3D-Models, digital documentations,virtual or 3D-printed reconstructions and interpreted point clouds are since some time omnipresent in art and architectural history and building archeology. Backed by the London Charter for the computer-based visualisation of CH, there are a lot of efforts to integrate information about human processes of understanding and interpretation of data objects (paradata) and information about semi-automated interpretation processes into a scientifically valid computer model. Paradata describe the scientific base, the scholarly background of a virtual reconstruction resp. of the results given in a 3D-based representation and should be incorporated into the model itself.

 Topics addressed include the documentation and analysis of art and architecture with digital means and processes of and tools for the semi-automatic analysis of e.g. point cloud representations. Papers will concern practices of modelling and the use of virtual models for answering innovative research questions in history of art and architecture. Collaboration and exchange platforms for digitally native projects, which aim at preserving and fostering their scientific quality, will be a further focus.

The issue aims to bring together major exponents in the field, to discuss emerging standards and to disseminate shared best practices, which enable us to fully exploit the potential and the scientific value of digital art and architectural history.

The best papers from the international meeting and conference series on “3D models in the history of art, architecture and archaeology”, will be invited to contribute to the Issue.

Meeting, organized by S. Frommel, École Pratique des Hautes Études, Paris (November 2015)

Meeting, organized by L. de Luca, Laboratoire MAP, CNRS, Marseille (June 2016)

Conference, organized by M. Gaiani, Università di Bologna (September 2016)

Conference, organized by E.Ferretti, Università di Firenze/Biblioteca Leonardiana Vinci (October 2017).

Conference, organized by H. Schlimme, Technische Universität Berlin (November 2018).