> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://carare.gitbook.io/share-3d-guidelines/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://carare.gitbook.io/share-3d-guidelines/3d-process/context.md).

# Introduction to the 3D workflow

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