Question 1

Does GPR Have Any Limitations?

Accepted Answer

Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) is extremely effective at locating subsurface utilities and other materials, however, it does have certain limitations. Ground and soil conditions, weather, and the type of material being located are just a few of the potential limiting factors. In the event that conditions are not suitable for GPR scanning, an alternative recommendation can be made.

Question 2

What Is Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) and How Does It Work?

Accepted Answer

Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) is a non-invasive scanning tool that fires high-frequency radio waves into the soil and listens for echoes. By timing and plotting those reflections, GPR creates a subsurface image that pinpoints underground objects, layers, or voids—such as marked or unmarked graves—without any digging or damage.

Ground penetrating radar sends a quick radio pulse, from 1 to 1000MHz, into the ground. When the pulse meets something different—air, wood, metal, or compacted soil—it bounces back. A small cart with a transmitter and receiver records these echoes every few inches as it rolls across the cemetery. Software turns the echo times into a side-view picture called a radargram. Graves show up as smooth, arch-shaped curves (hyperbolas). Because the speed of the pulse depends on the soil, technicians can work out the depth, often 8–10 ft or more.

Sentry Mapping pairs high-frequency GPR (250–900 MHz) with survey-grade GPS so each echo has an exact x-y location. After the field scan, we filter noise, stack overlapping lines, and build a 3-D model of the subsurface. The finished results feed straight into our digital cemetery mapping service and Chronicle cemetery management software. You receive a printed master map plus an online map that staff and visitors can search from any device—no digging, no disturbance, and no yearly fees. This professional cemetery mapping method finds every marked or unmarked grave, protects heritage, and stops costly plot-sale mistakes.

Question 3

Can GPR Find Available Space for Future Burials?

Accepted Answer

Yes, our mapping services not only identify existing graves but also clearly show which areas of your cemetery are available for new burials. With our detailed maps, you can easily plan for future burials, maximizing the use of your space while respecting the resting places of others. This makes it much simpler to manage your cemetery’s capacity and plan ahead.

Question 4

How Can I Determine if GPR Is Needed for My Project?

Accepted Answer

Contact Sentry Mapping by phone or through our website and a representative will be in touch with you as quickly as possible. Our representatives can help you to figure out how GPR services can meet your needs.

Question 5

How Accurate Are the Results of Ground Penetrating Radar?

Accepted Answer

GPR is extremely accurate! While accuracy is reliant upon various external factors such as ground and soil conditions, Sentry Mapping’s standards ensure that we are able to obtain the best results possible in each situation. Through past experience, when using a utility locating antenna for scanning, the accuracy is +/- 6 inches to the center of the object being located and +/- 10% to the actual depth.

Question 6

Can GPR Be Used to Locate Unmarked Grave Sites?

Accepted Answer

Yes. High-frequency ground penetrating radar (GPR) can pinpoint unmarked graves without digging by detecting disturbed soil, coffins, or voids below the surface. Sentry Mapping’s cemetery GPR surveys deliver precise GPS coordinates, letting you update burial plot maps and avoid accidentally disturbing unknown interments.

Ground penetrating radar cemetery surveys are today’s gold standard for unmarked grave detection. Sentry Mapping rolls a high-frequency GPR cart in a tight grid over the turf. The radar sends short radio pulses into the ground; a laptop instantly logs reflections caused by disturbed soil layers, coffins, vault lids, or air gaps. Each anomaly is tagged with centimeter-level GPS so you know the exact burial plot location.

Because GPR is totally non-invasive, your grounds remain undisturbed and respectful. In most sandy or loamy soils it can resolve grave features down to about 10 ft deep. Heavy clay or saturated ground can reduce clarity, but our specialists adjust antenna frequency and survey pattern to maximize results.

When the fieldwork is done, we merge every radar hit into our digital cemetery mapping workflow: an easy-to-read master map, an online cemetery GIS map visitors can search, and two free years of Chronicle cemetery management software. Staff can click any plot to see who is buried there—or flag an unmarked grave that needs a new record—eliminating the risk of selling an occupied lot.

Whether you manage a 100-acre municipal cemetery or a small churchyard, professional cemetery mapping with GPR protects heritage, guides maintenance crews, and gives families confidence their loved ones rest undisturbed.

Question 7

Can GPR Determine the Exact Size of a Subsurface Void Cavity?

Accepted Answer

Ground-Penetrating Radar can reliably reveal the presence and general boundaries of a buried void, but its reflections blur at depth. GPR therefore estimates a cavity’s width and depth within a tolerance—often a few inches—rather than providing an architect-grade “exact” measurement for most cemetery-mapping projects today.

Ground-Penetrating Radar (GPR) sends high-frequency radio waves into the ground and records the echoes. A void—whether an underground chamber, abandoned utility vault, or the airspace above a collapsed burial—creates a strong, hyperbolic reflection that stands out on the radargram. By collecting parallel survey lines and processing them into 3-D slices, technicians can outline the lateral footprint and estimate the roof and floor of the cavity. Within a cemetery mapping project, this ground penetrating radar cemetery survey is correlated with precise GPS for burial plot mapping.

Signal wavelength, soil conductivity, moisture, and void depth all smear the reflection, so the interpreted edges usually carry a ±2 to 6-inch margin of error. Very shallow, dry, sandy soils yield the sharpest images; deep clay soils can stretch the error band to a foot or more. In practice, GPR delivers a dependable “box” around the anomaly.

For cemetery managers, Sentry Mapping uses ultra-high-frequency antennas to capture the clearest possible view of underground disturbances. The same workflow that distinguishes intact graves from empty plots also flags subsurface hazards, helping you avoid collapses during maintenance or future burials. Learn more in our Complete Guide to Ground Penetrating Radar.

Question 8

Can ground‑penetrating radar still detect graves that are over 100 years old?

Accepted Answer

Yes. High-frequency ground-penetrating radar can still pick up century-old graves in most soils because disturbed soil layers, vault remnants, or voids remain detectable. While resolution fades as coffins decay, Sentry Mapping’s specialized GPR and GIS workflow regularly finds 19th-century burials and older, as long as site conditions (soil, depth, moisture) are reasonable.

Ground-penetrating radar cemetery mapping by Sentry Mapping routinely detects graves that are 100, 150 or even 200 years old. The radar does not “see” bones; instead it registers contrasts caused by disturbed back-fill, collapsed voids, stone or metal vault fragments, and any remaining coffin hardware. Those contrasts persist long after organic material has vanished, so a knowledgeable technician can still interpret the hyperbolas in the scan.

Several factors affect clarity:

Soil type – dry, sandy or loamy soils transmit radar waves best, while heavy clay or saturated ground can attenuate the signal.
Burial construction – concrete vaults, metal coffins or brick crypts create stronger reflections than simple wooden boxes, but even vault-less graves leave a trench signature.
Depth and surface change – graves buried within the typical 3–6 ft range remain within effective reach of Sentry’s 400–900 MHz antennas; heavy grading or tree roots may mask shallower features.

