From Archives to 3D Models: Managing Uncertainty with Paradata in Virtual Heritage

This article examines the methodological challenges inherent in the digital 3D reconstructions of historical buildings using archival documentation. Unlike photogrammetry or laser scanning, archival-based modeling is crucial for buildings that never existed, no longer exist, or have undergone extensive modifications. Present research insights from a pilot educational project where 65 university students reconstructed 70 heritage buildings from Budapest (Hungary) in Archicad based solely on archival sources. In total, 75% of the buildings lacked at least one façade drawing, while nearly 20% showed contradictions between different plans (e.g., floor plan and section). Common challenges were identified, including missing drawings, contradictory plans, stylistic uncertainty, and software constraints, and their patterns were analyzed. To enhance modeling transparency, structured methods for recording paradata were proposed. Findings contribute to methodological rigor in virtual heritage reconstruction and support the reuse of archival models in architectural practice, research, and conservation. This study is among the first to propose a structured paradata framework tailored explicitly to archival-based 3D reconstructions, bridging methodological gaps between educational practice and professional heritage research.