Why Detecting Unmarked Graves Matters

Unmarked graves exist in cemeteries across North America for many reasons. Wooden markers deteriorate. Stone monuments sink or get removed. Historical records are lost. Without proper documentation, burial sites risk being disturbed during landscaping, construction, or expansion projects.

Locating unmarked graves gained widespread attention following announcements by Indigenous communities about potential unmarked burials at former residential school sites across Canada. These discoveries highlighted GPR’s capabilities and the importance of respectful investigation. This same technology that brings acknowledgment to painful histories serves cemeteries in their mission to preserve and protect all burial grounds.

How Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) Works

Ground Penetrating Radar operates by transmitting electromagnetic pulses into the soil. As these waves travel downward, they encounter different materials, such as soil, rock, metal, and voids, and areas where the earth has been disturbed. Each material reflects the radar signal back to the surface at different rates and intensities, creating a unique signature.

The GPR unit captures these reflected signals and translates them into visual data that trained technicians can interpret. During a cemetery survey, technicians systematically walk the GPR equipment across the site in a grid pattern, collecting data that reveals what lies beneath the surface without disturbing a single inch of ground.

Different soil conditions affect GPR performance, too. Sandy or dry soils typically provide excellent penetration and clear results, while clay-heavy or saturated ground can limit depth and resolution. Weather, vegetation, and terrain also influence the survey process, which is why experienced operators understand how to adapt their approach to each unique site.

How to Find an Unmarked Grave in a Cemetery with GPR

To find unmarked graves with Ground-Penetrating Radar, the process starts by gathering whatever information exists: approximate burial dates, family records, cemetery documentation, or oral histories. Even fragmentary information helps narrow the search area.

Once the search area is identified, a GPR survey scans the ground to detect subtle changes in the soil’s structure. When a grave is dug, those layers are cut through, mixed, and replaced. The refilled soil settles differently, holding moisture and density in ways that don’t match the surrounding ground. GPR picks up those contrasts, allowing technicians to spot the exact outlines of burial shafts even when there’s no visible trace on the surface.

Finding unmarked graves with high-tech solutions like GPR allows cemeteries to create accurate cemetery plot maps of burial locations. This prevents accidental disturbance and helps families locate ancestors whose graves were forgotten. The technology is especially valuable in historical cemeteries where records are incomplete or markers have disappeared.

What GPR Can and Cannot Do

There are capabilities and limitations of ground penetrating radar when used to detect unmarked graves. GPR identifies anomalies, or areas where subsurface conditions differ from the surrounding soil. These anomalies may indicate graves, but the technology cannot definitively confirm the presence of human remains without further investigation.

A GPR survey can reveal patterns consistent with burial, like rectangular disturbances of appropriate dimensions, aligned in rows, at expected depths. These factors allow experienced technicians to assess the likelihood that an anomaly represents a grave rather than a natural feature, buried debris, or other subsurface variation.

Confirmation, however, requires additional work. Historical photographs, death records, burial registers, and oral histories can corroborate GPR findings. In cases requiring absolute verification, soil coring or archaeological excavation may be necessary, though communities often prefer to avoid invasive investigation when strong circumstantial evidence already exists.

Common Misconceptions About Ground Penetrating Radar

One frequent misunderstanding is that GPR can “see” through the ground like an X-ray. In reality, GPR data requires interpretation by trained professionals who understand radar signatures, soil science, and burial practices. What appears on a GPR readout is not a photograph but a representation of reflected electromagnetic energy.

Another misconception stems from media reports about unmarked grave discoveries. When communities announce that GPR has detected a specific number of potential graves, some people mistakenly believe that remains have been physically recovered and counted. GPR identifies anomalies consistent with burials, as mentioned previously, but physical confirmation is a separate process that may or may not follow.

Conversely, skeptics sometimes dismiss GPR findings by pointing out that the technology cannot guarantee every anomaly is a grave. While true, this criticism overlooks the fact that experienced operators can distinguish between patterns typical of burials and those created by rocks, roots, utility lines, or other subsurface features. The combination of GPR data with historical context, site characteristics, and professional expertise yields highly reliable results.

