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Plat Maps, Plot Maps, and Cemeteries in Genealogical Research
August 1, 2025
 
Intermediate-Advanced Article
 
Plat Maps, Plot Maps, and Cemeteries in Genealogical Research
 
Cemeteries are just like archives of the past, where every grave has a story to share.  Maps can be a very critical asset for anyone performing cemetery research whether it be to locate one of their missing ancestors or to help someone as part of a research project.  A cemetery plat book, whether in book format, pdf version, or digital version on the cemetery website, may allow visitors prior to their visitation to locate burial plots, understanding the cemetery layout, and researching family history.  There are three important sources that are critical for research success.   
 
  1. County Plat Maps.  A county plat map is a document that shows how a larger tract of land (like a subdivision, neighborhood, or even an entire county) is divided into individual parcels or lots.  And these usually include buildings such as churches, including cemetery locations. Plat maps show the actual layout of the cemetery grounds with graves. The plat book lists section names, location numbers, burial row numbers and grave or plot numbers. 
  2. Cemetery Plot Maps.  A cemetery plot map is a detailed visual representation of a cemetery's grounds. Usually prepared by the cemetery association or other governing body.
  3. Cemetery Plot Records.  Plot records give the physical location of a grave, lot number and visual description of the plot. The deed number, plot owner’s name, purchase date, amount paid and name of interred may be included. Plot Records are in the “lot” or “plot” book.
Understanding Cemetery Plat Books is a necessity for successful research.  These books offer five major research benefits.
 
     1. They are visual representations of a cemetery, showing the layout of burial plots and other
         potentially related features.   
     2. They are essential for locating specific burial plots, especially when researching family history.
     3. Plat books may include symbols to represent different features like graves, pathways, or
         buildings. 
     4. They can be used to understand the overall layout of the cemetery and to find specific sections,
         rows, or plots. 
     5. In addition to physical copies, cemetery plat books are increasingly being digitized and made
         available through online resources. 
 
Burial plot maps serve as vital tools for both researchers and visitors alike. For genealogists, cemetery plot maps can be invaluable in locating the final resting places of ancestors, tracing family histories, and uncovering long-forgotten stories. Understanding the layout of a cemetery through its plot map can also help visitors navigate the grounds with ease, ensuring they find the graves they are seeking.
Another important, but sometimes underestimated, fact is to understand burial plot map symbols.
 
Decoding the symbols and markings used on cemetery plot maps is essential for interpreting the information they contain. Each symbol represents a specific feature or detail within the cemetery, helping users navigate the grounds and locate individual plots. Common symbols found on cemetery plot maps include markers for graves, pathways, trees, buildings, and other landmarks. Understanding these symbols is key to effectively using a cemetery plot map for research or visitation purposes.
 
In addition to physical features, cemetery plot maps may also include symbols that denote special designations or historical significance. For example, military gravesites may be marked with specific symbols to indicate the service of the deceased. Family plots or mausoleums could be represented by unique symbols that distinguish them from individual graves. By familiarizing oneself with these symbols, researchers and visitors can gain a deeper understanding of the cemetery layout and the stories it holds.
 
Some symbols on cemetery plot maps may have cultural or regional variations, so it is important to consult a legend or key provided with the map to ensure accurate interpretation. By paying attention to these symbols and their meanings, users can navigate the cemetery with confidence, locate specific gravesites, and appreciate the rich history and diversity of those interred within its grounds.
 
