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2013
Final Project Report: Fonthill Cemetery Mapping Phase 1
Prepared For:
The Town of Pelham
Prepared By:
Ground Truth Consultants
14 June 2013
Photo by James Climenhage
135 Taylor Road, S.S #4
Niagara-on-the-lake, ON
Tel: (647)408-5450
Email: [email protected]
135 Taylor Rd.
Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON
L0S 1J0 June 14, 2013
James Lane, Engineering Technologist The Town of Pelham 20 Pelham Town Square Fonthill, ON L0S 1E0 Dear Mr. James Lane: Re: Fonthill Cemetery Mapping Phase 1 Project Proposal Report Please accept this letter as the official submission of, Ground Truth Consultants Project Final Report for
the Fonthill Cemetery Mapping Phase 1, Project ID: 201213-02.
This is the Final Report for the Fonthill Cemetery Mapping Phase 1 applied thesis project. The attached
report includes a detailed discussion of the methodologies involved in the creation of, and challenges
involved with, the four client deliverables Access database, file geodatabase, the online interactive
web map and a business feasibility study of the adjacent property to the south of the Fonthill Cemetery
as a possible area of expansion for the cemetery grounds.
Project Management elements are discussed including total hours and breakdown down structure of the
seven major tasks involved with this multi-pronged project. The total estimated cost of the project
originally valued at $151,372.80 has been revised to a final total of $103,170.81. This cost continues to
include the project team labour costs, advisor wage, travel costs, hardware and software acquisitions,
incidentals, contingencies and taxes. The project budget has been prepared for learning purposes only
and the value of this project is being donated by the student consultants, Niagara College and the
advisory staff.
The report includes findings and recommendations for the Town of Pelham including a recommended
layout of the expansion property that mirrors the existing cemetery structure and yields a total of 2194
individual plots/graves with minimum net revenues of $2,248,850.00 with full capacity.
Please review this Final Report as it updates the recent changes made to the Fonthill Cemetery Mapping
Phase 1 applied thesis project. If you have any questions, concerns and or recommendations regarding
the enclosed document, please feel free to contact me at your convenience at (647)408-5450.
Sincerely,
Chris Burland, B.A. Project Manager Ground Truth Consultants CB /
135 Taylor Road, S.S #4
Niagara-on-the-lake, ON
Tel: (647)408-5450
Email: [email protected]
135 Taylor Rd.
Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON
L0S 1J0 June 14, 2013
Enclosures: 1) [Project Final Report: Fonthill Cemetery Mapping Phase 1].
2) Feasibility Report on the Expansion property 3) User guide for the Access Database 4) User Guide for the online interactive web page 5) [Lightscribe DVD disc containing the following:
Access Database, Fonthill.gdb, Folder of grave photos, html, CSS and javascript coding, ArcMap Layout mxd file
cc. A.Goodale, GIS Consultant C.LaScala, GIS Consultant J.Lisnyj, GIS Consultant N.Matanga, GIS Consultant J.Finlay, Project Advisor
Fonthill Cemetery Mapping Phase 1 | Final Report i
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Executive Summary
This final report provides an in-depth overview of the changes made to the goal, objectives, and
methodologies encompassed in the Fonthill Cemetery Mapping Project Phase 1. Currently, the towns
staff has maintained an antiquated system of database storage, recording all cemetery information
connected to the sale and ownership of plots in the towns main cemetery in paper log books. The
Town of Pelham wants to modernize their cemetery database system by digitizing all their cemetery
records using various up-to-date database and GIS-related techniques.
The project involved four client-related deliverables a database for the storage of all cemetery
related information; a file geodatabase used to link the database to the third deliverable, an interactive
online web portal that provides public access to the cemeterys layout and contents and a business
feasibility study of possible expansion of the Fonthill Cemetery.
A database has been designed to handle all of the variations in plot to grave relationships that currently
exist in the complex and disorganized Fonthill Cemetery layout. The database has been populated with
the contents of over 150 plots (600 + individual grave records) in the three sections within the scope of
the project the Hansler, Armitage and Dickson cemetery sections.
The contents of this database, complete with a series of forms and standard queries, were then
transferred into a File Geodatabase used to generate an online web page. This page, created using
Google API and fusion tables, allows any member of the public to search the cemetery for any names of
persons buried. A search result provides the geographical location of the grave, as well as a photo of the
gravestone and some pertinent data regarding individual internments.
The original projected budget for the Fonthill Cemetery Mapping Phase 1 Project had a total cost of
$151,372.80 (including taxes). The final budget for the project was $103,170.81 (including taxes).
