Restoration and Reuse of Interactive 3D Visualizations

This data paper presents a detailed examination of the preservation and restoration of interactive 3D visualizations within a humanities context, specifically focusing on the Dynamic Drawings project. It outlines the challenges faced in preserving these visualizations, which were originally created to enhance traditional text-based scholarship. The authors document the restoration process of six interactive visualizations, illustrating the complexities involved in maintaining functionality over time. The paper discusses the implications of using proprietary software for creating these visualizations, highlighting the risks associated with reliance on third-party tools and the rapid obsolescence of technology. Furthermore, the authors introduce a 'composite elements approach' to documentation, which combines visual and non-visual elements necessary for the maintenance of interactive content. The study emphasizes the importance of developing new archiving methods and business models to support the reuse of 3D visualizations in scholarly work, ultimately contributing to the future of digital preservation practices in the humanities.