locating gravesAdd spacegeomodel@geomodel.com or 703-777-9788

GeoModel, Inc. uses ground penetrating radar (GPR) for locating graves quickly and efficiently. A survey crew can cover large areas in a day depending on the terrain and vegetation cover.

Locating Graves - Introduction

Ground penetrating radar surveys are useful for locating graves by detecting the buried coffin or vault. In cases where a vault or coffin does not exist, GeoModel, Inc. can examine the GPR data for disturbed soil or other remains of the burial. Remains of burials are easier to locate in sandy soils that do not contain tree roots or stones. Ground penetrating radar (GPR) is operated above the ground surface, and produces a cross-sectional image of the ground.

GeoModel, Inc. conducts GPR surveys for locating graves using a GPR digital control unit and antennas with frequencies of 400 or 900 MHz. Depths of investigation and the detail of the images observed are determined by the antenna that is used when conducting the survey and the soil type. A 400-MHz antenna will examine the subsurface to depths of up to 8 feet in sandy soils, but less deep in clayey soils. A higher frequency antenna (900-MHz or higher) can examine the near surface (up to 3 feet in depth) in greater detail.

GPR surveys for locating graves are efficiently conducted. The pictures below show some of the equipment used in a survey and the results that can be obtained.

GeoModel, Inc. operator pulling a 400 MHz antenna over suspected graveyard (above left). GPR image showing 3 separate graves (above center). Site map (right above) shows 4 grave locations, found using GPR.

This map (above right) shows the result of a typical GeoModel, Inc. cemetery survey in which grave locations are mapped in relation to headstones. Note that some of the graves don't necessarily match up with the headstones. In some cases, there is no headstone associated with the grave.

In some special cases, 3-Dimensional imaging can be used to better define graves. This process requires very close spacing of survey lines and using special 3-D software.

GeoModel, Inc. in The News

Recently, GeoModel, Inc. was in the news in Florida for our grave location surveys.

GeoModel, Inc. conducted a ground penetrating radar survey, at a cemetery in south Florida, to locate grave sites.

A local reporter took this photo as GeoModel, Inc. was conducting its survey. The story was covered in the local Sun Sentinel, Florida, newspaper.

Company Background

GeoModel, Inc. was founded in 1991 as a geophysical services and environmental consulting firm. The company principals have over 50 years of combined experience and have conducted numerous ground penetrating radar cemetery and grave location projects worldwide. All projects are conducted by registered professional geologists.

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