Ground Truth Consultants were able to bring this project in 22% under budget. The main reason for this
savings was due to the overestimation of the labour required to complete several of the main goals.
One of the key findings of this project involved the need for a multi-layer ID system required in the
database design. This was necessary in order to accommodate the number and range of different
relationships between plots and persons buried. The organization of each section differs at the plot and
grave level with Hansler and Armitage each having the capacity for eight persons per plot. Also, missing
and inaccurate data existed in the old records, the AutoCAD map and the actual grave markers.
The business feasibility study provided some differing results based on the criteria placed on the
findings. The report includes three different alternatives for the organizational plan for the adjacent
property a plan that extends the existing cemetery structure into the annexed area; a maximized
spacing with a minimization of path and roadways; and a middle ground that included smaller but
usable paths. This option will provide the Town of Pelham a minimum of $2,248,850.00 with full brial
capacity.
Fonthill Cemetery Mapping Phase 1 |Final Report ii
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Table of Contents
Executive Summary ........................................................................................................................................ i
Table of Contents .......................................................................................................................................... ii
List of Figures ............................................................................................................................................... iii
List of Tables ................................................................................................................................................ iv
List of Appendices ........................................................................................................................................ iv
1.0 Introduction ...................................................................................................................................... 1
1.1 Project Overview ........................................................................................................................... 1
1.1.1 Client Overview ..................................................................................................................... 1
1.1.2 Project Purpose ..................................................................................................................... 1
1.1.3 Project Goal ........................................................................................................................... 1
1.1.4 Primary Project Objectives .................................................................................................... 1
1.1.5 Project Study Area and Scope ............................................................................................... 2
1.1.6 Deliverables ........................................................................................................................... 3
2.0 Literature Review .............................................................................................................................. 3
2.1 Problem Formulation .................................................................................................................... 3
2.2 Literature Search ........................................................................................................................... 4
2.3 Literature/Data Evaluation ........................................................................................................... 4
2.3.1 Town of Pensacola, FL ........................................................................................................... 4
2.3.2 City of Niagara Falls, ON ........................................................................................................ 4
2.3.3 City of Brandon, MB .............................................................................................................. 5
2.3.4 City of Stratford, ON.............................................................................................................. 6
3.0 Provided Data.................................................................................................................................... 8
3.1 Original Paper Records .................................................................................................................. 8
3.2 AutoCAD Drawing ......................................................................................................................... 8
4.0 Project Resources .............................................................................................................................. 9
5.0 Client Deliverables .......................................................................................................................... 11
5.1 Access Database .......................................................................................................................... 11
5.1.1 Photo Capture ..................................................................................................................... 11
5.1.2 Methodology ....................................................................................................................... 11
5.1.3 Challenges ........................................................................................................................... 12
Fonthill Cemetery Mapping Phase 1 |Final Report iii
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5.2 File Geodatabase......................................................................................................................... 13
5.2.1 Methodology ....................................................................................................................... 13
5.2.2 Challenges ........................................................................................................................... 14
5.3 Online Interactive Cemetery Map .............................................................................................. 15
5.3.1 Survey .................................................................................................................................. 15
5.3.2 Online Interactive Map ....................................................................................................... 16
5.3.4 Challenges ........................................................................................................................... 26
5.4 Future Cemetery Expansion Study .............................................................................................. 27
6.0 Project Management ..................................................................................................................... 30
6.1 Final Project Schedule ................................................................................................................ 30
6.2 Final Project Working Hours ...................................................................................................... 30
6.3 Labour Costs ............................................................................................................................... 33
6.3.1 Final Labour Costs Breakdown ............................................................................................ 33
6.4 Final Project Budget ................................................................................................................... 34
