Integration of Heterogeneous Cultural Heritage Data in a Web-based Information System: A Case Study from Vianden Castle, Luxembourg

The project presented here proposes the first implementation of a Web-based Information System for the conservation, handling, and use of site data. The case study is the castle of Vianden in Luxembourg, on which considerable archaeological data have accumulated over the years. There is a recognized need in archaeology for a tool that will allow for fast, effective, and flexible exploratory analysis of data, especially at spatial and temporal levels. We have developed such an Information System with maximal portability by using Extensible Markup Language (XML) and Extensible Stylesheet Language (XSL) for data exchange. Our system consists of several interfaces permitting different types of access to heterogeneous information. We propose a description of the data in textual interfaces along with images, and dynamic links to this data through interactive 2D and 3D representations. The 2D images, photos, or vectors are generated in Scalable Vector Graphics (SVG), while 3D models are generated in X3D