Standardization of digitized heritage: a review of implementations of 3D in cultural heritage

Abstract The value of three-dimensional virtual objects are proven in a great variety of applications; their flexibility allowing for a substantial amount of utilization purposes. In cultural heritage this has been used for many years already, and the amount of users continue to grow as acquisition methods and implementations are becoming more approachable. Nonetheless, there are still many apparent issues with making use of all the possible benefits of 3D data in the field, varying from lack of knowledge, infrastructure, or coherent workflows. This review aims to underline the current limitations in implementing 3D workflows for various cultural heritage purposes. 45 projects and institutions are reviewed, along with the most prominent guidelines for workflows and ways of implementing the 3D data on the web. We also cover how each project manage and make their data accessible to the public. Prominent and recurring issues with standardization, interoperability, and implementation is highlighted and scrutinized. The review is concluded with a discussion on the current utilization’s of 3D data for cultural heritage purposes, along with suggestions for future developments.