Why Cemetery Management and Mapping Are Important for Prairie Communities
Preserving History Through Proper Cemetery Management
Cemeteries are an important part of our shared history. At ATL Group, we believe cemetery management plays a crucial role in preserving local heritage, commemorating ancestors, and planning for future interments.
When cemeteries are properly managed and documented, they can provide:
A sense of pride within communities
A respectful place to remember past generations
Valuable resources for genealogical and historical research
Clear planning tools for future cemetery use
Well-maintained cemeteries also help ensure that burial locations remain known and protected for generations to come.
Challenges Facing Many Prairie Cemeteries
Unfortunately, many cemeteries across the Canadian Prairies face significant management challenges. Some cemeteries lack:
Formal management plans
Accurate or current cemetery maps
Complete burial records
Marked graves for all individuals buried within the cemetery
Without proper documentation, future burials and cemetery management can become difficult and sometimes problematic.
Why Unmarked Graves Are Common
The average cemetery on the Prairies has been in use for approximately 100 years. In earlier periods, graves were often marked with wooden crosses, simple stones, or small rock markers.
Over time, these markers can disappear for several reasons:
Wooden crosses naturally deteriorate and rot
Grave markers may be moved to simplify mowing or maintenance
Weathering and erosion can damage markers
Historical burial records may have been lost
As decades pass without consistent maintenance or documentation, some burial locations become forgotten and unmarked, even though the individuals buried there remain an important part of the community’s history.
Using Ground Penetrating Radar to Locate Unmarked Graves
Since 2015, ATL Group has completed several cemetery management projects using Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) to help identify unmarked graves.
Ground Penetrating Radar is a non-invasive technology that allows researchers to detect subsurface anomalies consistent with burial locations without disturbing the ground.
Based on previous cemetery projects, ATL Group estimates that up to 25% of the graves in many Prairie cemeteries may be unmarked.
Identifying these graves helps ensure that all individuals buried in the cemetery are acknowledged and protected.
Creating Accurate Cemetery Maps and Burial Databases
In addition to GPR surveys, ATL Group provides detailed cemetery mapping and documentation services.
These services include:
Mapping all marked graves within the cemetery
Identifying potential unmarked graves using GPR technology
Creating detailed digital cemetery maps
Developing user-friendly burial databases that correspond with mapped grave locations
These tools help cemetery managers, municipalities, and communities maintain accurate records and plan for future burials while respecting existing graves.
Supporting Communities and Genealogical Research
Accurate cemetery maps and burial records provide benefits beyond cemetery management. They also support:
Genealogical research
Local historical studies
Community heritage initiatives
Long-term cemetery planning
By documenting both marked and unmarked graves, communities can ensure that every burial site is respected and remembered.
Learn More About Cemetery Mapping and Unmarked Grave Identification
If you have questions about unmarked graves or need an updated cemetery map and burial database, the team at ATL Group can help.
Contact us to learn more about our cemetery management, Ground Penetrating Radar surveys, and mapping services.