Google has updated the documentation to add a new 3DModel markup type to the Product structured data type and connect the two using the subjectOf property.
Understand new structured data properties
Structured data types are entities or concepts, such as EatAction or DrugCost. Common structured data types that most people are familiar with include CreativeWork, Product, Event, and Organization.
Properties are simply attributes of structured data types.
The new markup that Google is introducing for use with property types is the 3DModel type, which is connected to property types through the use of the subjectOf property.
The subjectOf property is a way to link two Types. In this case, the 3DModel type is linked to the Product structured data type using the subjectOf property. The 3DModel structured data type adds detailed information about your product.
Why is Google introducing the 3DModel type?
In the changelog on Google's developer page, the reason Google is making the 3DModel Type official is because of the increased use of 3DModels on product web pages, which allows merchants to create 3DModels associated with products on product pages. It is explained that this is so that information can be added.
Although there is no indication of how the 3DModel's structured data will be used as rich results, it is possible that merchant listings and regular SERPs may one day have rich results associated with 3D representations of products. It's not unreasonable to imagine that there is.
Even if Google doesn't create rich results for search results pages (SERPs), it's still worth using the new structured data types. This lets Google know that you have a 3D representation of your product on your web page and use that information. Ranking purpose.
Google's explanation of the introduction of new Schema.org structured data types can be found in the changelog.
“A 3D model may appear on multiple product pages and not be clearly related to any product. This markup allows site owners to link the 3D model to a specific product.”
3DModel type example
Google published an example of how to connect a 3DModel type to the Product structured data type using the subjectOf property.
Examples of 3DModel types in use
{ "@context": "https://schema.org/", "@type": "Product", "sku": "1234-5678", "image": "https://www.example.com/sofa.jpg", "name": "Water heater", "description": "White 3-Seat Sofa", "gtin14": "12345678901231", "mpn": "S1234W3", "brand": { "@type": "Brand", "name": "ExampleSofaBrand" }, "subjectOf": { "@type": "3DModel", "encoding": { "@type": "MediaObject", "contentUrl": "https://example.com/sofa.gltf" } },
As you can see above, the subjectOf property links the 3DModel type to the entire Product structured data type.
For structured data for properties, see the new documentation on Google's Search Central page.
Products (Products, Reviews, Offers) Structured Data – 3D Models
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