Future Directions
Exploitation of Outputs
A dedicated Features' section, where EXARC members and network can access forms and provides participating organisations the ability to interact on the long-term with EXARC and improve the RETOLD methodology. This section features various mechanisms and resources, enabling organisations to structure data collection, share their insights and suggestions. By involving various stakeholders at this early stage, EXARC wants to ensure that the future implementation and outputs is user-centric and meet the diverse and evolving needs of its members.
European Collaborative Cloud for Cultural Heritage (ECCCH)
The European Cultural Heritage Cloud represents a transformative vision for the future of cultural heritage preservation and accessibility in and around Europe. The RETOLD methodologies and learning outcomes are meant to play a leading role in enabling Open-Air museum’s activities and collections to be integrated into the initiative. RETOLD’s primary objective has been to ensure a more inclusive, comprehensive, and dynamic digital repository data model answering the reality of open-air museum into Europe’s cultural heritage digital framework.
The first step in this integration process involves aligning the RETOLD project’s data standards and protocols with those of Europeana and the Cultural Heritage Cloud. This will ensure seamless compatibility and facilitates the smooth transfer of digitised assets. Collaborative efforts with ECCCH’s technical teams will be undertaken to map out a detailed integration plan, addressing any potential challenges and ensuring a cohesive approach.
Furthermore, the RETOLD project’s emphasis on user engagement and accessibility will be instrumental in shaping the ECCCH’s user experience. Insights gained from the project’s interactive sessions and user feedback mechanisms will inform the development of intuitive interfaces and interactive features within the ECCCH. This user-centric approach will enhance the overall accessibility and usability of the digital repository, making it a valuable resource for researchers, educators, and the general public.
The integration of 3D content and interactive models into the ECCCH will be another significant milestone. By leveraging the advanced digitisation techniques developed through the RETOLD project, the ECCCH will offer a richer, more immersive experience. Users will be able to explore detailed 3D models of artefacts and buildings, gaining deeper insights into Europe’s cultural heritage, enhancing the educational value of the ECCCH and broadening its appeal to a wider audience.
Open-Air Museum Interoperability
A significant advancement in the RETOLD project lies in the viable interoperability of an Open-Air Museum documentation platform with Europeana. This initiative requires the right data transformation and conceptual modelling to ensure that the diverse data sets from various open-air museums can seamlessly integrate with Europeana’s established infrastructure.
The first phase would involve conducting a thorough analysis of the data formats and standards discovered and in use by open-air museums. This includes identifying commonalities and remaining discrepancies in data structures, metadata standards, and terminology. By creating a unified conceptual data model, we can bridge these gaps and ensure consistency across all datasets.
Following this, a detailed data transformation process could be undertaken. This involves converting the existing data into formats compatible with the requirements. Advanced data transformation tools and techniques should be employed to automate this process, ensuring accuracy and efficiency. Additionally, comprehensive documentation and guidelines should be provided to support in this transformation process.
The final phase would focus on establishing a robust data integration framework. This includes developing APIs and data connectors that facilitate seamless data exchange between the open-air museum documentation platform and Europeana. Rigorous testing and validation procedures should be correctly implemented to ensure the reliability and performance of this integration framework.
By achieving interoperability between open-air museums and Europeana, RETOLD’s methodology system integration will unlock new opportunities for data sharing and collaboration. Researchers and the public will have access to a more comprehensive and diverse range of cultural heritage data, enhancing their understanding and appreciation of Europe’s rich cultural heritage. This initiative also sets a precedent for future integrations, paving the way for a more interconnected and accessible cultural heritage landscape.
Expanding Horizons
Looking ahead, the RETOLD project envisions several key areas for future exploration and development. One such area is the continuous improvement of digitisation technologies and methodologies. By staying at the forefront of technological advancements, EXARC can ensure that its members have access to the latest tools and techniques, further enhancing the quality and accuracy of digitised assets. Another important direction involves expanding the scope of the project to include additional intangible cultural heritage. This encompasses traditions, languages, and performing arts that are often more challenging to digitise. By developing specialised methodologies and tools, the RETOLD project can contribute to the preservation and dissemination of these vital cultural elements.
This is based on:
Guillaume Auvray, Cordula Hansen, Eduardo Figueiredo Prado. 2024. Innovation and Research Case-Study. Sustaining Cultural Memories in Open-Air Museums. Nuwa Ltd. Dublin