|Creating A Coordinate Grid Map|
A Coordinate Grid Map will have to be used when a cemetery has an irregular shape or unusual placement of graves. While this type of map is far more time consuming to create and use than a standard servey map, it is very accurate. Once you get the hang of using one in the field it will get a lot easier.
shown at the left is a sample Coordinate Grid Map used to plat an "imaginary"
cemetery. This cemetery sits atop a high bluff overlooking a river
valley. The south end (top) of this cemetery is irregular and the
grave markers are not placed in well defined rows. The survey team
used an existing fence on the East end of the cemetery and a string they
ran between two concrete corner posts at the North end to create an origin
point at the Northeast corner. By using a "best fit" method they
determined a scale of 1/8" = 2' (1 square on the grid paper equals 2 feet
of cemetery space), they are now able to accuratly plot the exact location
of each grave in the cemetery. Each grave will be located on the
map using X,Y coordinates. Given these coordinates, a volunteer can
determine the exact location of each grave my simply measuring from the
origin point. Grave 12,21 is found by multiplying 12 by 2 for 24
feet, and 21 by 2 for 42 feet. Thus grave 12,21 is 24 feet South
of the origin point and 42 feet West of the origin point.
As graves are located, the location of each will be indicated on the map with an X or other symbol. So that the surveyor can identify each grave without remeasuring each one, a wooden stake or even a popsicle stick with the coordinates on it can be placed at each grave. The surveyor should reference these numbers when completing a grave survey.
The Indiana Pioneer Cemeteries Restoration
© Copyright 2005-Indiana Pioneer Cemeteries Restoration Project