We finally got around writing up the 4D Research Lab approach on 3D visualisation. For the use of virtual reconstruction in the context of academic research, it is paramount to have a clear conception on both the modeling process as well as the final result, and communicate this as well as possible. Thorough research, responsibility, transparency and verification are key-concepts here. For the 4D Research Lab principles and standards, this amounts to:
- A principle statement, in which we define the role of 3D visualisation in academia, our views on academic rigour, accessibility and sustainability. As for academic rigour, we build forth on “The London Charter for the computer-based visualization of cultural heritage” and the “Principles of Seville, international principles of virtual archaeology”.
- A template, which is the application of the principle statement into a standard format for execution and documentation of 3D visualisation projects, and compiling reports.
- A definition of our take on dealing with (un)certainty in 3D visualisation, accompanied with a 6 degree classification of certainty levels.
These standards and principles will be applied to all projects of the 4D Research Lab to ensure uniformity but also to create a database to be able to compare their performance. Surely, in due course we will find that we might improve on our project template or classification of (un)certainty. We do not consider them written in stone, but as a culmination of our experience so far, and they will surely be susceptible to future evolution into better versions of themselves.
Certainty Class |
Variability |
Indication
|
Example |
Colour |
Certain |
None |
Empirical |
Scanned remains |
89a5c1 |
Quite certain |
Low |
Logical extension |
Missing part of relatively complete |
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Moderately certain |
Limited |
Close parallel |
Same type, direct relation |
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Not so certain |
Considerable |
General parallel |
Same type, indirect relation |
d9cfc1 |
Quite uncertain |
High |
Historic context |
General stylistic traditions |
a77e58 |
Very uncertain |
Very high |
Theoretical |
Constructional argument |
ba3f1d |