Dynamic Collections Plus is out!

Published 28 August 2024
dcplus

After two years of dedicated work, we are thrilled to announce the launch of Dynamic Collections Plus, our revolutionary new platform designed for the world of 3D models and cultural heritage, fully oriented towards FAIR principles and OPEN science. This groundbreaking database offers a unique way to engage with and reuse 3D models, bringing a new dimension to digital collections while ensuring that data is Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable.

Dynamic Collections Plus isn't just another digital archive; it's a dynamic, interactive system that offers real-time statistics and detailed insights into both the overall collection and individual artifacts. By simply opening an artifact, users can explore its connections with other items in the collection, gaining a deeper understanding of its context and significance. This version has been specifically designed to make it easier than ever for researchers students and the public to access and engage with cultural heritage data in an open and transparent way.

What truly sets Dynamic Collections Plus apart is its rich set of features. Users can explore, measure, and visualize 3D models in various ways, grouping them into custom collections or annotating them with synchronized animations. These annotations can be easily shared and downloaded, fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange in the spirit of open science.

In addition to the 3D models, the platform allows for the integration of videos, images, and dynamic maps, providing a comprehensive view of where an artifact was found, its conservation status, and detailed information about the institution housing the original object. The ability to associate multiple 3D models with a single artifact is a game-changer, especially for monitoring conservation efforts or exploring different aspects of an object. This functionality is crucial for maintaining the interoperability and reusability of data.

One of the most exciting features of Dynamic Collections Plus is the ability for museums to upload and manage their own 3D models, making them accessible to a global audience. This empowers institutions to take control of their digital heritage and share it in ways never before possible.

To top it off, the platform supports the addition of DOIs and connects with trusted repositories, allowing users to download—if available— the raw data used to generate the models. By adhering to the FAIR principles, Dynamic Collections Plus is more than just a tool—it's a revolution in how we preserve, explore, and interact with our cultural heritage.

A massive thanks goes to the entire Dynamic Collections Team (https://www.darklab.lu.se/digital-collections/dynamic-collections/credits/), particularly to Giuseppe Naponiello and Marco Callieri, for their relentless dedication and outstanding contributions. Their expertise, creativity, and unwavering commitment have been instrumental in refining and enhancing the system, making it what it is today. We also extend our deepest gratitude to the Thora Ohlson Foundation, the Einar Hansen Foundation, and Swedigarch, the Swedish National Infrastructure for Digital Archaeology, for their invaluable support in making this project a reality.

 

 

Major Improvements and Features

Enhanced Database and New Graphic Interface: The Dynamic Collections Plus features a newly designed and modelled database, significantly expanding the functions of the previous version. The new graphic interface now displays detailed statistics of the virtual objects currently included in the system, providing users with a comprehensive overview of the data.

Advanced 3D Visualization and Multimedia Integration: Building upon the legacy of Dynamic Collections, the Plus version merges advanced 3D visualisation (powered by 3DHOP) with various other media types, such as images, videos, and text. Users can now view 3D artefacts alongside advanced tools for measuring, annotating, and accessing related statistics, all in a single, integrated view.

Multiple 3D Models per Artifact: One of Dynamic Collections Plus's standout features is the ability to associate several 3D models with a single artefact. This is particularly useful for monitoring changes over time or for artefacts composed of multiple components. This functionality allows for a more detailed and comprehensive representation of each artefact.

DOI and Data Accessibility: Each model in Dynamic Collections Plus can be assigned a DOI, ensuring easy referencing and citation. Additionally, if available, the raw datasets used to generate the models are accessible for download, promoting transparency and further research.

Geographic Mapping and Chronologies: The new interface includes maps that display the locations where artefacts were retrieved, where they are conserved and the geographic distribution of the artefacts within the system. This feature is particularly useful for understanding the context and provenance of the artefacts. The system also supports different sets of chronologies, which is essential for describing artefacts from Sweden and beyond Scandinavia.

Museum User Management: A major enhancement in Dynamic Collections Plus is the ability for museums to upload, describe, and manage their own 3D models. This self-service capability empowers museums to take control of their data through a user-friendly dashboard, addressing one of the key limitations of the previous version.

Collaboration and Funding

The development of Dynamic Collections Plus is a collaborative effort between the Lund University Digital Archaeology Laboratory (DARKLab) and the Visual Computing Laboratory at CNR ISTI. The project is generously funded by the Thora Ohlson Foundation, the Einar Hansen Foundation, and the Swedish National Infrastructure for Digital Archaeology (Swedigarch), supported by Vetenskapsrådet.

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