Introduction to the 3D workflow

These guidelines provide an introduction to the 3D workflow, from data capture and processing to publishing your models online.

3D technologies are used in a range of different contexts in the cultural heritage, ranging from capturing archaeological monuments, historic buildings and landscape, to small objects for documentation, conservation, reconstruction, and to create virtual environments.

A broad distinction can be made according to the size of the object to be digitized:

• Small museum objects

• Large museum objects

• Buildings

• Urban areas or archaeological sites

• A portion of territory

The size and type of object influences whether it is possible to work indoors or outside. It is then important to consider what needs to be captured:

• Whole objects or component parts ·

• The viewpoints to capture data from ·

• External shape · Internal shape

• Colour texture

• Material reflectance