6.5 Earn Value Management ............................................................................................................ 35
7.0 Findings ........................................................................................................................................... 37
8.0 Conclusions and Recommendations ............................................................................................... 38
9.0 Works Cited ..................................................................................................................................... 40
List of Figures
Figure 1: The study area for the Fonthill Cemetery Mapping Project Phase 1 including expansion area .... 2
Figure 2: A search of A. Smith on the Fairview Cemetery using the Niagara Falls cemetery website ......... 5
Figure 3: The online interactive cemetery search map for the Brandon MB cemetery ............................... 6
Figure 4: The online web page representing the Stratford, ON Cemetery ................................................... 7
Figure 5: An example of the original paper record for Hansler plot # 45 with lists of grave owners and
persons buried. ............................................................................................................................................. 8
Figure 6: A close-up view of the AutoCAD drawing illustrating the plots, owners and subsections for a
portion of Hansler ......................................................................................................................................... 9
Figure 7: The relationships for the final access database structure ........................................................... 11
Figure 8: The structure of the original file geodatabase designed in ArcDiagrammer ............................... 13
Figure 9: The ArcDiagrammer illustration of the current file geodatabase for the Fonthill Cemetery ...... 14
Figure 10: Screenshot of customized Interactive Online Website.............................................................. 26
Figure 11: The Fonthill Cemetery study area with the proposed expansion study area included ............. 28
Figure 12: Design of Layout Option 1 recommended by Ground Truth Consultants ................................ 29
Fonthill Cemetery Mapping Phase 1 |Final Report iv
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Figure 13: Visual Comparison of Proposed vs. Actual Project Total Working Hours .................................. 32
Figure 14: An illustration of the Final Budget Breakdown for the Fonthill Cemetery Mapping Project
Phase 1 ........................................................................................................................................................ 35
Figure 15: EVM breakdown of the comparison of Planned Value of this project to Earned and Actual
Value ........................................................................................................................................................... 37
List of Tables
Table 1: Final Project Deliverables ................................................................................................................ 3
Table 2: Complete list of all resources used during the Fonthill Cemetery Mapping Project Phase 1 ....... 10
Table 3: Water Stations Fusion Table Symbology Parameters ................................................................... 18
Table 4: Garbage Cans Fusion Table Symbology Parameters ..................................................................... 19
Table 5: Persons Buried Fusion Table Symbology Parameters ................................................................... 20
Table 6: Cemetery Sections Fusion Table Symbology Parameters ............................................................. 21
Table 7: Customized Symbology for All Fusion Tables ................................................................................ 21
Table 8: Head_Stone_Photo Column Parameters ...................................................................................... 23
Table 9: Customized Info Windows for All Fusion Tables ........................................................................... 24
Table 10: Timelines for all of the major project tasks for the Fonthill Cemetery Mapping Project Phase 1
.................................................................................................................................................................... 30
Table 11: Comparison Proposed to Actual work required to complete Major Project Tasks .................... 31
Table 12: A complete breakdown of all of the labour cost associated with this project ........................... 33
Table 13: A comparison of the proposed and final costs of all of the major expenditures related to the
Fonthill Cemetery Mapping Project Phase 1 .............................................................................................. 34
Table 14: A breakdown and evaluation of the Earn Value Management changes through the life of the
project ......................................................................................................................................................... 36
List of Appendices
Appendix A (Terms of Reference) Appendix B (Project Overview Statement) Appendix C (WBS) Appendix D (Gantt Chart) Appendix E (CD Structure)
Fonthill Cemetery Mapping Phase 1 | Final Report 1
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1.0 Introduction
1.1 Project Overview
1.1.1 Client Overview
The Town of Pelham is located in the centre of the Regional Municipality of Niagara. The municipality
was formed with the creation of the Regional Municipality of Niagara in 1970 (History of Niagara Region,
2009). Five smaller communities Fonthill, Ridgeville, Effingham, North Pelham and Fenwick were
amalgamated into a single town covering 126.42 square kilometres (Welcome to the Town of Pelham,
2013). The Town of Pelham operates two active cemeteries in Hillside Cemetery located in Ridgeville
and the Fonthill Cemetery located in the centre of Fonthill, ON (Town of Pelham Cemeteries, 2012).
Representing the Town of Pelhams interests in this project is James Lane, Engineering Technologist.
1.1.2 Project Purpose
Recently, the town has implemented two extensive organizing initiatives the Municipal Cultural
Master Plan and the Cultural Assets Mapping Plan (Recreation, Culture & Wellness, 2012). As part of
this plan, Pelham wishes to modernize their cemetery record-keeping and provide the cemetery
information a distinctive web presence.
1.1.3 Project Goal
The goal of the Fonthill Cemetery Mapping Phase 1 project involved the digitally cataloguing cemetery
plots for the Town of Pelham.
1.1.4 Primary Project Objectives
Three key objectives supported the plan to preserve the towns rich heritage. The initial objective was
the digitization of all cemetery plots within the Dickson, Armitage and Hansler sections of the cemetery.
A geodatabase containing both spatial coordinates and extensive attribute data was created and
populated with a sample of the total records. The second objective involved the creation of an online
interactive map of the cemetery plots including help and search functions. The final objective dealt with
the completion of a land survey of an adjacent property in order to assess the business feasibility of
expanding the current cemetery.
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1.1.5 Project Study Area and Scope
While the client operates two cemeteries, this project focused on the Fonthill Cemetery. Within that
cemetery, the scope of this project encompassed three of the five sections Hansler, Armitage and
Dickson (see Figure 1 below).
