Project - 3DBigDataSpace -- 3D Big Data for the Data Space for Cultural Heritage

Overview

For years, the limited availability of high-quality 3D content has posed a significant challenge for Extended Reality (XR) and 3D applications in the cultural heritage sector. Despite the increasing accessibility of large-scale 3D datasets, their practical usability remains hindered by fragmented metadata, inconsistent quality, and lack of interoperability.

3DBigDataSpace is a project supporting the deployment of the Common European Data Space for Cultural Heritage and is here to change that.

Through the aggregation of over 50,000 3D models from various content providers and Europeana aggregators, the project establishes a stable, long-term and interoperable storage solution for 3D cultural content—including original 3D models, raw sensor data, and interactive viewer derivatives. This infrastructure will strengthen pan-European efforts in digitization and ensure future-proof access to Europe's digital heritage.

To unlock the full potential of these 3D resources, 3DBigDataSpace is deploying advanced AI-powered enrichment pipelines. These technologies improve the findability, contextualization, and reusability of cultural datasets—ensuring that content is easier to discover, understand, and apply across various sectors.

Enriched data will lay the foundation for immersive Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), and 4D world applications, transforming how we engage with cultural heritage both in-person and online.

• Aggregate High-Quality 3D Content: Integrate extensive collections of 3D models into the common European data space for cultural heritage, with a curated selection made publicly accessible via Europeana.eu
• Establish Europe-Wide Storage Infrastructure: Test and refine the use of public repositories to ensure long-term accessibility and sustainability of 3D data.
• Deploy AI-Driven Enrichment Pipelines: Improve classification, location recognition, and metadata quality through intelligent automation.
• Develop XR & 4D Tools: Build interoperable viewers and immersive AR/VR solutions, including time-based 4D experiences.
• Demonstrate Real-World Value: Showcase impact through cultural pilots, educational initiatives, and community engagement.
• Build Capacity: Equip stakeholders with the skills and knowledge needed to drive digital transformation in the heritage sector .

IN2 leads the technical project management of the project, supports and the communication and dissemination activities and develops use cases for re-using 3D data in cultural heritage.

Alongside IN2, the project consortium includes the following organisations:

• Time Machine Organisation, Austria (Coordinator)
• Friedich-Schiller-Universität Jena, Germany
• Europeana Foundation, The Netherlands
• Inceptions S.r.l., Italy
• Fondazione Bruno Kessler, Italy
• Room AG, Germany
• The Hunt Museum, Ireland
• Posnan Supercompunting and Networking Center, Poland
• University de Vido, Spain

Associated Partners:

• Conference of Rectors of Southwestern European Universities, Spain
• European Historic Houses, Belgium