Gravestone Imaging Project | 3D Imaging of Headstones with Photogrammetry!

I found this headstone while visiting the Plainfield Township Cemetery in Plainfield, Illinois. It was lying on the ground next to a tree. While inspecting the headstone, I found it almost impossible to read. I placed the headstone against the tree and took both videos and photos of the headstone. I used the videos to create a 3D image of the headstone. As you can see, many of the details were obscured by wear.

Original Image headstone at Plainfield Township Cemetery in Plainfield, IL.

I used the videos to create a 3D image of the headstone. As you can see, many of the details were obscured by wear.

3D Imaging of the headstone.

After checking many sites, I was unable to find any information about the person listed on the headstone. I decided to send the image to the Plainfield Township Cemetery Board to enlist their help with locating the owner of the headstone. The Cemetery Board passed my information to Cemetery Sexton, Ken Carroll.

I met with Ken the other day, and he was invaluable in locating the information about the headstone owner. I learned that the headstone was for Ruth Ann Fellows, whose name was on it. He explained that after many years, some headstones will fall over. Ken also mentioned that they are in the process of repairing many of the pioneers’ headstones and that it takes time and funds to help preserve the history contained within this cemetery. Most importantly, he commented that they use the rubbing method to help with repairs/replacement of headstones, and that method would not have yielded as many details as the 3D imaging revealed.

Image of the burial card listing the family, including the owner of the headstone.

Ruth Ann Fellows is the owner of the headstone. Died Sept 26, 1854, at the age of 22.

I am thankful I could unknowingly contribute to a preservation project, and I look forward to learning more about how my 3D imaging project can further help preserve history!

This is the headstone for Johann Ruffer, located at the Saint John's UCC Cemetery in Cottleville, Missouri.

Johann Ruffer Headstone 3D imaging created from video.

Johann Ruffer Headstone 3D imaging created from photo images.

Headstone Information:
Johann Ruffer
Born: 29, Oct, 1853
Died: 1, Aug, 1896

This is the headstone for Anna M., located in the All Saints' Cemetery in Saint Peter, Missouri.

As you can see, the headstone is very old and weather-worn, making it difficult to read. There are many methods for obtaining information from a headstone, such as rubbings, aluminum foil, and flour, to name a few. All of these methods require you to touch the headstone, which further wears down its surface.

Anna M. Headstone 3D imaging.

This image shows an example of photogrammetry created from a video of the headstone. I created a 3D image of the headstone so you can read the information without touching it.

The goal of this project is to share how 3D imaging using Photogrammetry can help preserve our history without the need to touch the headstones.