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Introduction
In the field of digital humanities, the 3D digitization of cultural properties and historical materials is rapidly advancing. However, appropriate tools are needed not only for simply viewing 3D models but also for utilizing them in academic analysis and education. This article introduces “IIIF 3D Viewer,” a web application for viewing 3D models that complies with the IIIF (International Image Interoperability Framework) standard.
What is IIIF 3D Viewer?
IIIF 3D Viewer is a web application that displays 3D models based on the IIIF Manifest format and provides annotation functionality.
Key Features
Standards Compliance
- Compliant with IIIF Presentation API 3.0
- Compatibility with the existing IIIF ecosystem
Interactive 3D Display
- Support for GLB/GLTF formats
- Intuitive operation via mouse and touch controls
- High-speed rendering using WebGL
Annotation Functionality
- Add annotations to any point on the 3D model
- Record spatial coordinates using the 3DSelector type
- Enables adding academic notes and commentary
Multilingual Support
- Japanese and English interfaces
- Designed for use in international research projects
Static Site Generation
- Leverages Next.js static export functionality
- Easy hosting on GitHub Pages, Netlify, and similar platforms
Technical Implementation
Architecture
This application is built with the following technology stack:
- Frontend Framework: Next.js 15 (App Router)
- 3D Rendering: React Three Fiber + Three.js
- Internationalization: next-intl
- Styling: Tailwind CSS
- Type Safety: TypeScript
IIIF Manifest Structure
An example of an IIIF Manifest containing a 3D model:
Annotation Implementation
Annotations in 3D space are represented with the following structure:
Use Cases
1. Digital Archives of Cultural Properties
This can be used for the digital publication of three-dimensional cultural properties (globes, sculptures, architectural models, etc.) held by museums and libraries. By adding detailed commentary from researchers as annotations beyond simple 3D display, the educational value can be enhanced.
2. Archaeological Research
Multiple researchers can collaboratively add annotations to 3D models of excavated artifacts, sharing details and interpretations of their findings.
3. Architectural History Research
Annotations recording characteristics of architectural styles and historical transitions can be added to 3D models of historical buildings, enabling their use as virtual tours.
Future Prospects
IIIF 3D Viewer is expected to develop in the following directions:
Feature Expansion
- Comparative display of multiple 3D models
- Collaborative editing of annotations
- VR/AR support
Contribution to Standardization
- Participation in the IIIF 3D Technical Specification Group
- Establishing best practices for 3D content
Community Building
- Knowledge sharing among user institutions
- Development of plugins and extensions
Summary
IIIF 3D Viewer is a tool that brings new possibilities for utilizing 3D materials in digital humanities. Its compliance with standards makes integration with existing digital archive systems easy, providing value for both research and education.
As an open-source project, we welcome feedback and contributions from the community. We look forward to participation from researchers and engineers interested in the digital utilization of 3D materials.
Reference Links
This article is based on information as of July 2025.