In a recent project our team mapped a 150-plus-year-old rural cemetery with no surviving records. GPR located dozens of 1800s burials that had lost their markers, allowing staff to mark them permanently and avoid reselling occupied plots. The results were delivered as a printed master map and an interactive GIS web map with searchable plots on Chronicle cemetery management software—all at no annual subscription cost.

If you need to confirm historic burials, request a free cemetery mapping estimate here.

Question 9

How Accurate Are the Results of Ground Penetrating Radar?

Accepted Answer

Ground-penetrating radar is highly accurate. Under typical cemetery conditions, Sentry Mapping’s GPR pinpoints a burial center within about ±6 inches and estimates depth within ±10 percent. Results depend on soil, moisture and grave materials, but high-frequency antennas and precision GPS let us document virtually every grave without disturbing the ground.

Ground penetrating radar (GPR) is one of the most accurate, non-invasive tools for cemetery mapping. In controlled field tests and hundreds of Sentry Mapping projects, our 400–900 MHz antennas routinely locate the center of a casket, vault or soil disturbance to within ±6 in horizontally and predict depth within ±10 percent.

Accuracy ultimately depends on site conditions. Dry, sandy or loamy soils transmit signals best, while heavy clay, high moisture or dense roots can attenuate them. Even when wood coffins have collapsed, the back-filled trench and any metal hardware still produce a distinctive hyperbola pattern. Our technicians adjust antenna frequency, line spacing and survey speed to suit each cemetery’s soil, topography and burial construction, extracting the clearest data possible.

After scanning, every subsurface hit is tied to centimeter-level GPS and imported into our cemetery GIS mapping workflow. You receive a printed master map and an interactive, searchable web map on Chronicle cemetery management software, so staff and visitors can locate graves instantly with a phone.

Question 10

Is Ground Penetrating Radar Safe to Use?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) is considered safe for operators, cemetery staff, and visitors. The equipment uses very low-power radio waves—about one-thousandth the strength of a cell phone—so it does not disturb human remains, monuments, or nearby electronics. Surveys are noninvasive, silent, and require no digging.

Ground Penetrating Radar transmits non-ionizing radio pulses (typically 250–900 MHz) through the soil and measures the echoes. The power output is less than two watts—roughly the same as a household Wi-Fi router—so it poses no radiation or electrical hazard to people, animals, pacemakers, or headstones. Because the signal loses strength within a few feet of the antenna, nothing outside the immediate scan line is affected.

During a Sentry Mapping cemetery survey, certified technicians push a lightweight GPR cart across the turf. There is no drilling, excavation, or contact with caskets, meaning remains stay undisturbed and the landscape shows no evidence of the work once the wheels roll past. All equipment meets FCC Part 15 emission limits, and our team follows OSHA and cemetery-industry best practices for PPE, site control, and respectful conduct.

The result is a completely non-destructive way to detect unmarked graves, confirm plot boundaries, and digitize records. Managers get precise GPS-tied data for every burial, plus an interactive cemetery GIS map and two years of free Chronicle cemetery management software—without risking visitor safety, staff health, or the integrity of historic sites. In short, GPR delivers the safest, most reliable path to modern, professional cemetery mapping.

Question 11

What are the advantages and disadvantages of using Ground Penetrating Radar?

Accepted Answer

Ground penetrating radar lets you see every burial without digging, saving time, money, and heritage. It is quick, non-destructive, and pairs with GPS to build precise digital cemetery maps. Downsides: clay or water-logged soils weaken the signal and careless reading can mislead, so its vital to hire trained experts like the technicians at Sentry Mapping.

Ground penetrating radar (GPR) is the core tool behind Sentry Mapping’s professional cemetery mapping service. Rolling a low-power antenna cart across the turf, the system sends radio pulses into the soil and records reflections from disturbed layers, vault fragments or voids—ideal for grave locating, unmarked grave detection and utility avoidance.

Key advantages include:

Non-invasive scanning that protects fragile monuments and heritage
High coverage—two technicians can scan several acres a day, turning decades of paper records into accurate digital cemetery mapping and a burial plot map tied to centimeter-level GPS
Immediate insights—real-time profiles show occupied versus open plots, supporting smart space planning and revenue protection.
Seamless integration—each radar hit flows straight into our cemetery management software, giving staff and visitors a searchable, web-based cemetery GIS map.

Disadvantages, and how Sentry Mapping manages them: heavy clay or saturated soils can weaken the signal, so surveys are timed for drier spells and antenna frequency adjusted; raw hyperbolas can mislead the untrained, so GPR-certified technicians cross-check results with GPS and drone imagery to ±6-inch accuracy; and standard 400–900 MHz antennas read best to about eight to ten feet—if a target sits deeper, alternate methods are recommended.

With the right expertise provided by Sentry Mapping’s experts, GPR delivers a fast, respectful and verifiable map of every marked and unmarked grave.

Question 12

What questions should I ask a GPR mapping company before hiring them?

Accepted Answer

Before you sign a contract, ask any ground-penetrating-radar mapping company about their cemetery experience, GPR frequency and GPS accuracy, data deliverables, software compatibility, crew credentials, project timeline, on-site disruption, cost structure, and liability insurance. Clear answers reveal whether they can truly protect your graves and records.

Professional cemetery mapping with ground-penetrating radar (GPR) is an investment in accuracy, heritage, and risk reduction. Use the questions below to vet providers— and compare their answers to Sentry Mapping’s transparent six-step process.

1. Cemetery-specific expertise: How many burial-plot mapping projects have you completed, and can you provide references? Sentry Mapping focuses exclusively on cemeteries, so every technician understands plot numbering, deed boundaries, and respectful field protocols.

2. Technology: What GPR antenna frequencies, precision GPS, drones, or GIS software do you deploy? High-frequency antennas and sub-inch GPS, paired with drone ortho-imagery, deliver the crisp underground and surface data Sentry’s digital cemetery mapping requires.

3. Accuracy and deliverables: Will you mark discovered graves on the ground, supply a printable master map, and create an interactive cemetery GIS map the public can search? Ask to see a sample link; Sentry clients receive both a printed plan and an online map with no recurring web-map fee.

4. Data integration: Can your files plug into our existing GIS or cemetery management software? Sentry Mapping includes two free years of Chronicle cemetery mapping software so staff can update records, sell plots confidently, and show visitors how to find unmarked graves on any device.

5. Project logistics and protections: How long will the cemetery survey take, what areas must remain accessible, and are you fully insured against site damage?

Choosing a GPR mapping partner isn’t just about equipment, it’s about trust, precision, and long-term value. Sentry Mapping combines advanced technology with decades of cemetery-specific experience, ensuring every survey is accurate, respectful, and seamlessly integrated into your operations. When accuracy, transparency, and heritage preservation matter most, Sentry Mapping is the partner you can count on.

