Guidance for preparing the modern registry of the cemeteries (Cemetery GIS)

Abstract

The situation of the cemeteries in Hungary is in many ways impossible. It is a national problem that there is no exact geometric survey and a correct, computerised map or the cemeteries. The traditionally (paper based) maintained registration is impossible to follow, and chaotic. The application of the Geographical Information System, besides maintenance (property registry, cemetery and burial lot management) is also justified when extending the current cemeteries and when establishing new ones (in the process of allocating lots). We made a proposal for setting up a data model meeting the requirements of the actual situation and the legal regulations in force as well, for the collection of the data necessary for the registry, and for carrying out such analyses which require this registration system (e.g. follow-up of different changes in demography and religion structure). The national implementation of the Cemetery GIS will soon become the new field of Hungarian environmental management, and at the same time will be a serious, new opportunity for creating jobs. Our work will facilitate this process.