Round table “Metadata standard for 3D data. Challenges in 3D models documentation.”

Despite growing recognition as vital resources for cultural heritage preservation, 3D models still lack standardized documentation practices. Foundational frameworks such as the London Charter (2009) and the Seville Principles (2017) highlight the importance of transparency and authenticity, yet practical implementation through metadata and paradata remains inconsistent.

The DFG 3D-Viewer project has taken important steps in this direction, organizing workshops on metadata schemas (Mainz, 2022), core schema development (Munich, 2023), and standardization challenges (Bielefeld, 2025). Building upon these outcomes, this round table aims to consolidate the discussion and bring together international experts to define a shared position on standardized documentation of 3D models. Key discussion themes include interoperability, metadata core development, controlled vocabularies, and use-case-specific documentation recommendations.

Speakers will share complementary perspectives on 3D metadata and standardisation:

• Igor Bajena (DFG 3D-Viewer, Germany) will present the Core Data Model for 3D, developed to enable consistent documentation and exchange of 3D content.
• Ronald Haynes (IIIF 3D Technical Specification Group) will introduce a standardised approach to interoperability of 3D data on the web, outlining the ongoing work of the IIIF 3D community.
• Katherine E. DeVet and Jasmine Clark (Community Standards for 3D Data Preservation, USA) will discuss metadata recommendations for 3D data at different stages of the digital 3D asset lifecycle.
• Sarah Tournon-Valiente (Conservatoire National des Données 3D, France) will present the French National 3D Repository and its approaches to standardized 3D documentation and preservation.

The session will take place on November 4th, 14:40–17:00, in Ahnensaal, and will be held in a hybrid format. The first part will feature lightning talks and discussion, while the second will be a hands-on collaborative session where participants will work together on a shared Miro board to draft recommendations for 3D model documentation — including key elements for a core schema, terminology alignment, and cross-standard mapping.

Participation is open to all interested in 3D documentation and standardization.

• 💻 Online participation is available only after registration via the form: https://forms.gle/uPE4zqNNMni7H2fy7