Figure 1: The study area for the Fonthill Cemetery Mapping Project Phase 1 including expansion area
The scope of the data entry covers a sample of 50 plots from each of the three cemetery sections within
the study area involving over 600 individual interred persons. The purpose of the sample of data was for
testing the three connective deliverables; the database, File Geodatabase and Interactive online web
map.
Fonthill Cemetery Mapping Phase 1 |Final Report 3
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1.1.6 Deliverables
Table 1 lists the deliverables that are presented to the client at the completion of the project.
Table 1: Final Project Deliverables
2.0 Literature Review
In recent years, cities have begun to adapt to modernization by experimenting with web development
projects for their cemeteries. With the following cities websites as a template, Ground Truth
Consultants has standardized and simplified data entry while maintaining user functionality through the
website development.
2.1 Problem Formulation The Town of Pelham has recently implemented a Municipal Cultural Master Plan and Cultural Assets
Mapping Plan to aid in the preservation of its heritage. One of the Towns main goals involves the
updating of its cemetery record storage. With the implementation of an integrated database system
record-keeping methods become more efficient, secure, and accurate.
Along with the creation of a new digitizing data process, the town wanted to improve access to this
newly digitized information. This secondary objective was accomplished with the development of a web
based GIS application for the clients cemetery data.
Deliverables Description
Database Database file built using Microsoft Access 2010
File Geodatabase File geodatabase consisting of feature datasets that represent raw survey points, each of the three expansion study templates, as well as the feature classes representing the physical elements associated with the existing cemetery
Database User Guide Outlines standards and procedures for data entry in the Access database
Interactive Online Map and Web page
Features four layers, with search function capabilities for finding first, last or combined information on persons interred in the cemetery
Online Web User Guide Step-by-step guide to transferring data records from the File Geodatabase to the interactive map
Business Feasibility Study Three templates for the potential layout of the adjacent property plus a recommendation for the option choice
Final Report Documentation of methodology, challenges, recommendations, references, and benefits for the client
Fonthill Cemetery Mapping Phase 1 |Final Report 4
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2.2 Literature Search
Sources used for the literature review include:
City of Niagara Falls
City of Brandon, Manitoba
Town of Stratford, ON
Town of Pensacola, Florida
2.3 Literature/Data Evaluation
The following section discusses the contributions of each of the above resources and how they aided in
successfully preserving the heritage of the Town of Pelham. By reviewing scholarly articles and
previously completed projects, Ground Truth Consultants were able to create an effective geodatabase
and accompanying web-application.
2.3.1 Town of Pensacola, FL
Dr. Johan Liebens has a PhD in Geography from Michigan State University, specializing in physical
geography and GIS-based spatial research. He argues that the implementation of accurate maps and
geodatabases are important for research and are rarely applied to cemeteries in particular. Liebens also
argues that the combination of increasingly accurate global positioning system receivers and
improvements in the intuitiveness of GIS software provides historical archaeologists with a unique
means for both conducting research and presenting information to the public. The benefits of
combining these technologies include the rapid recording of accurate data, creating of publicly
accessible and user friendly presentations (interactive maps) and assisting with future research (Liebens,
2003).
After examining Dr. Liebens article for the Town of Pensacolas Historic Cemetery, Ground Truth
Consultants were able to create a methodology for collecting, recording, processing and displaying data
for the Town of Pelhams Cemetery.
2.3.2 City of Niagara Falls, ON
The City of Niagara Falls cemetery website offers a section on fees and services, bylaws and guidelines,
locations and history, genealogy search and a family history book. Users are able to enter their name,
cemetery of choice, section or plot to perform a cemetery, or columbarium, search. The database
performs partial matches on the last name and first name fields. Families can look up burial information
on their ancestors or their own family plot. Detailed information about the location, section and plot
number, date of burial and a photo of the monument can be easily accessed.
After examining the City of Niagara Falls, Ontarios website it was evident that it was a very basic
application that involved a lot of user input with little results. The overall map product is static and
there are not very many search capabilities. The geodatabase connected to the website has a good
functionality (i.e. attribute table) and this is something Ground Truth Consultants has incorporated into
Fonthill Cemetery Mapping Phase 1 |Final Report 5
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the web-application (Niagara Falls Cemeteries). Figure 2 illustrates the Niagara Falls online cemetery
website.
Figure 2: A search of A. Smith on the Fairview Cemetery using the Niagara Falls cemetery website
2.3.3 City of Brandon, MB
The City of Brandon, Manitoba has a website that provides users with an interactive online cemetery
map. The web-portal provides site visitors with the ability to scroll around the digitized cemetery and
locate specific sections, plots and subplots if they know where a person is located. If this information is
unknown, the extensive search engine allows the user to locate the person.