Question 13

What surfaces can Ground Penetrating Radar be used for?

Accepted Answer

Ground-penetrating radar scans accurately through most cemetery surfaces—lush turf, bare soil, gravel drives, asphalt lanes, concrete walkways, and even brick or paver plazas—without disturbing the grounds. Whether your plots sit under manicured lawn or beneath a paved road, Sentry Mapping's GPR equipment can still detect every marked or unmarked burial.

Ground penetrating radar cemetery surveys work on virtually any surface you’ll encounter in a burial ground. The high-frequency antennas Sentry Mapping uses read clean echoes through manicured grass, compacted soil, sand, clay, or loam. Because the radar signal is transmitted and received from a wheeled cart that rolls along the ground, it also performs well over hardscapes such as asphalt drive lanes, concrete walkways, gravel paths, brick or stone pavers, and even thin decorative slabs. This versatility lets our technicians scan every corner of your cemetery—between headstones, under tree canopies, through columbarium plazas, and across parking areas—without cutting, coring, or excavation.

Moisture, surface texture, and minor topography rarely pose problems; in fact, slightly damp soil can improve signal clarity, allowing unmarked grave detection down to eight or ten feet. By combining this all-terrain GPR capability with centimeter-grade GPS, Sentry Mapping delivers precise burial plot mapping and digital cemetery mapping that integrates seamlessly with our optional cemetery management software. The outcome: a complete, searchable grave locating map staff and visitors can trust, while the grounds stay pristine and undisturbed. Contact us for a free estimate to plan your project with confidence.

Question 14

What types of cemeteries (size, geographic region) are suitable for GPR mapping?

Accepted Answer

Any burial ground in the 48 contiguous United States, from a half-acre historic churchyard to a 500-acre municipal park cemetery, can be mapped with Sentry Mapping's ground penetrating radar. Our team tailors antenna frequency and GPS grid density to regional soils, climate, and terrain, delivering precise results without disturbing a single grave.

Ground penetrating radar works at any scale for cemetery mapping. Sentry Mapping’s professional field teams routinely survey tiny country churchyards measuring less than one acre, mid-sized 20- to 50-acre community cemeteries, and sprawling municipal sites of 300 acres or more. Because crews establish a sub-inch-accurate GPS grid before scanning, adding or subtracting acreage is simply a matter of extending the grid. No special preparation or staging area is required.

Geography is equally flexible. Our GPR crews travel to all 48 contiguous states and can produce clear subsurface images in Gulf-Coast sand, Appalachian clay, Rocky-Mountain till, and the high-moisture soils of the Pacific Northwest. Dry, sandy or loamy soils transmit radar best, but even heavier, wetter soils reveal the disturbed trench signature of a 3- to 6-foot-deep grave once the right antenna frequency and processing filters are applied. We bring a variety of equipment so technicians can match soil conductivity and burial depth.

Whether you manage a half-acre historic graveyard behind a rural church or a 500-acre metropolitan park cemetery, Sentry Mapping provides the same turn-key deliverables: high-density GPR coverage of every square foot, drone and GPS control points, a color-coded master map, an interactive digital cemetery GIS map with free public web access, and our optional cemetery management software. That means you get one reliable system for unmarked grave detection, preventing double sales, and planning future interments, regardless of size or location.

Question 15

Can we locate lost graves from the 1800s in a cemetery with no marker or records?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Sentry Mapping's high-frequency ground penetrating radar (GPR) scans every square foot of soil, revealing the tell-tale subsurface patterns left by 1800s burials even when stones are long gone. We map each unmarked grave with sub-inch GPS accuracy and add it to a searchable digital cemetery map.

Lost 19th-century graves can be located without disturbing a single shovelful of earth. Sentry Mapping specializes in cemetery mapping, burial-plot mapping, and unmarked grave detection. Our crew grids the cemetery and runs high-frequency ground penetrating radar across each line. This ground penetrating radar cemetery survey supports precise grave locating and digital cemetery mapping. GPR detects changes in the dielectric properties of the soil — rectangular cuts, backfill contrasts, and voids left when a coffin was lowered — all of which still contrast with native soil 150+ years later. We log every radar hit with survey-grade GPS, then overlay those points on an aerial basemap inside our cemetery GIS mapping platform.

Next, our drafting team converts the data into clear burial plot maps that show both marked and newly discovered graves. You and your staff receive a printed master map plus an interactive, zoomable web map. Each grave record can be managed in our optional cemetery management software, so you can attach photos, deeds, and notes in seconds.

Because the process is non-invasive, it protects heritage and complies with preservation rules. Most small historic cemeteries can be completed in a single field visit. With professional cemetery mapping from Sentry Mapping, you can finally answer families’ questions, avoid accidental reuse of occupied plots, and honor every burial dating back to the 1800s.

Question 16

How can a churchyard with limited resources modernize its cemetery record-keeping?

Accepted Answer

Even on a tight budget, a churchyard can convert paper documents to digital records by outsourcing one turnkey survey. Sentry Mapping uses ground-penetrating radar, precision GPS and free web-map delivery to capture every marked or unmarked burial, then loads the data into Chronicle cemetery management software so volunteers can update records online.

Start with a professional cemetery mapping survey that respects tight budgets. Sentry Mapping offers a free estimate and can usually complete a small churchyard in less than a week. High-frequency ground penetrating radar cemetery equipment sweeps the entire site without digging, locating every headstone, footstone and hidden burial. Precision GPS fixes each plot, and our team reconciles old notebooks, ledgers and memory with the new data to prevent duplicate sales or accidental disturbances.

Within weeks you receive a printed master map plus an interactive cemetery GIS mapping portal that anyone can open on a phone, tablet, or computer. Volunteers simply type a name to see a grave’s exact coordinates, photos and available space nearby. Because the map lives in the cloud, the church avoids servers, licenses or IT headaches. Two complimentary years of Chronicle cemetery management software let you keep adding deeds, obituaries and maintenance notes.

The result is sustainable digitizing of cemetery records at a fraction of the cost of hiring surveyors or buying standalone cemetery mapping software. Accurate burial plot mapping today safeguards heritage, streamlines grave locating for families tomorrow and gives congregational leaders confidence that every future interment is in the right place.

Question 17

How can I convert my cemetery’s paper records into searchable digital records?

Accepted Answer

Sentry Mapping turns paper ledgers into a living, searchable database. We scan and key your records, confirm every burial with ground-penetrating radar, map each plot by GPS, then load everything into an online Geographic Information System (GIS) and cemetery-management software. Staff and visitors can now search names or lot numbers in seconds.

Converting box-loads of yellowing documents into a modern cemetery GIS is easier than you think. First, our team collects copies of your plot cards, ledgers, and old hand-drawn maps and scans them into high-resolution images. We transcribe key fields, such as name, dates, lot number, and owner, so nothing is lost.