Applications of GPR in Cemeteries

Cemeteries rely on ground penetrating radar unmarked graves services for numerous practical purposes beyond simply locating unmarked burials. For example: 

• GPR surveys help cemetery managers create comprehensive digital maps that document every plot, including those without visible markers. 
• Historical preservation projects may incorporate GPR to identify boundaries of old burial grounds that may have expanded informally over time or where sections have been forgotten as communities grew and changed. This information protects burial sites from development and ensures they receive appropriate care and recognition.
• Cemeteries planning infrastructure improvements can use GPR surveys to verify that work will not disturb burial sites. 
• Cemeteries can recover and restore markers covered by soil accumulation, deliberately buried during leveling operations, or toppled by weather or vandalism. 

Our Mapping Process

Step 1 – Field Data Collection

A certified GPR site supervisor scans the cemetery, including inside coping, to confirm marked burials, locate unmarked graves, and identify any subsurface features. Alongside the GPR work, GPS coordinates are collected for surface landmarks such as headstones, coping, fences, and walkways. Each monument and feature is photographed to document the site visually and support the mapping process.

Step 2 – GIS Post-Processing

The GPS data, gravestone images, and GPR findings are combined inside the Esri ArcGIS platform. Each burial location is tagged with attribute data (names, inscriptions, and any available record details) to create an accurate, searchable map. Historical records and satellite imagery are also reviewed and layered into the geodatabase to strengthen accuracy and visual clarity.

Step 3 – Deliverables

The completed interactive WebMap is shared through a secure link and is accessible from any device. Clients also receive large-format PDF maps for archival and planning use. The final results bring together ground data, imagery, and records to create a precise, noninvasive record of the cemetery layout.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can GPR confirm the presence of human remains?

GPR detects soil disturbances and anomalies consistent with burials but cannot definitively confirm human remains without additional investigation. When anomalies match expected burial patterns and are corroborated by historical records, the evidence strongly indicates graves are present.

How accurate is GPR in finding unmarked graves?

When operated by experienced technicians in suitable soil conditions, GPR is highly accurate at identifying burial-related disturbances. Accuracy depends on soil type, burial depth, site conditions, and burial age. Sandy or dry soils provide the best results.

What types of anomalies does GPR detect besides graves?

GPR identifies rocks, tree roots, utility lines, construction debris, voids, and natural variations in soil composition. Experienced operators distinguish between these anomalies and those consistent with burials by analyzing pattern, depth, orientation, size, and context.

How is GPR used in cemeteries specifically?

Cemeteries use GPR to locate unmarked graves, find buried headstones, verify plot locations before maintenance work, create accurate digital maps, establish boundaries of historic burial grounds, and assist families searching for ancestral graves.

Does GPR damage or disturb the site?

No, Ground Penetrating Radar is completely non-invasive. The equipment is rolled or carried across the surface without digging, drilling, or ground penetration.

Ready to learn more about our ground-penetrating radar services? Explore our website or contact us today for a free quote.

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At ViaVista Mapping, we specialize in solving these tough problems using GPR and GPS-enabled digital mapping platforms. Here are some of the most common cemetery mapping challenges—and how GPR can address them.

1. Unmarked Graves and Incomplete Records

One of the biggest obstacles in cemetery mapping is the presence of unmarked or undocumented graves. Over time, headstones may deteriorate, shift, or disappear entirely, and paper records may be lost or contain errors.

How GPR Helps:
GPR allows us to detect underground anomalies—like burial shafts or vaults—without disturbing the site. This non-invasive technology identifies both marked and unmarked graves, helping cemetery operators create accurate, up-to-date maps even when historical records are incomplete.

2. Burial Plot Misalignment

In older cemeteries, it’s not uncommon for burial plots to be misaligned with headstones or to differ from recorded layouts. This can lead to uncertainty during new interments and planning efforts.

How GPR Helps:
By visualizing subsurface features, GPR reveals the actual location of burials, helping reconcile surface markers with reality. The data is then incorporated into a modern digital cemetery map, ensuring the layout is correct moving forward.

3. Overlapping or Double Interments

Some cemeteries—especially family plots or those in rural communities—may contain overlapping or double interments that are undocumented or forgotten.

How GPR Helps:
GPR can identify multiple burial layers in a single location. This is particularly helpful in resolving disputes, protecting sacred space, and preventing accidental disturbance of remains.

4. Preservation of Historic Cemeteries

Historic cemeteries are valuable cultural assets, but mapping them comes with its own set of challenges, including fragile monuments, erosion, and missing documentation.

How GPR Helps:
As a non-destructive method, GPR is ideal for historic cemetery mapping. It enables us to locate graves without excavation and to document burial patterns that are part of a site’s historical significance. The resulting maps support preservation, interpretation, and grant funding opportunities.

