Can GPR Be Used to Locate Unmarked Grave Sites?
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.