How can we experience the evolution of European cities as if we were there, not just in space, but in time? The new 4D Browser Course, developed within the framework of the 3DBigDataSpace project and hosted on Europeana Academy, invites learners to explore exactly that question. This interactive online course introduces participants to the 4D Browser, a pioneering visualisation tool that merges space, time, and cultural heritage into a single digital experience. Participation is simple: learners can enroll by creating a free account on the Europeana training platform.
Originally developed by the UrbanHistory4D project, the 4D Browser allows users to explore historically reconstructed 3D cityscapes and see how they have changed over the years and spatially explore image collections, discover wikipedia articles and touristic places. By combining geo-referenced historical photographs with detailed 3D models, it enables immersive virtual tours through cities. Examples with a high level of detail are cities such as Dresden, Jena, Budapest and Amsterdam. The result is a captivating way to understand urban history, one that brings the past to life through the lens of technology and spatial storytelling.
The Introduction to the 4D Browser course is designed for anyone curious about cultural heritage and digital innovation. Whether you are a student, educator, researcher, or simply passionate about history, the course guides you step by step through the browser’s key features. Participants learn how to navigate 3D environments, analyse historical photos embedded in these models, and use the time slider to observe how urban landscapes evolved. No prior technical experience is needed - if you can use a web browser and a mouse, you’re ready to start.
By completing the course, learners gain not only a practical understanding of how to interact with the 4D Browser but also a deeper appreciation of how digital tools can transform the study and presentation of history. The course offers an entry point into a growing ecosystem of 3D heritage resources and is part of a series of planned training materials that will expand into advanced and expert levels. Each participant receives an Europeana certificate upon completion and can join the broader Europeana learning community.
The course has been developed within the 3DBigDataSpace project, which aims to increase the availability and use of high-quality 3D content in the common European data space for cultural heritage. By offering training opportunities like this one, the project supports professionals and institutions in exploring, visualising, and preserving 3D heritage data. Future developments will allow users to upload their own 3D models and historical photos to the 4D Browser, contributing to a shared digital infrastructure for cultural heritage across Europe.
Early participants praised the course for its interactive and playful approach to learning.‘The questions and puzzles make the tutorial feel almost like a computer game,’ noted one participant. Another user reflected on the accessibility of the software, saying, ‘I was surprised how easy it is to master such a complex tool.’ This feedback highlights the potential of the 4D Browser not only as an academic or research instrument but also as an engaging educational and storytelling platform.
The 4D Browser Course was developed by Prof. Sander Münster (Friedrich Schiller University Jena) and Richard Joos, research associate in digital art and visualisation., in close collaboration with Europeana’s training resource development experts. Together, they bring expertise in digital humanities, 3D modeling, and immersive heritage experiences to make the course accessible to learners of all backgrounds.
Through initiatives like this, the 3DBigDataSpace project and Europeana continue to empower cultural heritage professionals and the public alike to explore Europe’s past in new dimensions. By turning data into experience, and history into interaction, the 4D Browser stands as an inspiring example of how innovation can bring our shared heritage to life.
Take the course
Enroll in the 4D Browser Course today on Europeana Academy and start exploring the past through the fourth dimension.