Advantages
Easy to navigate through the map
Interactive click allows for information on section, block, plot, subplot, date of birth and death,
place of birth and death, first and last name
Extensive search capabilities that allow for search of first name, last name, place of birth and
death
o This is very useful if the user is searching and doesnt have all of the information; the
search tool allows the user to scroll through the results.
Well organized sections, plots and subplot sections
Pictures of headstones provide user with a visual representation of the actual grave
Orthoimage provides real world context to the overlaid vector file
Fonthill Cemetery Mapping Phase 1 |Final Report 6
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Disadvantages
Some entries have missing information such as headstone picture
Incorrect information (Date of birth and date of death are the same)
After examining the City of Brandon, Manitobas Cemetery website, it is evident that this is an excellent
model for the Town of Pelhams cemetery web-application. This website was ideal in the areas of
navigation, organization and general visual appeal. Orthoimagery is used as a base for the map and this
makes it very realistic. The application also offers extensive search capabilities which utilize all aspects
of the connecting geodatabase. These features are something that Ground Truth Consultants has
incorporated and elaborated on with their interactive map (Brandon Cemetery Search). The Brandon
Cemetery web page is illustrated Figure 3 below.
Figure 3: The online interactive cemetery search map for the Brandon MB cemetery
2.3.4 City of Stratford, ON
The City of Stratfords online map prompts the user to enter the name of the person that they are
looking for. The search capabilities are limited as they do not allow for the user to enter other
information such as place of birth, birth or death date and location (section, subsection). Once the
intended person has been located the search results only yield the cemetery name, section, grave
number and name within a table. There is a link to a static map showing the various sections of the
cemetery. There is no interactive aspect to this cemetery website. This makes the location of an
individual very difficult.
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Advantages
Simple search capabilities restrict data overload for the user
Adequate data provided about the dead person; Death date, name and section of cemetery
Disadvantages
Map is static, which doesnt allow the user to find the exact location of the grave, just the
section number
The data provided could be more extensive (place of death, birth, if grave is active/not active)
Data is static, doesnt let the user know if there are two people within the plot (husband and
wife) only the person searched is brought up in the results
Search provides grave number but this information is irrelevant as the map link provided only
shows the section number. The location of the grave number is left up to the interpretation of
the user
The Stratford Cemeterys static web map is illustrated in Figure 4 below.
Figure 4: The online web page representing the Stratford, ON Cemetery
After a thorough examination of the advantages of disadvantages with this citys online cemetery
mapping application, there are significant functional difficulties with this website. A static map was not
ideal for the Town of Pelhams web-application as it was not intuitive enough from a user perspective.
The lack of search capabilities also hinders the functionality of the website as a whole. Overall, this
Fonthill Cemetery Mapping Phase 1 |Final Report 8
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website application does not effectively fulfill the objective of public access to the Town of Pelham
cemetery data (Stratford Cemetery).
3.0 Provided Data
3.1 Original Paper Records The main set of data provided came in the form of PDF scans of individual plot records listing the names
and addresses of the purchasers of plots or portions of plots, the purchase prices of the plots, as well as
the names, death and burial dates of the interred. Each PDF represented one full plot. An example of a
plot PDF is illustrated in Figure 5 below.
Figure 5: An example of the original paper record for Hansler plot # 45 with lists of grave owners and persons buried.
This record represents Plot 45 in the Hansler section. The plot owners are listed on the left and the
names of persons buried are listed on the right. Other information that is listed include the address of
the owner, the death date, burial date and age of the deceased and the purchase cost of plot.
3.2 AutoCAD Drawing
The other main piece of provided data was an AutoCAD drawing that featured all of the plot numbers
and names of the individual grave purchasers/owners. A close up of the Hansler section of the Fonthill
Cemetery is illustrated in Figure 6 below.
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Figure 6: A close-up view of the AutoCAD drawing illustrating the plots, owners and subsections for a portion of Hansler
The attribute layer consists of the plot owners (in purple). The green polylines indicate the divisions
between adjacent graves, the aqua numbers indicate the plots numbers and the white polygons indicate
plot divisions. The large red numbers represent the individual sections within a single plot. But the
numbers in Figure 6 (above) illustrate that the numbers provide no reference numbering for the Hansler
Section of the Fonthill Cemetery, as they do in both Armitage and Dickson. This may be due to the fact
that Hansler sub-plot numbering system divides plot into an east and west sections depending on the
geographic location within an individual plot. The east side numbering system of 1E, 2E, 3E and 4E and
the west half is 1W, 2W, 3W and 4W. This unique numbering system in this cemetery section needed to
be taken into consideration when designing the database system.
