Wyoming drone pilot helps to find unmarked graves

A Wyoming drone pilot and State geologists help to find unmarked graves and map the Cedar Hills Cemetery at Fort Pierre in South Dakota this week.
Wyoming drone pilot helps to find unmarked graves
The burial coordinator, Dustin Loyd at the South Dakota Archaeological Research Center in Rapid City says that the records on who is buried where in the centuries-old cemetery have not consistently been kept up to date.
finding the unmarked graves at the Cedar Hills Cemetery is not an exact science, Lyod says but there are some hints and clues. He added that when they do find a potential unmarked grave the spot is marked for later research.
FAA-certified, Wyoming drone pilot Chris Leatherman from Gillette said that mapping out cemeteries is a somewhat new use case for drones. Leatherman is also the adjunct instructor in drone and GIS studies for the University of Denver, reports DRGNews.
Last year, the Fort Pierre City Council asked for input from the public about whether the town should keep selling plots at the Cedar Hills Cemetery. This sparked the interest in locating the unmarked graves at the centuries-old cemetery. Accurately mapping the area with the help of drones will help to determine how much space is currently available for sale.
You can read more stories about discoveries that have been made with the help of drones here.
Stay in touch!
If you’d like to stay up to date with all the latest drone news, scoops, rumors, and reviews, then follow us on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, Instagram or…
Subscribe to our Daily Drone News email.*
Submit tips If you have information or tips that you would like to share with us, feel free to submit them here. Support DroneXL.co: You can support DroneXL.co by using these links when you make your next drone purchase: Adorama, Amazon, B&H, BestBuy, eBay, DJI, Parrot, and Yuneec. We make a small commission when you do so at no additional expense to you. Thank you for helping DroneXL grow! FTC: DroneXL.co uses affiliate links that generate income.
* We do not sell, share, rent out or spam your email, ever. Our email goes out on weekdays around 5:30 p.m.
Photo credits: Jody Heemstra and Chris Leatherman
Discover more from DroneXL.co
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD
Proposed legislation threatens your ability to use drones for fun, work, and safety. The Drone Advocacy Alliance is fighting to ensure your voice is heard in these critical policy discussions.Join us and tell your elected officials to protect your right to fly.
Get your Part 107 Certificate
Pass the Part 107 test and take to the skies with the Pilot Institute. We have helped thousands of people become airplane and commercial drone pilots. Our courses are designed by industry experts to help you pass FAA tests and achieve your dreams.

Copyright © DroneXL.co 2025. All rights reserved. The content, images, and intellectual property on this website are protected by copyright law. Reproduction or distribution of any material without prior written permission from DroneXL.co is strictly prohibited. For permissions and inquiries, please contact us first. DroneXL.co is a proud partner of the Drone Advocacy Alliance. Be sure to check out DroneXL's sister site, EVXL.co, for all the latest news on electric vehicles.
FTC: DroneXL.co is an Amazon Associate and uses affiliate links that can generate income from qualifying purchases. We do not sell, share, rent out, or spam your email.