NFDI4Culture Metadata API

With the upcoming rebranding of Sketchfab to Fab and the associated changes, the stronger re-orientation towards the commercial sector is becoming clear. As a result, many cultural heritage institutions may be currently asking themselves whether this platform still meets their requirements. Especially when it comes to retaining control over their own 3D models and their visibility, it is worthwhile considering alternatives.

Kompakkt [1] and the Semantic Kompakkt [2] extension offer just such an alternative. The software is open source, which means that it is freely customisable and independent of commercial interests. A particular advantage is the fact that institutions do not have to upload their 3D models - instead, they can be hosted directly on their own servers and integrated via the Kompakkt Viewer. This gives full control over data and presentation.

In addition, the Kompakkt Viewer makes it possible to present models on institutional websites via iframe without having to make them public on Kompakkt's platform. This gives institutions the flexibility to decide for themselves when and how their digital collections are displayed. In addition, multimedia annotations of the models are available and remain free of charge unconditionally.

Kompakkt and Semantic Kompakkt aims to promote exchange and collaboration between researchers, creating an environment that is ideal for scientific publications and projects. We are actively working to be compliant with the first version of the iiif standard for 3D.

If you are looking for an open and flexible alternative to Sketchfab that gives you more control and customisation options, please get in touch with us. Kompact can be the solution to present your 3D models sustainably and independently!

[1] Kompakkt was originally conceived at Institute for Digital Humanities, University of Cologne, and a team of researchers there continues development of new features.
[2] Semantic Kompakkt is a service of NFDI4Culture, developed and maintained by a team of developers and researchers at the Open Science Lab, TIB.