5. Inefficient Operations and Limited Access to Data

Cemeteries operating without modern mapping tools often struggle with plot availability, record retrieval, and day-to-day management.

How GPR Helps:
GPR is part of a complete mapping workflow that includes GPS data collection and GIS-based visualization. The final deliverables include digital maps that can be accessed from computers or mobile devices, enabling cemetery staff to easily search records, identify available plots, and plan future use with confidence.

The Future of Cemetery Mapping is Grounded in Technology

From small rural graveyards to large municipal cemeteries, every site has its own set of challenges. But with modern cemetery mapping solutions like GPR and geospatial tools, these problems can be solved accurately, respectfully, and permanently.

At ViaVista Mapping, we combine expert fieldwork, precise GPS/GIS integration, and powerful subsurface imaging to help communities honor their past while planning for the future.

Looking to solve cemetery mapping challenges at your site?
Contact us today to learn how our GPR-based services can bring clarity and confidence to your cemetery.

See examples of our digital cemetery mapping HERE.

Visit the Yoakum City Colored Cemetery map to see how we helped them preserve their heritage.

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As Memorial Day draws near, we take time to reflect on the immense sacrifices made by the brave men and women who served our country. Their stories live on in the memories of their loved ones—and in the quiet corners of cemeteries across the nation. At ViaVista Mapping, we’re proud to play a role in preserving those stories through GPR for cemeteries and technology that brings clarity, respect, and lasting recognition to each veteran’s final resting place.

One of the most powerful tools we use is GPR for cemeteries—ground-penetrating radar that helps locate unmarked or undocumented graves. Combined with our GPS and GIS mapping services, GPR allows us to provide cemeteries with a comprehensive and highly accurate understanding of burial grounds. This is especially important when it comes to honoring veterans, whose graves may have been lost to time, erosion, or incomplete records.

Many cemeteries still rely on aging paper maps or incomplete spreadsheets, making it difficult for families to locate loved ones—or for veterans’ groups to ensure every hero is remembered during ceremonies like Memorial Day and Wreaths Across America. With GPR for cemeteries, we can uncover hidden burial sites, correct old mapping errors, and bring forgotten veterans back into view.

GPR for Cemeteries supplements GPS Data Collection

Our process doesn’t stop there. We pair GPR results with precise GPS data and intuitive, searchable maps. This gives cemetery staff and the public easy digital access to burial records, including service information for veterans. Imagine a granddaughter searching for her grandfather’s grave and finding not only the exact location but also his branch of service and honors received—right from her phone.

In several of the cemeteries we’ve worked with, this combination of GPR for cemeteries and digital mapping has revealed previously unknown veterans’ graves. Each discovery is a chance to right a historical oversight, and to give someone’s family—and our country—the opportunity to show the respect they’ve earned.

This Memorial Day, as flags flutter gently across burial grounds and families come to pay tribute, we are proud to know that our work has made it just a little easier to find and honor those who served. It’s a privilege to help preserve these sacred spaces with accuracy, integrity, and deep gratitude.

If you manage a cemetery or work with a veterans’ organization, and you’re looking for a way to improve visibility, access, and recordkeeping, we invite you to learn more about how GPR for cemeteries can help. At ViaVista Mapping, we’re here to support your mission—and to honor every hero, one map at a time.

May we remember well, this Memorial Day and always.

See examples of our digital cemetery mapping HERE.

HERE are a few ways you and your family can remember and honor these heroes this Memorial Day

Contact us today find out more about our services and for a free quote.

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Cemetery management requires accurate mapping to locate graves, plan expansions, and maintain burial records. While drone cemetery mapping is becoming popular, it has significant limitations. The combination of ground-penetrating radar (GPR) and on-site GPS data collection offers a more precise and reliable solution. Here’s why cemetery GPR and GPS mapping are superior to mapping your cemetery with drone capture.

1. GPR Reveals What Drone Cemetery Mapping Misses

Drone mapping relies on aerial photography, which provides a general layout of the cemetery. However, it cannot detect unmarked graves, buried vaults, or underground obstacles. GPR scans beneath the surface, ensuring no burial sites are overlooked. This is crucial for cemetery operators who need to confirm burial locations and prevent accidental disturbances.

2. GPS Mapping Provides More Accurate Cemetery Layouts

While using a drone for cemetery mapping produces high-resolution images, it often lacks precise georeferencing. On-site GPS mapping, especially with professional-grade equipment, records graves, pathways, and section boundaries with pinpoint accuracy. Even small measurement errors in cemetery mapping can cause major problems, making accuracy essential.

