Mapping cemeteries for class – how students used phones and drones to help a city count its headstones

Cemeteries are a treasure trove of local history and family connection. Technology and ingenuity have made mapping them easier.

By: Robbyn Abbitt, Miami University, The Conversation

Outlets: The Conversation

Published: February 10, 2026

Words: 1,110

Last Updated: 1 month ago

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By Robbyn Abbitt, Miami University

If you told me a decade ago that I’d become an expert in mapping cemeteries, I would’ve laughed and been very confused about the dramatic turn my professional life must’ve taken at some point.

I’m an environmental scientist who specializes in geospatial technology, which involves analyzing the Earth and how geography plays a role in human societies. I use these tools in my work to map conservation planning, …

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