Cemetery Mapping Software Set to Revolutionize Grave Searches

In a recent government meeting, officials discussed the approval of a new digital mapping software for local cemeteries, aimed at enhancing public access and operational efficiency. The proposal involves a $7,830 expenditure from the Cemetery Expendable Trust Fund to implement a system provided by a company known as Chronicle. This software will utilize drone technology to capture overhead footage and GPS data of cemetery plots, allowing users to search for relatives and receive turn-by-turn directions to specific gravesites.

The initiative is expected to streamline the management of cemetery records and improve public engagement by making information readily accessible online. The software will also be scalable, accommodating future expansions, such as the ongoing development of the New Riverside Cemetery.

Officials noted that the annual maintenance cost for the software would be approximately $1,400, which will be drawn from the cemetery's operating budget. Importantly, if the town decides to terminate the contract with Chronicle, all collected data will remain with the town in a usable format.

The meeting highlighted the potential community concerns regarding access to information about relatives buried in different cemeteries, suggesting that further consideration may be needed to address these issues. The proposal received unanimous support from the board, with plans to move forward with the implementation in the coming months.