3. Cemetery GPR and GPS Mapping Improve Cemetery Operations

Cemetery staff need accurate and practical maps to efficiently manage burial plots and future planning. Cemetery maps created by drones provide a bird’s-eye view but lacks the depth required for daily tasks such as:

• Confirming available plots with certainty.
• Verifying burial records against actual grave locations.
• Planning new roads, pathways, and landscaping while avoiding unmarked graves.

4. Works in Any Cemetery Environment

Drone data collection struggles with obstacles like trees, mausoleums, and adverse weather conditions. These factors can obscure important details and make aerial imagery unreliable. GPR and GPS mapping work regardless of tree cover, shadows, or weather, delivering accurate results in any setting.

5. Seamless Integration with Cemetery Management Software

The data collected from GPR and GPS can be easily integrated into cemetery management systems. Drone cemetery mapping, however, often requires additional processing and manual adjustments before the data is usable, adding unnecessary complications.

6. A Better Long-Term Investment for Cemeteries

Using drones to map a cemetery may seem like a quick and inexpensive solution, but it requires frequent updates to stay current. GPR and GPS mapping offer a more cost-effective long-term investment, as they provide highly accurate and actionable data that helps cemeteries avoid costly mistakes and improve efficiency.

Conclusion

While cemetery mapping services that utilize drone data capture can provide a broad visual overview, the result lacks the precision and depth required for effective cemetery management. GPR and on-site GPS data collection deliver superior accuracy, usability, and long-term value. Cemetery operators seeking the most reliable mapping solution should prioritize cemetery GPR and GPS over drone cemetery mapping for better results and smoother operations.

We have helped several clients who came to us after their drone mapping projects did not deliver the results they expected. Contact us today find out more about our services and for a free quote.

Find more resources for preserving and managing your cemetery HERE.

The post Why Drone Cemetery Mapping is Not the Answer appeared first on ViaVista Mapping.

In an industry where history, tradition, and precision matter, digital mapping of cemeteries is transforming the way cemeteries manage their operations and improve sales. By leveraging cutting-edge technologies such as ground-penetrating radar for cemeteries (GPR cemetery mapping) and web-based GIS platforms, cemeteries can enhance record-keeping, streamline plot sales, and ensure efficient space management.

The Importance of Cemetery Mapping

Converting to a digital burial plot map provides a detailed, digital representation of burial plots, pathways, and available spaces. Traditionally, cemeteries have relied on paper records and outdated maps, leading to inefficiencies, misplaced records, and difficulties in locating gravesites. With advanced mapping solutions, cemetery managers can modernize their operations, ensuring greater accuracy and efficiency.

How Cemetery Mapping Improves Operations

1. Accurate Record-Keeping – Digital burial plot maps eliminates errors commonly associated with paper records. By using GIS to map a cemetery, cemeteries can store detailed information, including burial dates, occupant details, and ownership records, ensuring data integrity and easy retrieval.
2. Ground Penetrating Radar for Cemeteries – GPR cemetery mapping is a crucial tool in identifying unmarked or lost graves. This non-invasive technology detects underground anomalies, helping cemetery managers locate remains without disturbing the ground, ensuring historical preservation and regulatory compliance.
3. Optimized Space Management – Many cemeteries face challenges related to space constraints. By employing GIS mapping of the cemetery, cemeteries can visualize available plots, plan for future expansion, and maximize land usage efficiently.
4. Enhanced Customer Service – Digital burial plot map solutions provide families with interactive tools to locate loved ones with ease. Digital maps can be accessed online, reducing the burden on cemetery staff and enhancing the overall visitor experience.

Boosting Sales with Cemetery Mapping Technology

Beyond operational improvements, cemetery mapping also plays a key role in boosting plot sales.

1. Improved Plot Visualization – Using a web-based GIS platform allows potential buyers to view available plots digitally, making it easier to choose a final resting place that meets their preferences.
2. Transparent Sales Process – Digital maps eliminate confusion and miscommunication by providing clear, real-time information about plot availability and pricing.
3. Marketing Advantage – Cemeteries that offer modern, technology-driven solutions stand out in a competitive market. By showcasing cemetery mapping capabilities, cemeteries can appeal to tech-savvy consumers and differentiate themselves from traditional competitors.

The Future of Cemetery Management

As the demand for cemetery space increases, the need for advanced mapping solutions will continue to grow. Investing in services to map your cemetery with GPR and GIS not only ensures better management and customer satisfaction but also enhances sales and revenue opportunities.

