Yesterday I went looking for a Find-a-Grave request at Oak Woods, which happened to have the section and plot number.
I decided to take one of the plot maps and layer it over an image of the same area from Google Earth.
Section G in Oak Woods Cemetery. Check out how perfectly that map fits the satellite image!
The plot maps aren't always easy to read. These are not originals, but copies of hand numbered maps. Having the satellite image helps me find landmarks as I wander. Below is the Section G map without the satellite overlay.
I set out to look for the section markers (as you can see in the pictures below.) Then I look for the number on my map, and see how the numbers go up or down from where I am, and start looking for the requested grave.
I learned a lot today while doing this! See the round metal plate in the following picture?
They have numbers engraved on them, and they correspond to the dividing lines that crisscross the section, breaking it up into subsections. I had no idea! I've seen those markers here and there, but they never lined up with plot numbers, so I figured they had some other use. Huzzah!!
Not only that, look at the satellite image from Google Maps for this section, see the lines? Look at the section map up above. Cool!
As for the grave, I didn't find it. I don't think the plot number they used is correct, as I don't think the numbers go that high in section G. They might be using that metal marker number so I will walk along that area next time. Maybe those "paths" also count as long plots? I had to give up the search since the cemetery was about to close, but I will try again soon.
If anyone knows more about cemetery plot maps, or how the lines we can see in the satellite image are achieved, please comment!
#OakWoodsCemetery #CemeteryMaps #Cemetery #Taphophile #FindAGrave