4.0 Project Resources
Table 2 (below) lists all of the resources required to complete this project.
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Table 2: Complete list of all resources used during the Fonthill Cemetery Mapping Project Phase 1
Resource Type Resource Name Description/Function/Source
Personnel Chris Burland Project Manager
Andy Goodale GIS Consultant
Carly La Scala GIS Consultant
Justyna Lisnyj GIS Consultant
Nohbule Matanga GIS Consultant
Janet Finlay Project Advisor
James Lane Representative of the Client
Hardware Nikon DTM-332 Provided by Niagara College
Dell OptiPlex 960 Desktop Computer
Provided by Niagara College
Digital Camera Provided by the Client
Software ArcGIS 10.0 for Desktop
Comprehensive GIS mapping software, database storage system, provided by Niagara College
Microsoft Access 2010
Comprehensive relational database system, provided by Niagara College
Google Maps API Free open source software provided by Google
Microsoft Excel 2010 Conversion software between File Geodatabase and Google Fusion tables, provided by Niagara College
Data Excel spreadsheets Contained the cemetery burial information, provided by the client
Fonthill paper records
Contained owner and burial information based on central plot number, supplied in PDF form, provided by the client
Digital Images Containing images of Fonthill Cemetery Plots, provided by the client
Aerial/Orthoimagery SWOOP 2006 Mr. Sid Images of cemetery, provided by Niagara College
UTM Coordinates Surveyed by Ground Truth Consultants
Paper Blueprint Detailed map of the Fonthill Cemeterys plot purchasers, provided by the client
AutoCAD File Detailed multi-layered AutoCAD file of the plot purchasers and plot configuration of the Fonthill Cemetery, provided by the client
Headstone and Footstone Images
Collected by Ground Truth Consultants
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5.0 Client Deliverables
5.1 Access Database
5.1.1 Photo Capture
In order to systematically verify the data recorded in the cemetery ledgers provided in portable
document format (PDF), an initial photo capture was required. Team members spent some time
collecting a sample of images of the head stones and footstones. Initially, these images were used to
verify the accuracy of the data recorded in the cemetery paper records. The photos were later cropped
and stored in the access database.
5.1.2 Methodology
In the original project proposal, the Ground Truth team created a complex database structure that
separated the three sections of the Fonthill Cemetery within the scope of the project into three
different tables. Numerous identification numbers were used to track plots, graves and interred
persons within each section.
After beta testing, it became apparent that the database was not practical and did not function
seamlessly. As a result, a final database design was created. The current Access database consists only
of three tables with various IDs created to serve a specific purpose (Lisnyj, 2013, pp. 7-11). The
connections between the three tables run through a series of one-to-many relationships (see Figure 7
below).
Figure 7: The relationships for the final access database structure
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The Access database has a form and masks to structure the accuracy of future data entry. A user guide
has been written detailing the requirements and specifications of each of the text boxes within the
form. A step-by-step guide to proper form data entry can be found on pages 7-11 within the Database
Help Guide.
5.1.3 Challenges
Data entry was a large component of this project. It is the act of transferring data from the physical,
antiquated state into a digital state. During this process, Ground Truth Consultants encountered various
challenges.
Photo Collection
Photo collection was hindered due to poor weather, trees and foliage. Some gravestones were covered
in snow or obscured by trees and shrub foliage. Others had ceremonial wreaths obscuring the photo
taking. In some cases, the names were difficult to read and snow was needed to aid in the legibility of
the stone engraving.
Data Inconsistencies
Without proper guidelines put in place for the data and having multiple people complete the entry,
there were small errors in regard to naming conventions (abbreviations for first and last names, address
abbreviations, etc). The data on the PDFs was also interpreted differently by members of the group and
difficult to read. This led to errors in dates, names and ages in both the purchase table and persons
buried table. Lack of data in these PDFs also hindered the amount of information we were able to
include in the database. For example, many plot owners addresses were not recorded. The actual
Cemetery purchaser map isnt always consistent with the sections in the real world. This led to delays in
the entry due to cross validation and taking trips into the field to verify the correct information. Some
people were also buried with no head stone, so it was difficult to track them down and figure out where
they were situated in the plot structure.
Database Functionality
The actual design of the initial database form caused some problems with the data entry. The beta
testing and preliminary data entry samples allowed Ground Truth Consultants to create a final working
form that is fast and reliable. The initial problems encountered were speed of entry, input masking
errors, incorrect tabbing order and ineffective organization of data on the form. To fix these errors, the
fields on the form were organized properly; input masks were altered to automatically format words
where applicable, tabbing order was altered to go in chronological order. All changes have increased
the speed and efficiency of data entry.