To obtain information from these plat and plot maps, there are a variety of useful options available as shown below.
  1. The most reliable way to obtain a cemetery plat book is to contact the cemetery's office. Many cemeteries maintain records of plot maps that can be accessed by visitors or researchers seeking information about specific gravesites. They can provide you with information about the availability of a digital or physical copy.  Some cemeteries have websites where they may provide downloadable plat maps or links to online resources. 
  2. Cemetery plot maps are typically available through a variety of other sources including genealogical societies, major research repositories such as the FamilySearch Library, Allen County Genealogy Center in Ft. Wayne Indiana, the Mid-Continent Genealogy Center in Independence, Missouri, and general  historical archives. Online platforms and genealogy websites may also offer digitized versions of cemetery plot maps for remote viewing and research.
  3. Local libraries, historical societies, and archives often hold collections of cemetery plot maps and related documents that can be invaluable resources for researchers and historians in their service areas.
  4. These repositories may house maps dating back decades or even centuries, providing insights into the evolution of burial practices, cemetery layouts, and societal changes over time. By consulting these archives, researchers can uncover hidden gems of historical information waiting to be discovered.
  5. Explore online Genealogy Resources such as cemetery map software programs.  Websites such as Ancestry or Cyndi’s List offer tools and resources for locating cemetery records and may have links to digitized plat maps.  Cemetery map software programs allows genealogists to
    a. Search for ancestors by name, date, or location
    b. See burial plots in relation to other family members
    c. Access historical records and photos of gravestones
    d. Some programs may also offer templates for creating your own cemetery maps.
 
For more information on this topic, please visit the following sources. 
 
Books
Carmack, Sharon DeBartolo.  Your Guide to Cemetery Research.  2002  Genealogy (G) 929.5 Carmackhttps://libpac.leegov.com/polaris/search/title.aspx?ctx=1.1033.0.0.6&pos=6&cn=91705

Gillon, Edmund Vincent.  Early New England Gravestone Rubbings.  1966  Genealogy (G) 929.5 Gillon
https://libpac.leegov.com/polaris/search/title.aspx?ctx=1.1033.0.0.6&pos=1&cn=95732
 
Hoffman, Shirleen.  Problem Solving Using Cemetery Records for Genealogical Research.  2025 Lecture.  Study Guide available upon request by contacting Bryan L. Mulcahy at bmulcahy@leegov.com.

Mann, Thomas C & Janet Greene.  Sudden& Awful: American Epitaphs & The Finger of God.   1968  Genealogy (G) 929.5 Mann
https://libpac.leegov.com/polaris/search/title.aspx?ctx=1.1033.0.0.6&pos=1&cn=3590435
 
Miller, Richard E. Gone But Not Forgotten: Genealogy and Grave Hunting.   1988
Genealogy (G) 929.5 Miller
https://libpac.leegov.com/polaris/search/title.aspx?ctx=1.1033.0.0.6&pos=3&cn=308844
 
Neighbors, Joy.  The Family Tree Cemetery Field Guide: How To Find, Record, & Preserve Your Ancestors Graves.  2017  Genealogy (G) 929.5 Neighbors
https://libpac.leegov.com/polaris/search/title.aspx?ctx=1.1033.0.0.6&pos=1&cn=3270887
 
Internet
All Funeral Services.  How Cemetery Mapping is Transforming Cemeteries and Visitor Experiences.  2025
http://allfuneral.com/resources/how-cemetery-mapping-is-transforming-cemeteries-and-visitor-experiences/
 
Axiom Cemetery Management.  JMT Consulting.  How Can Cemetery Plot Maps Help People With Their Genealogy Research?  2024
https://axiom-cms.com/deathcare-software/cemetery-plot-maps-genealogy-research/
 
Legacy Headstones.  Digital Age of Graveyard Mapping.  2024
https://legacyheadstones.com/blogs/articles/the-digital-age-of-graveyard-mapping?srsltid=AfmBOorlipFxBzeqxeVr0hxn3tgQ-xbl0kump_XHPfcQEEJL5rmJFxQb
 
ViaVista Mapping.  A Comprehensive Guide to Cemetery Plot Maps.   2024
https://viavistacemeterymappingservices.com/2024/04/15/cemetery-plot-maps-a-comprehensive-guide/

Neighbors, Joy.  Family Tree Magazine. How To Conduct Thorough Cemetery Genealogy Research.    2022
https://familytreemagazine.com/cemeteries/cemetery-genealogy-research
 
 
Bryan L. Mulcahy
Reference-Genealogy Librarian
Fort Myers Regional Library
bmulcahy@leegov.com
7/10/2025


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