presentation, research, and education. The hope is that this socio-historical, scientific, and esthetic study, established to model, visualize, and animate city life from approximately 1800–2000 years ago, will be instrumental to the further development of its mixed methodologies and provide a new synthetic process for an ongoing feedback loop. Perhaps the most important output of this study was the use of almost all of the images obtained in the Hatay Archaeology Museum. After the final stage of preparation, the presentation of Ancient Antioch is planned to be done in 2023 of March and opened to visitors on special platforms with Unity 3D. An actual excavation area’s data can be constantly modeled and remodeled, thus improving the scientific feasibility, quality, and uniqueness of excavation work and the dissemination of scientific results. Full article
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19 pages, 6173 KiB  
Article
Preparation of 3D Models of Cultural Heritage Objects to Be Recognised by Touch by the Blind—Case Studies
by Jerzy Montusiewicz, Marcin Barszcz and Sylwester Korga
Appl. Sci. 2022, 12(23), 11910; https://doi.org/10.3390/app122311910 - 22 Nov 2022
Cited by 13 | Viewed by 2062
Abstract
Providing access to and the protection of cultural goods—intangible and tangible heritage—is carried out primarily by institutions such as museums, galleries or local cultural centres where temporary exhibitions are shown. The international community also attempts to protect architectural objects or entire urban layouts, [...] Read more.
Providing access to and the protection of cultural goods—intangible and tangible heritage—is carried out primarily by institutions such as museums, galleries or local cultural centres where temporary exhibitions are shown. The international community also attempts to protect architectural objects or entire urban layouts, raising their status by inscribing them on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Contemporary museums, however, are not properly prepared to make museum exhibits available to the blind and visually impaired, which is confirmed by both the literature studies on the subject and the occasional solutions that are put in place. The development of various computer graphics technologies allows for the digitisation of cultural heritage objects by 3D scanning. Such a record, after processing, can be used to create virtual museums accessible via computer networks, as well as to make copies of objects by 3D printing. This article presents an example of the use of scanning, modelling and 3D printing to prepare prototypes of copies of museum objects from the Silk Road area, dedicated to blind people and to be recognised by touch. The surface of an object has information about it written in Braille before the copy-making process is initiated. The results of the pilot studies carried out on a group of people with simulated visual impairment and on a person who is blind from birth indicate that 3D models printed on 3D replicators with the fused filament fabrication technology are useful for sharing cultural heritage objects. The models are light—thanks to which they can be freely manipulated, as well as having the appropriate smoothness—which enables the recognition of decorative details present on them, as well as reading texts in Braille. Integrating a copy of an exhibit with a description about it in Braille into one 3D object is an innovative solution that should contribute to a better access to cultural goods for the blind. Full article
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17 pages, 8345 KiB  
Article
Documenting Archaeological Petroglyph Sites with the Use of 3D Terrestrial Laser Scanners—A Case Study of Petroglyphs in Kyrgyzstan
by Jacek Kęsik, Marek Miłosz, Jerzy Montusiewicz and Nella Israilova
Appl. Sci. 2022, 12(20), 10521; https://doi.org/10.3390/app122010521 - 18 Oct 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1676
Abstract
The use of 3D terrestrial laser scanners (TLS) in the documentation of archaeological sites is an effective method of collecting information about the area under study. The wide range of acquired data makes this method a versatile tool, and not limited only to [...] Read more.
The use of 3D terrestrial laser scanners (TLS) in the documentation of archaeological sites is an effective method of collecting information about the area under study. The wide range of acquired data makes this method a versatile tool, and not limited only to documentation tasks. This article presents the possibilities of 3D TLS and their postprocessing software in the pioneering work related to the digitization of exhibits in The Petroglyphs of Cholpon-Ata Open-air Museum near Lake Issyk-Kul in Kyrgyzstan. A 3DScaMITE methodology adapted for that task is highlighted. The data obtained during the scanning were used to build high-accuracy 3D digital petroglyph models, together with their location within the open-air museum area. The acquired models also allowed a detailed analysis of the geometric parameters of the cavities forming the petroglyph figures. The results of the analysis confirmed the thesis about improper preservation of petroglyphs. It has been demonstrated in this way that the used TLS method is completely universal in documenting petroglyphs, including the location and shape of their place of creation, as well as creating a sufficiently accurate analysis of the structure of drawings. Full article
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