Next, certified technicians walk every row with high-frequency ground-penetrating radar to detect marked and unmarked graves, while GPS and drone imagery fix each burial plot to sub-inch accuracy. These layers feed into a digital cemetery mapping database.

After quality checks, you receive: 1) a printed master map for the office, 2) a password-protected web map the public can search by name, and 3) two free years of Chronicle cemetery management software. Chronicle lets you update burials, attach deeds or photos, and print lot certificates without extra subscriptions. Because the system is cloud-based, your records are safe from fire, water, and employee turnover. The result is accurate burial plot mapping, easy grave locating, and peace of mind that you will never resell an occupied space.

Ask Sentry Mapping for a free estimate tailored to your grounds.

Question 18

How can we determine how many available burial plots remain in our cemetery?

Accepted Answer

Commission a professional cemetery mapping survey. Sentry Mapping scans every grave with ground-penetrating radar, matches results to GPS, and builds an interactive GIS map. The digital map shows every occupied and vacant space, letting you see exactly how many plots are still available and where they lie.

Start with a complete cemetery mapping audit from Sentry Mapping. Our field crew walks every row with high-frequency ground penetrating radar (GPR) and sub-inch GPS. The equipment detects both marked and unmarked burials, then ties each location to a unique grave ID.

Next, our drafting team draws plot boundaries over recent drone imagery, so every lot has a digital outline. The occupied graves are shaded; open spaces stay clear.

The finished GIS map is uploaded to Chronicle cemetery management software and to a free public web map. In one click you can filter by “vacant,” export a count of unused plots, or print a color plan for board meetings.

Because the survey covers 100 % of the ground surface, you avoid the risk of selling an already occupied space or wasting room between rows. We also give you a spreadsheet of availability that updates automatically as your staff assigns new burials.

Most small cemeteries receive results in two to four weeks with no on-site digging, no disruption, and no ongoing subscription fees. The result is a clear answer to “how many plots do we have left?” and a reliable tool to plan decades of future interments.

Question 19

How can we locate all unmarked graves in a historic cemetery without excavation?

Accepted Answer

Sentry Mapping uses non-invasive high-frequency Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) to scan every square foot of the site. This allows us to detect soil disturbances that mark burials, GPS-tag each hit, then publish the results on an interactive GIS cemetery map. The entire survey is completed without any form of excavation, preserving the historic grounds.

Ground Penetrating Radar cemetery mapping is the gold-standard for unmarked grave detection because it reads disturbed soil and voids instead of headstones. Sentry Mapping’s process is four simple, non-destructive steps:

1. Field survey – technicians push a high-frequency GPR antenna cart across a pre-marked grid, logging every signal that indicates a burial.

2. GPS tagging – each anomaly is captured within ±6-inch accuracy, then merged with drone photography for precise burial plot mapping.

3. GIS drafting – engineers transform the raw data into a digital cemetery map that separates occupied, vacant and questionable plots, ready for import into any municipal GIS.

4. Delivery – you receive a printed master map plus a free, searchable web map and two years of Chronicle cemetery management software, so you can locate graves instantly.

Because no digging is required, the historic landscape, headstones and artifacts remain untouched, and the survey usually finishes in days, not months. The same method has helped 150-year-old cemeteries uncover dozens of lost graves and avoid costly double-sold lots. With Sentry Mapping you get professional cemetery mapping, grave locating, and cemetery GIS mapping in one turnkey package—no recurring web-map fees, just permanent, accurate records that safeguard heritage and prevent future mistakes.

Question 20

What are best practices for preserving heritage in historic cemeteries with missing records?

Accepted Answer

Sentry Mapping's cemetery mapping with ground-penetrating radar and easy software is the safest way to safeguard heritage when paper burial records are lost. First locate every marked and unmarked grave, digitize old ledgers and photos, create a searchable plot map, then share it online for staff and families.

Digital cemetery mapping protects fragile history even when ledgers are missing. Start with a non-invasive ground-penetrating radar cemetery survey to reveal every burial, marked or unmarked, without disturbing soil. Sentry Mapping crews couple high-frequency GPR with precision GPS for dependable unmarked grave detection and burial-plot mapping accurate to the inch. Drone imagery and headstone photographs are synced to each coordinate so caretakers see exactly what sits above and below ground in the cemetery GIS mapping portal.

Next, scan any surviving deeds, notebooks, or obituaries and import them into a cemetery management software program. The system links every document to the right plot, and its grave-locating search returns results in seconds, ending guesswork. Add oral histories while elders are still available, and flag cultural or veteran markers so maintenance crews can protect them.

Finally, publish a public-facing web map through Sentry Mapping that can be periodically edited to stay current, reducing staff calls and accidental plot reuse so descendants can find relatives online. If you need full record-keeping capabilities, we also offer a complete cemetery management software program.

Schedule an annual walk-through to capture new interments and condition photos; the GIS map updates in minutes, keeping heritage data alive. By combining GPR detection, digitization, and open GIS sharing you create a living record that respects the past and guides every future decision.

Question 21

Are GPR cemetery surveys safe for areas with fragile historic headstones?

Accepted Answer

Yes. GPR cemetery surveys are completely non-invasive: the radar cart rolls across the turf without touching monuments, and the radio waves are lower power than a cell-phone call. Sentry Mapping’s process leaves the soil, turf, and even the most fragile 1800s marble or sandstone headstones untouched.

Ground penetrating radar cemetery mapping is one of the gentlest ways to investigate historic burial grounds.

Sentry Mapping’s high-frequency GPR antennas transmit a brief, low-energy radio pulse through the soil and listen for reflections—it is the same non-ionizing energy used by Wi-Fi, so it poses no risk to people or stone. Because the equipment is pushed like a stroller across the grass, there is no vibration, excavation, or chemical applied; nothing ever touches the fragile markers.

The result is a full subsurface map that shows every marked and unmarked grave while leaving the site exactly as we found it. GPR does not emit any harmful radiation. The area can remain undisturbed during the course of the scan and causes no soil disturbance or any other damage to the site.

We have successfully mapped many cemeteries dating back 150+ years without any damage to headstones and markers.

Question 22

Can mapping work be performed in an active cemetery or do we need to close?

Accepted Answer

In most cases, Sentry Mapping can perform cemetery mapping in an active cemetery while funerals and visitations occur. Our ground penetrating radar cemetery surveys are non-invasive, quiet, and require no digging. We coordinate with your staff, work section-by-section, and pause or move away from services to keep a respectful buffer.

Sentry Mapping cemetery mapping with a ground penetrating radar cemetery survey is typically compatible with an active cemetery schedule. Our certified technicians push a lightweight GPR cart across the turf and collect high-precision GPS points. The work is non-invasive, quiet, and requires no digging, so the grounds show no disturbance when we move on.

To protect families and keep traffic flowing, we plan the cemetery survey around your calendar. You tell us where services, visitations, and processions will occur and which sections must stay open. We then work section-by-section in other areas, keep a respectful buffer, and can pause or relocate quickly when needed.

