As 3D content becomes an integral part of digital cultural heritage, the question is no longer whether we can publish 3D models online, but how we explore and work with them in meaningful ways. Browser-based tools play a crucial role here, making 3D objects accessible without specialised software or technical barriers. One such tool is the PCSS Viewer: a lightweight, web-based application designed to support the exploration and use of 3D cultural heritage content. The PCSS Viewer can be accessed directly in the browser here.

Developed by the Poznań Supercomputing and Networking Center (PCSS), the PCSS Viewer is currently being further developed within the 3DBigDataSpace project, where it contributes to expanding access to 3D content across European digital heritage infrastructures.

The PCSS Viewer has its roots in dLibra, an advanced digital library system that PCSS has been developing and maintaining for many years. Earlier versions of dLibra already featured a built-in 3D viewer, introduced with version 6. This early integration highlighted the growing importance of 3D content and sparked the idea of creating a dedicated, standalone tool focused entirely on browser-based 3D visualisation.

That idea evolved into the PCSS Viewer, initially developed in the context of the 3DBigDataSpace project. Looking ahead, the viewer will also be integrated into dLibra version 7, strengthening the connection between traditional digital libraries and emerging 3D heritage ecosystems. Selected 3D models from Polish dLibra implementations are already being prepared for aggregation through the 3DBigDataSpace technological pipeline.

From the outset, user experience and accessibility were central to the design process. A dedicated UX/UI team at PCSS worked to create an interface that feels intuitive, uncluttered, and aligned with contemporary web standards.

The result is a visual environment that encourages exploration without overwhelming users. Careful choices around colour, layout, and navigation help ensure that the viewer performs reliably in modern browsers while remaining accessible to a broad and diverse audience.


Screenshot PCSS Viewer

A solid technological foundation

Behind the scenes, the PCSS Viewer is built on a modern and robust front-end architecture. Its JavaScript logic combines React with three.js, one of the most widely used libraries for web-based 3D graphics. Styling and accessibility are handled through tailwindcss and react-aria-components, providing flexibility in design while adhering to established accessibility standards.

This combination allows the viewer to remain lightweight and performant, while still supporting complex 3D interactions directly in the browser.

At its core, the PCSS Viewer offers the essential functionality expected from a contemporary web-based 3D viewer. Users can rotate and inspect objects from any angle, capture screenshots, toggle the mesh structure, adjust texture colours, and reset models to their original position.

Together, these features provide a reliable foundation for exploring 3D cultural heritage objects without leaving the browser.


Screenshot PCSS Viewer

One of the viewer’s distinguishing features is its approach to annotations. Users can add and remove annotations directly on 3D objects without creating accounts or logging in. Annotations are stored locally in the browser, making the process quick and frictionless.

This lightweight approach is particularly well suited for teaching, demonstrations, and focused work sessions on a single device. Annotations remain available within the same browser environment and are only cleared when local storage is reset, enabling short-term, device-based exploration and collaboration.

Ease of use extends beyond the interface itself. A built-in user manual is always available from within the viewer, making it easy for first-time users to get started.

From an institutional or developer perspective, integration is equally straightforward. The PCSS Viewer can be embedded via an iframe and supports both .glb and .gltf formats, allowing it to fit seamlessly into a wide range of digital heritage platforms and workflows.


Screenshot PCSS Viewer

The PCSS Viewer has already reached its minimum viable product (MVP) stage and is being tested in real-world contexts. One such test took place during a demonstration lesson at the Hunt Museum, organised by a partner of the 3DBigDataSpace project.

Further development will focus on both technical refinements and conceptual enhancements. As part of 3DBigDataSpace, the PCSS Viewer will continue to evolve—supporting richer workflows, broader adoption, and deeper integration within Europe’s digital cultural heritage ecosystem.

In the upcoming weeks, additional training materials will be published to support educators, cultural heritage professionals, and developers in making the most of the PCSS Viewer. These resources will provide deeper insights into workflows, annotation use cases, and integration scenarios.

By combining accessibility, solid technology, and a strong focus on user needs, the PCSS Viewer takes an important step toward making 3D cultural heritage not just visible online, but genuinely usable in the browser.