This paper aims to explore the use of information technology, particularly 3D models, for the city history research. Rio-H, a web-based system is as a digital alternative for the representation of the city history. Three systems developed by ABACUS research group, in Glasgow, are analyzed for its influence on Rio-H conception. The tool developed as a prototype is grounded on 3D models representing different periods of the city linked to a database of a great diversity of historical documents. Thus, the city history is accessed through images of the significant sites from the 3D models.