Quality Certification in Data Acquisition for Cultural Heritage: The Power of Paradata for High Quality Digital 3D Cultural Heritage Assets

Abstract

Published in 2022, the European Commission’s study VIGIE 2020/654: Study on Quality in 3D Digitisation of Tangible Cultural Heritage provided a comprehensive overview of the state-of-the-art in Cultural Heritage (CH) digitisation, proposing detailed guidelines toward a standardised framework for evaluating digitisation projects. The Study introduced a key distinction between the Complexity of the data acquisition methodology and the Quality of the expected results. It argued that Quality can only be meaningfully assessed by understanding the preconditions - namely, the Complexity - surrounding data acquisition (DAQ). By managing risks, faithfully documenting paradata (i.e., the processes and methods used to create the digital record), and reducing DAQ complexity, confidence in the digitisation outcomes is increased and better reflected in the overall Quality of results. In the rapidly evolving landscape of digital technologies and their application to the CH domain, alongside the growing need to monitor monuments and sites affected by natural and human-induced hazards and interventions, this article reflects on three years of real-world implementation. It reviews the lessons learnt, identifies existing gaps, and explores emerging technologies to enhance and adapt the Study to the current and future needs of the sector. These insights are essential to ensure the continued relevance and effective adoption of the Study’s recommendations.