A Metadata-Centered Cross-Platform Architecture for Numismatic Heritage: Integrating Web, 3D, and Immersive WebXR Environments

Abstract

Cross-platform cultural heritage systems must coordinate structured domain data, shared services, real-time 3D representation, and device-specific interaction. This paper presents a metadata-centered architecture for delivering a numismatic collection through responsive web, map, conventional 3D, and immersive WebXR interfaces. It combines a relational metadata and media layer, shared REST-based services, and device-adaptive clients. It was instantiated with 253 historical coins. Instead of storing a coin-specific 3D model for each record, Babylon.js generates lightweight geometry at runtime and maps paired obverse and reverse images onto its surfaces. Record identifiers, metadata, media references, and query logic are reused across desktop, mobile, and head-mounted display access. An implementation-level check confirmed that an updated record was available through the catalog, map-related view, and 3D/WebXR gallery without client-specific duplication. Complementary formative evaluations involved 97 web participants and 19 WebXR participants, with mean System Usability Scale scores of 80.41 and 83.55, respectively. Feedback identified object manipulation, information legibility, visual fidelity, and interaction comfort as refinement priorities. This study contributes a system-level approach that connects shared cultural heritage services with conventional and immersive clients without separate collection databases or content-management workflows.