Cemeteries that embrace digital transformation will be well-positioned for long-term success, offering families the assurance of a well-maintained, efficiently managed final resting place. Whether improving record-keeping, optimizing space, or streamlining sales, using technology to map your cemetery is an essential tool for the modern cemetery.

See examples of burial plot maps HERE

Contact us today find out more about our services and for a free quote.

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The Accuracy of Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) Technology

Ground-Penetrating Radar is a highly accurate tool. Ground-penetrating radar can be impacted by external factors, but proper use of equipment and interpretation of readings should result in a high accuracy rate. This blog post will discuss the ways that GPR is used, how it works, what you can locate with it, and how ViaVista Mapping uses GPR in our services.

What Is Ground Penetrating Radar and How Does it Work?

Ground-penetrating radar (GPR) is a geophysical method of testing used to determine the location of objects below the earth’s surface by measuring their reflection and transmission of electromagnetic waves. It has become increasingly common in archaeological, engineering, geologic, and environmental work over the past 30 years.

Locating Underground Anomalies with GPR Equipment

GPR uses high-frequency antennas to emit radio waves with frequencies between 1MHz and 3GHz that are transmitted vertically into the ground from antennas on top of poles or towers. 

The resolution of Ground-Penetrating Radar images can be increased or decreased through the use of different antennae frequencies. Generally speaking, higher frequencies produce more detailed images but require longer scanning times.

The energy in these waves can penetrate through many different types of soils but is reflected when it encounters an object underground such as a rock, wood, bone, or metal pipe. 

A recording device measures how long it takes for each signal to be received after being sent out. This time delay provides information about changes in soil density which allows us to accurately estimate the depth of utility lines, grave sites, and other subsurface anomalies.

GPR can be used to:

• Locate unmarked gravesites
• Utility locating
• Find underground voids
• Scan concrete
• Help with archeological digs
• Locate underground tanks, pipes, and drums
• map the depth of a shallow water table
• identify soil horizons and the bedrock subsurface
• demarcate trench boundaries
• And much more!

Find Unmarked Graves & Underground Utilities with GPR

GPR is an accurate method for finding unmarked graves or abandoned burial sites and is often used in conjunction with GPS/GIS systems to find gravesites that are not easily located, were left unmarked, or are no longer present in cemetery rosters. Cemetery Managers often hire GPR service providers to create cemetery burial plot maps and ensure their data is accurate and the land can be used to its full potential.

Ground-Penetrating Radar is also commonly utilized to detect the presence of underground utility lines such as pipelines, water tanks, phone and internet lines, gas lines, and much more. GPR is very effective for quickly locating underground utilities, and is often used to detect the presence of buried infrastructure before excavating.

Ground Penetrating Radar Equipment and Soil Content

GPR is an effective method for detecting subsurface anomalies because it is a reflection-based technique. It is important to note that GPR is not suitable for all soils, and features such as water content or soil moisture can affect the quality of data collected using this equipment.

Ground-Penetrating Radar’s penetration depth can reach up to 15 meters in sandy soil or massive dry materials such as granite and limestone. For soil with more conductive materials, electromagnetic energy dissipates faster. This causes a signal loss at depth because the electromagnetic energy is more quickly dissipated into heat. In highly conductive substrates, such as those with large amounts of clay soils, water, and/or salt, penetration depth can be only a few centimeters.

What Do the Experts Have to Say About the Accuracy of GPR?

It can be difficult to tell what GPR finds on a scan as there is no standard way to interpret the data. This makes it easy for people who are inexperienced with GPR to misinterpret what they see on the screen or make inaccurate conclusions about an area of land. 

Academic investigations of cemetery ground penetrating radar scanning conclude that GPR surveys are very useful tools for identifying unmarked graves, and that the probability of detecting their correct location is very high when conducted by experienced GPR scanning professionals. 

ViaVista Mapping is an Accurate GPR Service Provider

ViaVista Mapping is a leading provider of cemetery mapping services in the United States, including ground-penetrating radar surveys. We utilize industry-standard equipment and methods to ensure accuracy when conducting cemetery mapping and grave locating services.

Contact us today for a free quote.

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Cemetery GPR Scanning can help you visualize how your cemetery will grow and change over time. GPR (ground penetrating radar) is a great tool for cemetery mapping. GPR can be used to map out existing gravesites, identify potential problems, and plan for the future of your cemetery. 

