Metadata

Metadata in instant3Dhub refers to all non-geometric information attached to a node in the Instance Graph. While geometry describes an object’s visual and spatial characteristics, metadata provides contextual and semantic meaning — making 3D models significantly more powerful and informative, especially for use cases in engineering, manufacturing, and digital twins.

Metadata attached to nodes can represent:

  • Identifiers (e.g. part numbers, names, UUIDs)

  • Descriptive attributes (e.g. material, mass, dimensions)

  • Operational data (e.g. tolerances, lifecycle state, maintenance history)

  • External references (e.g. links to documents, ERP or PLM systems)

  • Real-time data (e.g. sensor values in digital twin applications)

instant3Dhub is designed to handle metadata on-demand, meaning that only the metadata necessary for the current view or operation is loaded. This ensures smooth interaction, even with large-scale datasets. Metadata values can be updated dynamically, without reloading the model.

Deep Integration with the Instance Graph

Every node in instant3Dhub’s Instance Graph can carry metadata. This tight integration ensures that each 3D object is more than just a visual asset—it’s a data-rich entity. For example, a bolt in a CAD assembly could include:

  • material: stainless_steel_316

  • thread_size: M8

  • supplier: Fasteners Inc.

  • tolerance: ±0.1mm

This design allows you to build highly interactive and intelligent applications that respond to both geometric and semantic information.

In combination with our QueryAPI metadata is a powerful information to enable complex engineering use cases. With metadata embedded in the graph:

  • Designers, engineers, and other stakeholders can access relevant information contextually

  • External databases and lookup services become optional, not required

  • Interoperability with downstream tools and systems becomes simpler and more robust