AMCR-PAS as a Tool for Collaboration between Archaeologists and the Public: Experiences from the Czech Silesia

The Portal for Amateur Collaborators and the Register of Individual Finds (AMCR-PAS) is a component of the Archaeological Map of the Czech Republic and the Archaeological Information System of the CR. Its primary objective is to establish a transparent and methodologically supervised framework for cooperation between professional archaeologists and amateur researchers in the documentation and recording of archaeological finds in accordance with current legislation. The system enables the registration of finds, including their spatial location, photographic documentation, and subsequent verification and publication (without precise location).

This paper presents experiences with the use of the AMCR-PAS application in the region of Czech Silesia, where it has become an important tool for the development of citizen science in archaeology in recent years. Specifically it outlines the process of engaging amateur collaborators, organizing training activities, recording finds, and facilitating communication between finders and professional archaeologists. It also evaluates the contribution of the system to the acquisition of new data on archaeological sites, the protection of archaeological heritage, and the development of long-term cooperation with the public.

Based on practical experience gained during the implementation of the system, the presentation further discusses challenges associated with participant motivation, the quality of find documentation, data management, and administrative procedures. The presentation illustrates how the AMČR-PAS digital platform can contribute to the effective involvement of the public in archaeological research while simultaneously supporting the protection and understanding of the region’s cultural heritage.