Planning for your cemetery’s growth is vital to ensure that it will be able to accommodate the needs of your community in the future. Plus, you’ll save money in the long run by ensuring the real estate is being used effectively. In this blog post, we will answer the most common questions we hear, as well as discuss how GPR can be used for cemetery planning and what benefits it offers.

Ground-penetrating radar can be used to map cemeteries, identify potential problems, and plan for the future.

Why Is Cemetery Mapping With GPR Important?

Cemetery mapping with GPR is important for several reasons. First, it can help you understand the layout of your cemetery and how graves are arranged. This allows you to see what does and doesn’t work well and make changes accordingly. 

Additionally, GPR can help you identify potential problems, such as graves that are in danger of collapsing. Preventing these problems before they happen can save you time and money in the long run. Plus, it can offer peace of mind to cemetery visitors knowing their loved ones will not be disturbed.

Finally, cemetery mapping with GPR can help you plan for the future of your cemetery.  You can use GPR to map out future gravesites, identify burial trends, and even plan for cemetery maintenance.  By mapping out the future of your cemetery, you can be prepared for whatever comes your way.

Understanding the layout of your cemetery and the condition of graves allows you to make informed decisions about how to best care for your cemetery or memorial park.

What Benefits Does Cemetery GPR Scanning Offer For Cemetery Owners?

Mapping your cemetery with GPR is the best way to plan for its future. This method provides many benefits, including accuracy and cost-effectiveness – not just in terms of mapping but also when expanding or developing a site later on down the road.

GPR offers superior results compared to other mapping methods because it is completely noninvasive. We can get a clear understanding of the subsurface layout of the grounds without disrupting any burial sites. This means that cemetery owners can save time and money by avoiding cemetery disruptions.

Secondly, GPR is a highly accurate method of mapping. This accuracy can be vital when planning for cemetery expansion or development when you have a limited space to work with. We can get a clear picture of the cemetery layout and plan around any existing gravesites without having to worry about making mistakes.

Finally, GPR is a cost-effective method of cemetery mapping. When you compare the cost of GPR to traditional methods, such as surveying, it is clear that GPR is the superior choice. Not only is it more accurate, but it is also less disruptive and can be completed in a shorter time frame.

How Can Cemeteries Use GPR For Future Planning?

Are you planning on expanding your cemetery’s footprint? Are you planning on adding a funeral home to the premises? Are you concerned about cemetery overcrowding? Do you want to be able to map your cemetery so you can see how it will grow over time? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then cemetery mapping with GPR is the solution for you.

Not planning for your cemetery’s future can lead to all sorts of problems down the road. You could find yourself with no room to expand, or forced to close your doors because you’ve reached capacity. 

Cemetery Mapping makes it easy to understand your cemetery and see how it will grow over time. Our GPR technology makes it easy to identify potential areas for expansion and plan for the future needs of your community. Make informed decisions about your cemetery’s future today.

GPR cemetery mapping is the best way to map the future of your cemetery. Planning for the future of your cemetery allows for carefully considered cemetery expansions, development, and maintenance. GPR is the most accurate, cost-effective, and non-invasive method for cemetery mapping available today. When you map your cemetery with GPR, you can have peace of mind knowing that your cemetery will be able to serve the needs of your community for decades to come.

Cemetery Mapping With GPR – Build for the Future

Cemeteries are a sacred place for many people. They represent the final resting place of loved ones and cemetery mapping with Ground Penetrating Radar is the best way to ensure that these sites are well-maintained and can be expanded upon when needed. 

GPR cemetery mapping provides cemetery owners with an accurate picture of their cemetery’s layout, helps them identify potential problems early on, and makes it easy to plan for the future needs of the cemetery. When you map your cemetery with GPR, you are taking an important step in ensuring that your cemetery can serve the needs of your community for generations to come. 

Mapping the future of your cemetery with GPR is the best way to ensure its long-term viability. Contact us today to learn more about our mapping services and how we can help you plan for your cemetery’s future.

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Founded concurrent with the town in 1887, the cemetery added “Memorial” to its name after the Great Depression in honor of American veterans.

As of Monday morning, Field had identified more than 60 unmarked burial sites in the 10.8-acre cemetery. The cemetery is divided into six sections separated by driving lanes, plus three new sections.

Burial Plot Map created with GPR cemetery scanning and GPS data collection

According to a service agreement with the city, ViaVista’s mapping services will include scanning for sub-surface anomalies and unmarked burials using ground-penetrating radar to create an online interactive cemetery burial plot map.

