3D models in the first version of the App
We constructed an early prototype utilising 3D models as a way of anchoring and annotating observational data of buildings that museums wanted to capture. This solved the problem of creating or procuring 2D drawings, plans or photographs of buildings from all perspectives, and then relating the captured data points to the visuals. Since this feature necessitated museums’ access to 3D models of their inventory, we conceptualized basic training for museum staff in 3D modelling and audiovisual media - some of the foundational building blocks of advanced visualisation and immersive media.
Introduction: 3D models as a way of mapping documentation and annotations
As a potential feature for the RETOLD data collection interface, Nuwa designed an early prototype utilising 3D models as a way of anchoring and annotating observational data of buildings that museums wanted to capture. This feature was particularly aimed at documentation processes such as an annual walk-around, where for example damage to the building and maintenance items needed to be noted. The feature would work by displaying a previously uploaded 3D model of a building or installation.
On the 3D display, observers would be able to place marks directly on the model in the location relevant to the observation. Then, the mark could be expanded, and additional notes could be added, including a photograph of the observed building feature.
As UAB’s developers created the prototype, the 3D display proved to be a technically more feasible feature than integrating a series of 2D images from multiple viewpoints, which did not easily accommodate placing markers accurately, and then relating the captured data points to the visuals. For museums, it was a relatively time-consuming task to create or procure 2D drawings, plans or photographs of buildings from all perspectives, at the same scales and image resolutions.
Since the 3D display feature meant that museums had to create or procure 3D models of their inventory, Nuwa conceptualised and carried out on-site training workshops for museum staff in photogrammetry in addition to the audiovisual media workshops included in the RETOLD project. Together, these creative digital content techniques are the foundational building blocks of advanced visualisation and immersive media.
These workshops enabled museums to start taking the initiative in creating their own 3D content in the context of documentation, and to use this experience to explore further applications in immersive media once they felt equipped to do so.