After field work, you receive digital cemetery mapping deliverables including a printed master map and a searchable cemetery GIS mapping Web Mapping deliverable with no annual fee. If you want a full record system, we can also load your data into our optional cemetery management software. For timing and cost, request a Free GPR Estimate and we will build a plan around your service schedule.

Question 23

Can you accommodate infant/child sections and cremains areas where features may be smaller or shallower?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Sentry Mapping can survey infant or child sections and cremains areas by using high-frequency GPR with tighter scan spacing, then tying results to precise GPS coordinates. We map these smaller, shallower features in your cemetery GIS as clear plot types. Detectability still depends on soil and how the interments were installed.

Sentry Mapping’s cemetery mapping approach can be applied for infant and child sections and for cremains areas where features can be smaller or shallower than standard casket burials. During a ground penetrating radar cemetery survey, we use high-frequency antennas and can tighten scan line spacing to capture more detail. In many cemeteries, graves in the typical 3–6 ft range are well within reach, and scans can read to about 12 ft when conditions allow.

For these sections, we pair GPR grave locating with above-ground “as-built” mapping and any records you have, so the final burial plot mapping matches your real layout.

After processing, you receive a printed master map plus digital cemetery mapping layers delivered through a searchable web map. With our cemetery management software program, you can tag plot types (infant, child, cremains), add custom data fields, attach documents, and track availability status. This makes it easier to protect sensitive areas, avoid accidental re-use, and answer families with confidence.

Question 24

Can you map overgrown or abandoned cemeteries where many markers are hidden by vegetation?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Sentry Mapping can map overgrown or abandoned cemeteries even when headstones are buried in vegetation as long as the ground is clear enough for our GPR scanner to navigate the surface like a push mower would. We use ground penetrating radar cemetery surveys plus precision GPS to locate marked and unmarked graves without digging, then deliver a printed master map and an interactive web map your staff and visitors can search.

Sentry Mapping’s cemetery mapping is a strong fit for overgrown or abandoned cemeteries because we do not rely on visible headstones. Using ground penetrating radar cemetery scanning, we survey the grounds in a grid and pinpoint soil disturbance and voids that indicate burials, supporting unmarked grave detection even when markers are hidden, broken, or gone. The GPR scanner needs to roll across the ground much like a push mower, so if vegetation is too dense to navigate safely, you typically only need light trimming or mowing in the scan lanes — not excavation.

We then combine subsurface results with survey-grade GPS and drone mapping for a high-resolution aerial view of paths, sections, and remaining monuments. This produces practical, shareable deliverables: updated burial plot mapping, cemetery GIS mapping layers, and a clickable, searchable web map, plus a printed master map for the office.

For ongoing recordkeeping, you can manage everything in a cemetery management software program. We serve cemeteries across the 48 contiguous U.S. states.

Question 25

Does deep snow cover or deeply frozen ground completely prevent a wintertime geophysical survey from being successfully conducted?

Accepted Answer

Deep snow or frozen ground usually does not stop a wintertime ground penetrating radar cemetery survey for unmarked grave detection, but it can limit speed and data quality. Dry, firm surfaces often scan well. Sentry Mapping will assess conditions and schedule accordingly.

Ground penetrating radar cemetery surveys can often be done in winter. Deep snow cover or deeply frozen ground does not automatically stop a cemetery survey, but it can affect access, speed, and data quality.

For cemetery mapping, burial plot mapping, and grave locating, our technicians scan with high-frequency GPR and mark detected graves, then tie results to precise GPS for cemetery GIS mapping and digital cemetery mapping. If the snow is light and dry, surveys may still run smoothly. The toughest winter conditions are deep, wet snow, slush, and uneven ice because they lift the radar cart, reduce surface contact, and add noise. In those cases, a plowed path, a smaller phased approach, or a schedule change may be the best option.

Frozen ground can be workable, but freeze-thaw layers and changing moisture can shift signal behavior and make depth estimates less consistent. Because GPR has limitations based on ground conditions and weather, we review your site and timing up front and recommend the most reliable path forward.

When conditions are suitable, you still receive the full deliverables: a printed master map, an online searchable web map, and optional loading into our cemetery management software for ongoing recordkeeping.

Question 26

How can I locate unmarked graves in an old cemetery without disturbing the ground?

Accepted Answer

Use high-frequency ground-penetrating radar (GPR) to scan the cemetery surface, then overlay the subsurface reflections on a precise GPS/GIS map. This non-invasive method detects unmarked grave shafts, outlines each burial plot, and creates a digital record—so you find every grave without digging or disturbing the soil.

Ground-penetrating radar cemetery surveys are the gold standard for unmarked grave detection because they read what lies below the turf instead of moving it. During a Sentry Mapping cemetery survey, technicians roll a high-frequency GPR cart across each walkway and row.

The antenna sends radio waves about 12 ft deep; when the signal hits a disturbed soil column (the signature of a grave shaft) it bounces back, creating a hyperbola visible on screen. We record every reflection with survey-grade GPS, then feed that data into our cemetery GIS mapping workflow. Within days you receive a digital cemetery mapping file that pinpoints each burial plot—marked or not—overlaid on recent drone imagery. Because the process is contact-less and lightweight, there is zero damage to headstones, landscaping, or fragile historic soil layers.

Beyond the map, you get a printed master plan, a searchable web map, and two free years of Chronicle cemetery management software. Staff can click any plot to view burial details, upload documents, or confirm availability before selling a space. This combination of GPR grave locating and intuitive software eliminates guesswork, prevents accidental disturbance, and preserves heritage while maximizing usable ground, all without a single shovel hitting dirt.

Question 27

What are the best practices for protecting fragile monuments, flat markers, and landscaping while crews grid and scan each section for mapping?

Accepted Answer

For fragile monuments and flat markers, protect the grounds by using Sentry Mapping's non-invasive ground penetrating radar cemetery scanning. Our crews push a radar cart across turf like a stroller, with no digging and no contact with stones.

Best practices for protecting fragile monuments, flat markers, and landscaping during cemetery mapping start with a pre-walk and clear boundaries. Sentry Mapping’s Cemetery Mapping with GPR is non-invasive: a radar cart is pushed across the turf like a stroller and sends low-energy, non-ionizing radio pulses (like Wi-Fi), so nothing touches headstones and no digging is required.

Note any unstable stones, sunken ground, sprinkler heads, and new sod. Set simple no-go zones and safe travel lanes for our team.

After fieldwork, your Burial Plot Mapping and Cemetery Survey & Drafting outputs can be published as web maps for cemeteries and managed in our optional cemetery management software program, reducing repeat foot traffic and future wear.

Question 28

Will the scanning equipment or radar carts leave any ruts, tread marks, or permanent damage on the delicate cemetery turf?