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5.2 File Geodatabase
5.2.1 Methodology
Once the access database was populated with all of the sample data extracted from the original paper
records and cross-referenced with the information collected during the image capture of head and foot
stones, all of the contents were then transferred to the file geodatabase, where cemetery plot
information was tagged to include spatial referencing.
The initial version of the file geodatabase consisted of a series of individual feature classes that
represented all of the elements found in the Fonthill Cemetery. There were tables representing
cemetery sections, while boundaries, plots, graves, as well as other cemetery features were represented
by feature classes with a series of subtypes and domains developed structure the content of the feature
classes. The structure of the file geodatabase is illustrated in Figure 8 (below).
Figure 8: The structure of the original file geodatabase designed in ArcDiagrammer
This structure was discarded and a simplified file Geodatabase was adopted. Subtypes and domains and
relationships were deemed unnecessary because of the restriction placed on the initial data entries
made in Microsoft Access. Rather than set restrictions on data at this juncture of the data
transformation, limits on data content were established in the Access database by the use of
relationship rules and input masks. This made the use of subtypes and domains in the file geodatabase
both redundant and impractical. This original single feature data set, which contained many different
feature classes representing the various features in the cemetery failed to provide a well-structured and
organized option, especially for the steps required in the transformation of data into the interactive
online map.
It was also concluded that more organization needed to be established in the file Geodatabase in the
form of several specific functional feature data sets. These data sets divided the feature classes into
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particular aspects pertaining to the different deliverables of the project. These feature data sets
include; survey raw data, the three different expansion study proposals, the Fonthill cemetery features
and cemetery data IDs. Within each of these data sets there is a selection of point and polygon features
that are correlated. The table representing persons buried imported from the Access Database, is also
included in this file geodatabase. Subsequently by adding organization through the use of multiple
feature data sets, the file Geodatabase became more simplified. The structure of the finished file
geodatabase is illustrated using ArcDiagrammer in Figure 9 below.
Figure 9: The ArcDiagrammer illustration of the current file geodatabase for the Fonthill Cemetery
5.2.2 Challenges
Problems Aligning Plots Features
The Town provided Ground Truth Consultants with AutoCAD drawings of the study area. The plot data,
provided by the Town of Pelham (see Figure 6 pg. 8) required substantial cleanup measures. Many of
the polylines demarcating plot features were not closed, which led to difficulties when importing the
AutoCAD drawing into ArcMap and converting these features into a proper polygon feature class. Using
the drawing cleanup tools within AutoCAD Map 2D 2012 proved to be unsuccessful in closing most of
these polylines.
As a response to this challenge, ArcMap was used to edit this input mainly due to the fact that this
program was more familiar to the project team. Any unclosed polygons were edited individually, which
was a time-consuming process. Once edits completed the task of creating recognizable polygons, the
drawing was converted using the tool feature class to a feature class and then housed in a temporary
GDB. The new feature class was georeferenced using both an imported basemap and the surveyed
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points collected during the original survey of the Fonthill cemetery. (This survey is discussed later in
section 6.3.1.)
Some of the projected plots feature class failed to align with the graves images illustrated in either the
base map or projected orthoimages supplied by the GIS department of Niagara College. The plot
feature class overlapped onto adjacent roads within the cemetery. With this projection inconsistency,
an adjustment in the alignment of plot polygons with the related features of the imagery was required.
This was accomplished by manually shifting plots to align their respective graves. High resolution
images were required to accurately attach the proper plot borders with the grave plots, so that the
gravestones can be identified and matched to representative vector plots.
Assigning Grave IDs
Unique Identifiers (IDs) were assigned to each polygon attached to the GravesID feature class. These
features were then converted into a point feature class representing individual persons buried features.
These features, imported from the Access database, were then linked to the feature class based on
similar IDs. The challenge involved finding a way to automate this process. Dr. James Jiang was
consulted on this procedure and he recommended the idea of using VBA script to create a button that
would complete this task (Jiang, 2013). Theoretically through the click of a button each of the polygons
would be assigned a unique ID. The major issue with this copying option involved the irregular
numbering scheme designed for individual cemetery plots. For example, plot numbers may ascend
sequentially but then jump 10 digits (as happened in Hansler) when plot number 42 is followed by 53.
The VBA script available for automating this task couldnt effectively take this numbering structure into
account. Thus, an automatic re-numbering method was discarded.