The GPR device, about the size of a lawn mower, can also detect disturbed soil caused by wooden and/or metal caskets, voids in the earth with little to no surviving skeletal remains, ceremonial burial objects, vaults, improperly positioned or unmarked graves and underground utilities.

Field used GPR to identify unmarked burial locations and anomalies. He then painted each site with dissolvable red paint and placed a small red flag at the center of each location.

After scanning sections, he used a satellite Global Positioning System to identify the center of each site. He also took photos of headstones or footstones to link latitude and longitude specifications to existing monuments.

“I do that at every single burial and unmarked site,” he said. “The entire cemetery will be digitized.”

According to Field, cemetery visitors will have the option to scan a QR code, search for a name, and immediately identify a specific burial plot.

“It will be so much easier than asking city staff to search their records,” he said.

Field said it could take up to 90 days to develop a digital map publically accessible via a website. In addition, the company will provide printable map files suitable for large-scale architectural prints.

Once completed, the digital burial plot map will include trees, driving lanes, and plots available for sale or reserve. “When we’re done, the city will know exactly how many plots they have left,” he said.

Field and his wife map cemeteries throughout the nation. “I do this work all over the U.S.,” he said. “I’ll go from here to South Dakota, then Illinois, then Indiana, New York, and Maine.”

“In the winter, we’ll be down south, working in Florida, Louisiana, and Texas,” he said. “Next year we’ll be working in Colorado.”

Field and his wife have been mapping cemeteries for the past six years. He retired after an 18 year career with Enterprise Rent-a-Car. His wife worked for a large aerospace company.

What prompted them to engage in this unusual business?

Before retiring he and his wife vacationed in Yellowstone, the Grand Tetons, and Jackson Hole.

“We both worked for corporations and found that our jobs followed us on vacations,” he said. “When we arrived at those Wyoming parks, we couldn’t be reached by phone. We were actually ‘detached’ for the first time and really enjoyed it.”

On those trips they met retired folks who lived in motorhomes and travelled from park to park throughout the year. Field learned that those retirees worked and enjoyed life at a slower pace.

“I didn’t even know that was an option,” he said. “So my wife started doing some research.”

Less than a year later they retired from their corporate jobs, sold their house and bought a motor home. They looked into RV-specific franchises that would allow them to travel. He said they wanted to travel for a reason-not just to be traveling.

“I bought the Omega Mapping franchise for the whole U.S.,” he said. Field trained on GPS at Tremble, an international company headquartered in Colorado. He also became familiar with GPR technology in New Hampshire. Learning both systems required weeks-long hands-on training.

“At first we were just producing paper maps,” he said. “After a year or two, we started getting requests for digitized versions that could be posted online.”

His company, known as both ViaVista Mapping and Omega Mapping, works in cooperation with Tremble. “We’re one of three companies throughout the nation that use GPR/GPS technology to map cemeteries and display the results online,” he said.

Field said he thoroughly enjoys cemetery mapping. “The stones tell a story,” he said. “Sometimes I find headstones or footstones that have been buried. It’s fun to see folks uncover long-neglected burial sites.”

“Also, it’s very quiet.”

As reported in the Ritzville Adams County Journal.

Contact us today find out more about our services and for a free quote.

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Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) for cemeteries is a non-invasive technology widely used in various fields, including archaeology, geology, and civil engineering. Its application in cemeteries is particularly significant due to its ability to locate unmarked graves, map burial sites, and assist in cemetery management without disturbing the ground. This blog post delves into the workings of GPR, its benefits for cemeteries, and real-world applications, providing a comprehensive understanding of this invaluable tool.

What is Ground Penetrating Radar?

Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) is a geophysical method that uses radar pulses to image the subsurface. It involves transmitting high-frequency radio waves into the ground and detecting the reflected signals from subsurface structures. These reflections are then analyzed to create a visual representation of what lies beneath the surface.

How GPR Works

1. Transmission: A GPR system consists of a transmitting antenna that emits radar waves into the ground.
2. Reflection: When these waves encounter different subsurface materials, such as soil, rocks, or buried objects, they are reflected back to the surface.
3. Detection: A receiving antenna captures these reflected signals.
4. Analysis: The data collected is processed and analyzed to create images or profiles of the subsurface structures.