Accepted Answer

Sentry Mapping’s ground penetrating radar cemetery surveys use a light, walk-behind GPR cart that rolls over the grass. Because the work is non-invasive and requires no digging, it typically leaves no ruts, tread marks, or permanent damage. On very soft, wet turf, faint temporary tracks can occur

With Sentry Mapping, cemetery mapping is designed to protect delicate grounds. Our process is non-invasive: technicians roll a high-frequency GPR cart across each walkway and row to capture subsurface reflections for unmarked grave detection and burial plot mapping, without digging, trenching, or cutting turf.

In normal conditions, you should not see ruts, tread marks, or lasting turf damage. The cart simply rolls across the surface while the radar reads what is below, so the soil and grass are left undisturbed. If your cemetery turf is saturated, freshly graded, or otherwise fragile, we can adjust the field plan with you (for example, work a different section first or return after the ground firms up) to keep the surface looking clean.

This low-impact approach is part of our Cemetery Survey & Drafting and Grave Locating services, and it feeds directly into digital cemetery mapping and cemetery GIS mapping deliverables. You receive a printed master map and a searchable web map. If you want ongoing record control, you can also manage the map in our optional cemetery management software.

Question 29

Can I Track and Locate Specific Burial Plots with a Web Map?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can. Our services provide you with a digital, searchable map of your cemetery, making it straightforward to track and locate specific burial plots. Whether you’re looking for a particular individual or need to show visitors to their loved one’s site, our maps make the process quick and stress-free. This digital tool is designed to be user-friendly, ensuring anyone can navigate it with ease, which greatly simplifies the management and visitation of your cemetery.

Question 30

Can we upload photos of headstones/monuments and link them to each mapped record for staff and/or the public?

Accepted Answer

Yes. With Sentry Mapping's digital cemetery mapping and our optional cemetery management software program, you can attach headstone or monument photos to each mapped grave record. Staff with the right permissions can upload images, and you can also choose to display headstone photos on the public, read-only online map.

Sentry Mapping cemetery mapping can include headstone and monument photos linked to each mapped record for staff and for the public. After Sentry Mapping completes your GPR cemetery survey and burial plot mapping, your cemetery GIS mapping data is delivered in an interactive digital map where each grave is a clickable record.

With our optional cemetery management software program, authorized staff such as owners, administrators, and managers can upload images and attach them to the correct plot or burial record, while view-only users remain read-only.

For public access, you can enable online public access so families can search, view basic interment details, and see a headstone photo to confirm they have the right location. Public users cannot edit anything. You control what is visible, down to specific fields or even specific graves, so you can keep sensitive information staff-only.

Question 31

Do you provide training materials or handoff documentation so staff can confidently use and maintain the digital records?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Sentry Mapping includes a clear handoff so your team can run your digital cemetery mapping with confidence. You get a printed master map and a clickable web map for quick lookups. If you also choose Chronicle cemetery management software, your records are organized in a full management system with access to free Chronicle Learning Hub videos, templates, and ongoing support.

Sentry Mapping plans every cemetery mapping project with a practical handoff for day-to-day record keeping.

At Final Delivery, you receive a printed master map plus a searchable web map your staff can open from any device. This web map is a read-only cemetery GIS mapping tool in a user-friendly format, so staff can quickly find a name, lot, or section and answer visitor questions faster.

If you need full record-keeping capabilities beyond the web map, Chronicle cemetery management software is a separate option that lets you manage your burial plot mapping and records in one system where you can search, filter, and click a gravesite to see and edit details. This makes digitizing cemetery records much easier and helps reduce mistakes, especially when your project includes ground penetrating radar cemetery scanning for unmarked grave detection.

For training on Chronicle, your team can use the free Chronicle Learning Hub, which provides step-by-step videos and downloadable templates for topics like cemetery data audits, records management, and strategic mapping. Chronicle is designed so you do not need months of training and support is available when you need it.

Question 32

Is there software that works with cemetery maps to provide visitor search functionality?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Sentry Mapping pairs its professional cemetery mapping and GPR services with our optional cemetery management software, delivering an interactive, online map that lets staff and visitors instantly search graves by name, lot, or date on any device.

After Sentry Mapping completes a ground penetrating radar cemetery survey, every burial plot is pinned with precise coordinates. That data can be fed straight into a cloud-based cemetery management software platform built for both staff and the public. This optional software turns the digital cemetery map into a searchable interface. You click or tap any lot and see the occupant, dates, photos, and documents.

You can also type a name in the search bar and the software will zoom to the exact grave in seconds, even if the headstone is missing. Behind the scenes, Sentry’s burial plot mapping and unmarked grave detection workflow digitizes cemetery records in one pass, turning scattered ledgers into searchable cemetery GIS mapping layers and a grave locating feature for staff. If you’re wondering how to find unmarked graves, the GPR-based survey detects them and pins them on the map.

For visitors, the map works on any smartphone. They scan a QR code at the gate, enter a name, and follow turn-by-turn directions to the plot. For staff, the software keeps the back-office tools simple. Explore lot status, attach deeds, and print grave location slips in one place.

In short, the combination of Sentry Mapping’s professional cemetery mapping and our cemetery management software delivers a visitor-friendly search tool plus robust record keeping, no extra data entry needed. You can request a cemetery mapping free estimate to see how the service scales to your site.

Question 33

What are the hidden risks if a cemetery does not properly map its plots?

Accepted Answer

Cemetery mapping errors trigger big bills: you might sell an occupied plot, pay to move remains, lose revenue to unsold space, and waste staff hours hunting paper records. Professional ground-penetrating-radar mapping prevents these hidden costs and protects your reputation.

Without reliable cemetery mapping, money slips away. An inaccurate burial plot map can lead your team to re-sell a plot that already contains an unmarked grave. Correcting that mistake usually means a disinterment plus new vault, labor, and re-interment. Families may sue for emotional distress, adding legal fees and public embarrassment.

Fear of striking unknown burials forces crews to dig wider or avoid usable ground, leaving prime space unsold. Even ten “ghost” spaces equal tens of thousands in lost revenue. Staff also spend hours hunting ledgers for each request. Combined, all of these avoidable expenses easily exceed the cost of a professional survey.

Sentry Mapping removes those risks. Our ground penetrating radar cemetery survey detects every marked and unmarked grave, utility line, and obstacle. We deliver precise GPS burial plot mapping and targeted grave locating. You also receive a printed master map plus a searchable digital cemetery GIS map hosted free online. We include a read-only program that lets visitors walk straight to the grave on a phone, and it can be converted to a full cemetery management software program at most any time to keep your digitized cemetery records current. Professional cemetery mapping turns hidden costs into clear data so you can protect heritage, avoid liability, and unlock revenue.

Question 34

What file formats can you deliver (GIS layers, CAD exports, KML, PDFs, spreadsheets), and which are best for long-term archiving?

