How to Read a Cemetery Map and Find a Plot

Cemetery locations look like codes: "Section C, Row 12, Lot 4, Grave 2". Here's how to decode them.

The parts of a location

• Section or block — a large area
• Range or row — a line of plots
• Lot — a family's group of graves
• Grave or space — the individual burial

On the ground

Look for corner markers, small stones or posts at section edges. Rows are usually counted from a road.

Ask the office

Staff can mark the map or walk you there. See how to find a grave.

Before ordering

Give the full location on your order — see ordering for a cemetery in another city.

Digital maps and apps

Many cemeteries now offer:

• Online burial searches with section and lot.
• GPS coordinates for each grave.
• Volunteer-built databases with photos and locations.

Save the coordinates on your phone so you can walk straight to the grave next time. Still, call the office — online maps can be incomplete. See finding a grave.

Finding graves in older or rural cemeteries

Small rural and church cemeteries often have no printed map at all. Tips:

• Ask the caretaker or church secretary — they may keep a hand-drawn plan.
• Look for family clusters — relatives were usually buried together.
• Use neighbouring stones with known dates to narrow the row.
• Check volunteer transcriptions from genealogy societies, which often list stones row by row.
• Walk in good light and bring a printed list of nearby names.

Once you find the grave, photograph it with landmarks and note its position for the next visit.

Key Takeaways

• Section → row → lot → grave.
• Corner markers guide you.
• The office can help.

Next Step

Contact us if you need help coordinating with a cemetery.