Digital modelling as a tool for multidisciplinary study – the case of a rare sixteenth-century metallic globe

Paula Redweik; Joana Amaral; Isabel Tissot; Francisco Chorro-Dominguez; Maria José Marín-Miranda; Samuel Gessner

doi:10.14568/cp42134

Authors

Paula Redweik Department of Earth Sciences and Energy, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Campo Grande, 1749-016 Lisbon, Portugal; Instituto Dom Luiz, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Campo Grande, 1749-016 Lisbon, Portugal https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9644-1147
Joana Amaral José de Figueiredo Laboratory – Museums and Monuments of Portugal, Rua das Janelas Verdes nº49, 1249-018 Lisbon, Portugal https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1957-3795
Isabel Tissot LIBPhys-UNL, Department of Physics, Faculty of Science and Technology, NOVA University of Lisbon (NOVA-FCT), Caparica Campus, 2829-516 Caparica, Portugal https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7550-9878
Francisco Chorro-Dominguez INTERRA - University Institute for Research into Sustainable Territorial Development, University of Extremadura, Avenida de la Universidad, s/n, 10004 Cáceres, Spain https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3298-8773
Maria José Marín-Miranda INTERRA - University Institute for Research into Sustainable Territorial Development, University of Extremadura, Avenida de la Universidad, s/n, 10004 Cáceres, Spain https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3060-9891
Samuel Gessner Interuniversity Centre for the History of Science and Technology, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Campo Grande, 1749-016 Lisbon, Portugal; History of Astral Sciences, Laboratoire Temps Espace, Paris Observatory, 75014 Paris, France https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5922-0655

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.14568/cp42134

Keywords:

3D modelling, Scientific instruments, History of science, Preventive conservation, Public engagement

Abstract

While digital modelling of heritage objects has become standard practice, its multidisciplinary potential warrants greater emphasis. Using the case study of a rare Renaissance metallic celestial globe in Portugal, this article highlights the wide-ranging benefits of digitization across three key areas: historical research, conservation support, and public outreach. It underscores the importance of involving historians, digitization specialists, curators, and conservation professionals from the outset − both in prioritizing objects for modelling and in defining the criteria for digitization. The article advocates for a broad and inclusive perspective, encouraging awareness of the diverse disciplines that can benefit from digital models, whether in immediate applications or future research.

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