What we do
The 4D Research Lab (4DRL) serves scholars who conduct research into the material past1 in the faculty of Humanities at the University of Amsterdam. It provides a wide range of computing facilities, 3D scanners, and 3D modeling programmes, as well as technical expertise to assist researchers. Besides the use of 3D visualization as research tool, the 4D Research Lab can produce 3D models for presentation of research, either in professional contexts such as academic articles, or visualization for more general purposes. The 4D lab can also assist in the development of virtual and augmented reality apps used for the interactive exploration of the material past. Whether for dissemination to the general public, or for use within academic circles, all of our work is well-documented and scientifically rigorous.
Being based in an academic institute, the 4D lab has an important educational component. We supervise student projects such as tutorials and theses, and teach 3D recording and modelling techniques.
If you are a scholar interested in hearing more about our services, or a student who wishes to be tutored, do not hesitate to contact us.

Mission statement
The 4D lab aims to:
- Promote the use of 3D technologies in the documentation, analysis and dissemination of academic research dealing with the material past.
- Assist in the development of methods that use 3D technologies in the process of research, rather than focusing on an end product.
- Achieve high academic standards for the publication of 3D visualizations.
- Underline the fact that academic researchers have a responsibility to society to supply visually accurate and academically robust models of the past.
Why is it called '4'D?
What is the history behind the 4D Lab?
Old-school VR. The temple of Satricum visualized in the CAVE in the early 21st century in Amsterdam (based on the mediocre quality of the picture one could easily be mistaken to date it to the early '90s). The CAVE was discontinued many years ago, but got ultimately replaced by virtual reality goggles, and augmented reality apps, much more mobile and accessible than CAVE