Digital Visualization Infrastructures of 3D Models in a Scientific Contest

Over recent decades, various projects—especially at the European level—have developed platforms for storing 2D and 3D digital models of cultural heritage. These platforms aim to preserve, organise, and make heritage data accessible for research, education, and public engagement. However, they face challenges due to diverse data formats, increasing user demands, and a lack of standardisation and metadata consistency. Advancements in digital technologies have enabled more efficient systems for acquiring, processing, and preserving cultural heritage data. Three-dimensional digitisation, in particular, supports multidimensional analysis and modernises documentation practices. Despite significant experience in creating 3D data repositories, comprehensive Information Systems for managing the full lifecycle of cultural heritage—especially those that integrate existing platforms—or web-based platforms designed to support collaborative scientific research by integrating data, tools, and computational resources remain limited and are not established at national levels. This paper explores this evolving landscape, highlighting key methodological and technological foundations for future systems. It also addresses open questions, opportunities, limitations, and ongoing challenges, emphasizing the need for semantic-based approaches to integrate fragmented data and foster collaboration between public and private stakeholders.