[Foundation-l] New project: WikiMake - library of free 3D models?

[Leinonen Teemu]

On 8.2.2012, at 22.03, Tom Morris wrote:
>> I have contacts to the European Fablab folks and we probably could start with them a project on an Incubator.

Just noticed that the Incubator is now only for new languages. Is it so that the Wikimedia is not looking for new projects? 

> Fabbing isn't the primary thing I'm interested in. I think far more
> interesting for Wikipedia is now that WebGL exists, we could tie 3D
> models into Wikipedia articles. It'd have ridiculous educational
> value: just imagine, you want to see how big a dinosaur is?

I agree. This is another good reason for Wikimedia to consider starting to support and coordinate creation of free 3D models. All the articles on Wikipedia about different kind of common utensils, tools, instruments, home appliances, furnitures, engineering pieces etc. could come with a 3D model of them. The models could then be used 1) to view and 2) to make them. 

I ma sure many mechanical engineering pieces, such as propellers, grinding mills etc. would be useful in the Global South. Having scale model of the David by Michelangelo, Parthenon in Athens, arrowheads from stone age etc. would also have a huge educational value. 

> I'm wondering whether 3D Wikipedia would be possible: some kind of
> WebGL-based JavaScript 'player' that has a few pluggable physics
> presets. Then the ability to load models from Commons.

I also, at first thought, that the 3D models should be in the Commons, but I think it could also be a new Wikimedia project. 

I think the 3D models are not media, similar way as pictures, videos and audio. 3D models are different - one can "make them". It is hard to say if there is a critical mass of people interested in to work with the project, but at least the FabLab folks around the world could join this.

> I don't know
> enough about file formats and licensing and so on, but, this could be
> really exciting if it is possible.


Neither do I. 

	- Teemu

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Teemu Leinonen
http://www.uiah.fi/~tleinone/