UK Heritage 3D Data at Risk
Speakers
Richard Nevell is a Programme Manager at Wikimedia UK, with responsibility for various partnerships with the cultural and education sectors. He is an experienced Wikimedian and has a background in cultural heritage. In 2026 he has been working on the UK Heritage 3D At Risk project exploring the UK's approach to 3D data.
Abstract
Funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, the UK Heritage 3D Data at Risk project—a partnership with Wikimedia UK—aims to safeguard digital assets vulnerable to an over-reliance on commercial platforms.
In response to proposed changes to data access on the sketchfab.com, this research provides the heritage sector with essential guidance on improved data management and identifies sustainable, alternative options for the storage, dissemination, and display of 3D heritage data.
Additional information
Our session directly addresses the core themes of freedom, equity, and reliability by tackling the precarious state of 3D cultural heritage data. Freedom: Much of the UK's 3D heritage is currently "trapped" on proprietary commercial platforms. This project advocates for the freedom of knowledge by developing pathways to move "at-risk" data, including into the public commons. By championing open-access reporting and FAIR principles, the project seeks to empower institutions to break away from restrictive silos and ensure cultural assets remain legally and technically accessible to everyone. Equity: This project has engaged a diverse range of stakeholders, from national organisations down to individual practitioners, and has provided financial aid to ensure equitable participation in the research. By creating a standardized roadmap for organizations of all sizes, we aim to lower the barrier to robust digital preservation, ensuring that global audiences can explore diverse cultural history regardless of their geographic or economic status. Reliability: The volatility of commercial tech companies pose a terminal threat to cultural heritage 3D data. This session focuses on establishing reliable, long-term practice and infrastructure for storage and dissemination. By identifying sustainable solutions we replace fragile, "free-to-start" commercial models with dependable archives that ensure historical records are preserved and verifiable for future generations.
3D/Technical contributors. Copyright and Open Access advocates. Chapter leads interested in digital preservation projects
Everyone can participate in this session