Benefits of GPR in Cemeteries

1. Non-Invasive Exploration

GPR allows for the examination of cemetery grounds without disturbing the soil, making it an ideal tool for locating unmarked graves or burial artifacts. This non-invasive approach is crucial in preserving the sanctity and integrity of burial sites.

2. Accurate Mapping

GPR provides precise images of subsurface features, enabling cemetery managers to accurately map grave locations. This is particularly useful in older cemeteries where records may be incomplete or lost.

3. Identifying Unmarked Graves

Over time, markers can deteriorate or be removed, leading to unmarked graves. GPR helps in identifying these graves, ensuring that all burial sites are accounted for and respected.

4. Historical Research

For historians and archaeologists, GPR offers a way to explore historical cemeteries and uncover information about burial practices and site usage without excavation.

Real-World Applications

Locating Unmarked Graves

In many cemeteries, particularly older ones, unmarked graves are common. GPR has been successfully used to locate these graves, providing closure for families and helping in the maintenance of the cemetery grounds.

Cemetery Expansion

When cemeteries need to expand or undergo construction, GPR surveys ensure that no graves are disturbed during the process. This respectful approach maintains the dignity of the burial site.

Archaeological Investigations

Archaeologists use GPR to study ancient burial sites, providing insights into past cultures and burial practices without the need for disruptive digging.

Case Studies

1. African American Burial Grounds

In recent years, GPR has played a vital role in identifying and preserving African American burial grounds that were previously forgotten or neglected. These efforts have helped to honor and remember those buried in these sites, ensuring their stories are told.

2. Churchyard Surveys in the UK

In the United Kingdom, GPR has been used extensively in churchyards to map out burial plots. This has been especially important for church renovations or extensions, ensuring that no graves are disturbed during building work.

Challenges and Limitations

While GPR is a powerful tool, it does have limitations. Soil conditions, such as high clay content, can affect the accuracy of the radar signals. Additionally, interpreting GPR data requires expertise, and there can be a learning curve associated with its use.

Conclusion

Ground Penetrating Radar is an essential technology for modern cemetery management and historical research. Its non-invasive nature, accuracy, and ability to preserve the dignity of burial sites make it invaluable. As technology advances, GPR will continue to enhance our understanding and management of cemeteries, ensuring that all burial sites are respected and maintained with care.

By incorporating GPR into cemetery management practices, we can ensure that burial sites are preserved, unmarked graves are identified, and the history embedded in these sacred grounds is honored and remembered.

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Cemeteries are home to a lot of history, with many US cemeteries having been around for hundreds of years. The passage of time affects each cemetery differently. Thanks to meticulous record-keeping and oversight, some historic cemeteries have pristine records. These cemeteries are, unfortunately, the exception and not the rule.

The fact is that unmarked graves and buried headstones are somewhat common problems for older cemeteries. But just because this information has been lost (at least temporarily) to history doesn’t mean it’s lost forever. In fact, finding unmarked burials and markers should be a priority for today’s cemeterians. Why? Accidentally selling unmarked spaces can result in embarrassing and potentially damaging situations.

The most effective way for finding unmarked burials and lost headstones on cemetery grounds is to use ground penetrating radar. Ground penetrating radar (also known as GPR) allows cemeteries to investigate large areas of land for underground anomalies, including buried markers, caskets, utilities, and other subsurface materials. Most GPR systems resemble push mowers and detect geological features and obstacles by sending a series of pulses into the ground.

The best part? GPR is non-intrusive, meaning that cemeteries can receive a detailed report on the subsurface of a given area without digging, excavating, or otherwise disrupting their grounds.

While ground penetrating radar has multiple applications, the technology is commonly used to survey cemetery grounds and can accurately detect most interments. Whether you’re surveying your cemetery grounds for headstones lost to time or trying to uncover previously unknown burials, GPR is an invaluable resource for cemetery managers. GPR can also identify changes in ground strata, underground pipes and unmarked utilities, air pockets and voids, groundwater tables, and materials like concrete, metal, plastic, and PVC.

Ground penetrating radar is commonly used when cemetery operators suspect burials are missing from their existing maps. However, that is not the only use case for GPR on cemetery grounds. Space is a big concern for today’s cemeteries, and ground penetrating radar systems are also useful when considering expansion.

Ready to scan your cemetery with GPR? Don’t forget to incorporate any findings into your cemetery maps. Ground penetrating radar gives cemetery managers important insights into the status of plots and sections at their cemetery. In turn, cemetery professionals must use this information to update their maps. Doing so will keep their sales team abreast of which plots are available to sell to local families.

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