Accepted Answer

Sentry Mapping can deliver cemetery mapping data as GIS-ready shapefiles with attribute tables (easy to import into ArcGIS or QGIS) plus a printed master map and an interactive web map link. With our optional cemetery management software program, you can also export reports to PDF, XLS, or CSV for backups.

Sentry Mapping delivers digital cemetery mapping in the formats most cemetery managers and GIS teams need. For cemetery GIS mapping projects our core delivery is GIS layers as ESRI shapefiles with matching attribute tables so your staff can load graves, plot boundaries, sections, and paths directly into ArcGIS or QGIS.

You also receive a printed physical master map and a clickable, searchable web map (see Web Maps for Cemeteries) so staff and visitors can find a burial fast without special software.

With our optional cemetery management software program, you can generate office-friendly documents too — export reports as CSV or XLSX spreadsheets and as PDFs, and output certificates as DOCX or PDF.

For long-term archiving we recommend keeping at least three copies: the shapefiles plus attribute tables for future GIS use, a flat CSV export of key records for maximum portability, and a PDF copy of the master map or reports for human-readable reference.

Question 35

What is cemetery mapping?

Accepted Answer

Cemetery mapping is the process of creating an accurate, searchable map of every grave and plot in a cemetery, including unmarked burials. Using tools like GPS, GIS, aerial imagery, and ground penetrating radar, Sentry Mapping documents exact locations so you can protect graves, avoid double-sold plots, and guide visitors quickly.

Cemetery mapping is the process of documenting where every burial and plot sits, then turning that into a map your staff and visitors can search. Done right, it combines surface features like rows, roads, and sections with what is below ground.

Sentry Mapping provides professional cemetery mapping across the 48 contiguous United States using survey-grade GPS, cemetery GIS mapping, drone or aerial imagery, and ground penetrating radar cemetery scans for unmarked grave detection. Depending on your needs, that may include:

– Burial Plot Mapping to mark each gravesite and redraw plot lines

– Grave Locating for a specific missing or unmarked burial

– Cemetery Survey and Drafting to build an accurate as-built map even when paper records are wrong or missing

– Web Maps for Cemeteries that are clickable and searchable with no annual fee

Your deliverables typically include a printed master map plus a digital cemetery map you can open online to search names, view plot details, and see where space is sold, reserved, or available. For ongoing record work, Sentry also offers Cemetery Management Software with Chronicle, with two years of free Chronicle Viewer access when you partner, so you can keep the map and records current over time.

Question 36

Who retains legal ownership of the digital map data and raw GIS files once a municipal cemetery mapping project is complete?

Accepted Answer

In a municipal cemetery mapping project with Sentry Mapping, the municipality keeps legal ownership of the cemetery's digital map data and raw GIS files. Sentry delivers the maps and may host a web map, but the data remains yours.

With Sentry Mapping cemetery mapping for a municipal cemetery, you retain legal ownership of the digital cemetery mapping dataset and the raw GIS files that describe your plots and burials. The project deliverables from burial plot mapping and grave locating become part of your records and your GIS.

At final delivery, you should receive the completed cemetery GIS mapping layers (grave points, plot polygons, sections, roads, and searchable fields) plus a printed master map and a web map link your staff and the public can use. Your records and map layers stay under your exclusive ownership even while they are hosted online. This makes it easier to integrate the data into your city GIS and avoid vendor lock-in.

Sentry Mapping retains only its proprietary equipment and workflows used to collect and process ground penetrating radar cemetery scans and GPS observations.

Question 37

Can we integrate our cemetery map with management software for staff and visitors?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Sentry Mapping delivers your GPR- and GIS-based cemetery map straight into our cemetery management software. Staff can search plots, update records, and plan burials, while a public portal lets visitors locate graves from any device.

Digital cemetery mapping from Sentry Mapping is designed to plug directly into modern software, not rest in a drawer. After our ground penetrating radar cemetery survey and burial-plot mapping, we upload every coordinate, headstone photo, and document into our optional, browser-based cemetery management software.

Your team can zoom around a high-resolution, clickable cemetery map, filter by owner or date, mark a new interment, or print directions for a funeral in seconds. Because the map lives in the cloud, everyone sees the same up-to-date information on a phone, tablet, or desktop for quick grave locating.

You can also share a public view, so families and historians can search names and walk straight to the correct grave without bothering the office. Need heavier-duty features such as online plot sales, work-order tracking, or multi-cemetery dashboards? Simply upgrade to a full management package when ready and all of your Sentry data flows forward automatically.

If you already run a municipal GIS, we export shapefiles and metadata so your IT team can load the same grave-location layer beside utilities, zoning, or flood data. Bottom line: your interactive cemetery map becomes a living management tool that cuts phone calls, prevents double-selling plots, and gives visitors a better experience.

Question 38

How long does it take to map a municipal cemetery from survey to web‑map launch?

Accepted Answer

Sentry Mapping’s cemetery mapping service instantly turns ground-penetrating radar and high-precision GPS survey data into a clean, scalable cemetery map. Every grave—including unmarked burials—appears in its exact location, and plot boundaries are redrawn automatically, giving you an accurate master map plus an interactive online version within a few days to a few weeks depending on the size of your cemetery.

Professional cemetery mapping with Sentry Mapping replaces time-consuming hand redrawing with automated digital drafting. After technicians scan your grounds with high-frequency ground penetrating radar, they capture accurate GPS points for each marked and unmarked grave. Those coordinates flow directly into GIS software, where AutoCAD-style routines auto-draft fresh lot lines, walking paths, and section labels. The result is a to-scale cemetery plot map that matches reality—no guesswork, no erasure marks.

Need to update a burial record later? Edits made in Chronicle cemetery management software immediately appear on both maps, eliminating duplicate data entry. Municipal GIS officers can also import the shapefiles and attribute tables directly into ArcGIS or QGIS, keeping citywide records in sync. Because the entire drafting workflow is automated from the original survey data, you avoid costly drafting fees and gain a future-proof, digital foundation for perpetual care, plot auditing, and heritage preservation.

Question 39

What is the average cost per acre for a cemetery mapping project using ground‑penetrating radar?

Accepted Answer

Sentry Mapping provides a free, no-obligation estimate for each project. Every property is unique and the exact cost varies with soil type, terrain, tree cover, and record condition. Quotes include full GPR coverage, high-precision GPS positioning, drone imagery, and the conversion of raw scans into a color-coded digital cemetery map with printed and interactive deliverables.

On a typical project, Sentry Mapping prices cemetery mapping on a per-acre basis, adjusting the rate only when unusual features demand extra field time. Smaller, wooded, or hilly sites sit near the upper end because thick roots, uneven ground, and heavy clay slow data collection. Flat, open acreage with sandy soil processes faster and often lands closer to the lower figure. Per-acre pricing also drops when you survey several adjoining acres at once, because crew travel and equipment set-up are spread over more ground.

