Zprávy památkové péče 2018, 78(1):3-12 | DOI: 10.56112/zpp.2018.1.02

Czech Archeology in the information society

Martin Kuna

ARÚP AV ČR

Czech archeology is currently in possession of structured data on the location and character of tens of thousands of archaeological sites, field studies, and random finds, thanks to the recently completed project Archaeological Map of the Czech Republic (AMCR) and the establishment of the Archaeological Information System of the Czech Republic (see more in this issue). Parallel to the creation of this database, all original field documentation in the central archives of the Archaeological Institutes of the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic was digitized as well. High-quality and easily accessible information in the form of databases and web applications, accessible to professionals and the wider public, may serve as the engine for further development of the field, the protection of archaeological heritage, and the formation of a relationship to it among the broader public. It is therefore high time to think about which data, which details, in what form, and to whom we want to offer this. The author believes, and in this respect is probably not alone, that it is time to rethink and possibly change the existing approach of experts to the issues. This is true not only because Czech archeology finally has the necessary data and technology at its disposal, but also because archaeological information is already becoming a part of the public domain (such as map servers).

Keywords: archaeological field research, field documentation, information systems, data publishing

Published: March 1, 2018  Show citation