Chinese vernacular villages renovation: A methodology for establishing a 3D interactive database

• A specialized 3D database designed for the renovation of historical villages. • The content and structure of the database are scientifically derived through the analysis of policies, case studies, and related research. • It includes the visualization of policies, visualization of renovation strategies, and professional extraction of information from 3D models, resulting in data that can be effectively utilized. • It offers an interactive platform for users to select, place, and create adaptation strategies, and enabling them to design within a historical context by uploading models. • It has already been implemented in China’s Muka Village, and can serve as a reference for establishing similar databases in other regions. Vernacular villages sustainable development has emerged as a crucial component of China’s rural revitalization strategy. How to integrate 3D digital technology with vernacular village renovation has become a topic worthy of in-depth exploration. This research aims to develop a methodology for constructing a web-based visualization and comprehensive database. It is designed to synthesize traditional renovation methods with 3D digital modeling in service of vernacular village revitalization. Its specific aims include: supplying both authentic and derivative information for renovation; enabling the long-term preservation of cultural heritage; providing visualized renovation strategies; facilitating 3D visual design within an authentic context; and offering an interactive platform for user participation. Methodologically, it derives the database requirements and content from an analysis of relevant literature and renovation cases. It critically formulates a database design methodology, building upon existing best practices, that is tailored to vernacular villages in China. It has been practiced in Muka Village as a case study, demonstrating its potential applicability to other vernacular villages. The research resulted in a database structured into a five-level hierarchy: National/Provincial, Regional, Village, Settlement, and Building. Its content encompasses multi-level 3D models and derived data, policy documents, visualized renovation strategies, and interactive model upload/download functionalities. The process is: data collection and processing, derived data generation, data format unification, and visualization.