The quoted rate covers far more than a quick sweep. Sentry Mapping’s team grids every square foot with high-frequency GPR and sub-inch GPS to detect marked and unmarked graves. Drone imaging captures a current orthomosaic. Our GIS specialists then turn raw scans into a color-coded digital cemetery map that pinpoints each burial plot, labels ownership, and links photos or documents. You receive a printed master map, an interactive web map with no annual subscription fees, and two years of complimentary access to Chronicle cemetery-management software so staff can update records in real time.

Because every property is unique, Sentry offers a free, no-obligation estimate. Most managers find the service pays for itself by preventing lost plots, avoiding costly digging errors, and opening up sellable space revealed during the survey. Click here to contact us today to discuss your site and receive a customized quote.

Question 40

What is the difference between a “burial-plot map”, a “web-map”, and a “GIS survey”?

Accepted Answer

A burial-plot map is the precise, static master layout of every grave and available space, produced from a one-time GPR/GPS survey. A web-map is the online, clickable version of that map that staff and families can access online to search from any device. A GIS survey is the underlying field data-collection process that feeds both products.

Think of the three deliverables as steps in one streamlined cemetery-mapping workflow.

1) During the GIS survey, Sentry Mapping technicians walk every row with survey-grade GPS and ground-penetrating radar equipment. The instruments record x-y coordinates, depth readings, and attributes—marked and unmarked grave locations, utilities, pathways, trees—creating a rich spatial database. This is the foundation of professional cemetery GIS mapping and integrates seamlessly with municipal or county GIS systems.

2) We produce the burial-plot map from the GIS survey data. This is the authoritative, to-scale master plan you can print, frame, or keep on the grounds. Every lot line, section number, and interment is plotted in its exact position, so you instantly see which plots are occupied, reserved, or available for sale.

3) We then publish the same data as an interactive web-map so your staff, grounds crew, and even visitors can zoom, search a name, or tap a grave for details on a phone or tablet. The web-map lives in the cloud, receives free updates when new burials are added, and links directly to Chronicle’s cemetery management software for digital record-keeping.

Together, the GIS survey, burial-plot map, and web-map turn outdated paper charts into a living, searchable, digital cemetery mapping system that eliminates double-sold plots, speeds grave locating, and preserves your cemetery’s heritage for generations.

Question 41

What training or qualifications should a cemetery-mapping service have for GPR work?

Accepted Answer

A qualified cemetery-mapping service employs manufacturer-certified GPR technicians, FAA-licensed drone pilots, and GIS/GPS specialists who follow OSHA safety rules and carry full insurance. Sentry Mapping meets these standards, offering cemetery-only expertise, high-frequency ground-penetrating radar, sub-inch GPS, and turnkey maps for every marked or unmarked grave nationwide.

Ground-penetrating-radar cemetery surveys are only as reliable as the people behind the cart. Look for a provider whose staff have completed manufacturer training—e.g., GSSI or Sensors & Software operator courses—so they can tune high-frequency (400–900 MHz) antennas, filter noise and interpret hyperbolas correctly for accurate unmarked grave detection. Survey-grade RTK GPS skills are equally critical; sub-inch positioning drops every reflection into the right burial-plot polygon, feeding precise digital cemetery mapping and burial plot mapping.

A top-tier team pairs GPR certification with formal GIS competency and can deliver ESRI-compatible shapefiles or load results straight into cemetery management software. Because projects also blend drone photos with radar data, at least one crew member should hold an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot certificate and understand photogrammetry. On-site work also calls for OSHA 10-hour (or higher) safety training.

Sentry Mapping meets every requirement. Our cemetery-only focus means each technician is factory-trained on world-class GPR, versed in heritage-preservation etiquette, and backed by precision GPS with drone imagery. The result is a printable master map plus a no-fee, interactive cemetery GIS web map that shows every marked or unmarked grave—giving you confidence to sell plots, plan future interments, and protect your cemetery’s legacy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Ground Penetrating Radar

Does GPR Have Any Limitations?

What Is Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) and How Does It Work?

Can GPR Find Available Space for Future Burials?

How Can I Determine if GPR Is Needed for My Project?

How Accurate Are the Results of Ground Penetrating Radar?

Can GPR Be Used to Locate Unmarked Grave Sites?

Can GPR Determine the Exact Size of a Subsurface Void Cavity?

Can ground‑penetrating radar still detect graves that are over 100 years old?

How Accurate Are the Results of Ground Penetrating Radar?

Is Ground Penetrating Radar Safe to Use?

What are the advantages and disadvantages of using Ground Penetrating Radar?

What questions should I ask a GPR mapping company before hiring them?

What surfaces can Ground Penetrating Radar be used for?

What types of cemeteries (size, geographic region) are suitable for GPR mapping?

Unmarked Graves & Historic Preservation

Can we locate lost graves from the 1800s in a cemetery with no marker or records?

How can a churchyard with limited resources modernize its cemetery record-keeping?

How can I convert my cemetery’s paper records into searchable digital records?

How can we determine how many available burial plots remain in our cemetery?

How can we locate all unmarked graves in a historic cemetery without excavation?

What are best practices for preserving heritage in historic cemeteries with missing records?

Field Conditions & Site Suitability

Are GPR cemetery surveys safe for areas with fragile historic headstones?

Can mapping work be performed in an active cemetery or do we need to close?

Can you accommodate infant/child sections and cremains areas where features may be smaller or shallower?

Can you map overgrown or abandoned cemeteries where many markers are hidden by vegetation?

Does deep snow cover or deeply frozen ground completely prevent a wintertime geophysical survey from being successfully conducted?

How can I locate unmarked graves in an old cemetery without disturbing the ground?

What are the best practices for protecting fragile monuments, flat markers, and landscaping while crews grid and scan each section for mapping?

Will the scanning equipment or radar carts leave any ruts, tread marks, or permanent damage on the delicate cemetery turf?

Deliverables, Data & Software

Can I Track and Locate Specific Burial Plots with a Web Map?

Can we upload photos of headstones/monuments and link them to each mapped record for staff and/or the public?

Do you provide training materials or handoff documentation so staff can confidently use and maintain the digital records?

Is there software that works with cemetery maps to provide visitor search functionality?

What are the hidden risks if a cemetery does not properly map its plots?

What file formats can you deliver (GIS layers, CAD exports, KML, PDFs, spreadsheets), and which are best for long-term archiving?

What is cemetery mapping?

Who retains legal ownership of the digital map data and raw GIS files once a municipal cemetery mapping project is complete?

Getting Started

Can we integrate our cemetery map with management software for staff and visitors?

How long does it take to map a municipal cemetery from survey to web‑map launch?

What is the average cost per acre for a cemetery mapping project using ground‑penetrating radar?

What is the difference between a “burial-plot map”, a “web-map”, and a “GIS survey”?

What training or qualifications should a cemetery-mapping service have for GPR work?

Contact Us

Can ground‑penetrating radar still detect graves that are over 100 years old?