The entry of over 4500 unique IDs could only be finished manually. This took an arduous amount of
time and required stringent quality control measures. These controls included examining the data
entered every block or row, which equated to roughly every 50 plots. After each data entry, a review of
each ID was required by scrolling through each record to ensure that there were no errors in the
numbering schema. This was an important task because if the Access database table, being joined to
the feature class, had differing ID numbers and the same geographic coordinates, then proper data
identification difficulties would occur. In order to detect positional errors, it would be necessary to sort
through many records/rows to determine each mistake.
5.3 Online Interactive Cemetery Map
5.3.1 Survey
A Total Station survey was conducted on the three sections of the Fonthill Cemetery. There were two
main problems that hindered the surveys final results.
The first problem was that the team had no access to an accurate elevation point which could be used
to collect the elevation of all of the surveyed points (x,y) in the cemetery. The elevation points are an
integral part of operating the Total Station surveying unit but seeing that the final output of the survey
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did not include a DEM surface, and x,y coordinates were more critical to the final product, an estimation
of the elevation (Z) values was made. The lack of proper elevation information was solved by using
Google Earth software data collected from a remote internet connection. Two recognizable points in
the cemetery were used as the first set of occupied point (OP) and backsight (BS) points for the Total
station survey.
The second difficulty encountered by the survey team was the terrain of the cemetery. The changing
terrain of the cemetery obstructed shots from the total station to the rod prism. In addition, trees,
bushes, taller gravestones and the mausoleum also played a role in obstructing the view from several
different parts of the cemetery.
5.3.2 Online Interactive Map
The end product of all the data collection, data entry and data merging, culminates with the interactive
online map. This component of the project displays selected attribute data on a person buried as well as
the exact location of the grave.
Google Fusion Tables and Google Maps API
For our interactive map we chose Google Fusion Tables and Google Maps API to house it. Google Fusion
Tables are a data warehouse option that allows users to map spatially referenced data within a specific
table (Google Fusion Tables API, 2012). We have chosen this for our method of mapping for several
reasons. The first reason is that it is a free resource. Other options such as ArcGIS Online were explored
but this route was very expensive and keeping the clients overall needs in mind this option was not
chosen. Google Maps API and Fusion Tables provide similar mapping options with excellent visual
representation but without the large price tag.
A second reason that Fusion Tables was chosen was the maximum allowable capacity for tiles being
imported into the database. Fusion Tables allows for 250 MB of storage for a single user. This large
amount of space is needed for a project of this magnitude as there are a significant number of persons
buried (records) as well as associated photos of the headstones. The final reason was the large amount
of help resources available to the consulting team. The online resources available included user
manuals, video tutorials and step by step examples. All of these helped guide the team through the
various stages of the creating a Fusion Table as well as adding search functions, multiple layers, legends
and stylization of the overall map. In addition to these online resources, a presentation provided to the
GIS-GM class by Gregg Bowie provided Ground Truth Consultants with the initial inspiration and
information as to how spatially referenced data (such as graves) could be represented in Google Maps
(Bowie, 2011). The presentation along with the tutorials conducted in Dr. James Jiangs GIS Internet
Mapping course greatly influenced our selection of Google Fusion Tables and Google Maps API.
The stages involved that lead to the final product were very intensive and require varying levels of both
GIS related software experience as well as Microsoft Excel and Google Fusion tables. The methodologies
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outlined below provide a brief overview of how Ground Truth Consultants reached the completed online
map. A detailed manual regarding the step-by-step procedures involved in this deliverable was provided
to the client.
Attaching Microsoft Access Attribute Data to ArcMap Feature Classes The first step of the process required the attachment of attribute data from Microsoft Access by using
ArcMap. By using the database connection function, the persons buried table joined to the persons
buried point feature class using the import tool. This step connected the attribute data of a specific
person buried to an exact and accurate location within the Fonthill Cemetery, which was quite critical as
it formed the basis for the remaining steps involved in the online interactive map. If data entry errors
exist then this information will fail to be joined correctly which hinders the overall accuracy and
effectiveness of final online map search results. Extensive quality assurance measures were taken to
ensure the sample of records matched with the number of persons buried points in ArcMap. This
involved a thorough understanding of the numbering schema (persons buried IDs) and cross referencing
between the table in Access as well as the point feature class in ArcMap. Alert functions during the
process of joining these two helped reveal potential problems with this join.
Creating Fusion Tables from ArcMap Files Upon successful completion of the join within ArcMap, the table was exported to Microsoft Excel, as a
txt file, for further processing and transfer. This stage was conducted for two reasons. The first step
involved the creation of a new field that was required in this newly exported table. This field was called
Full Name. It was needed for the search function within the online map as this simplified the querying
process by allowing the user to search either first or last name. This task is conducted in Excel where
automatic concatenation through the use of a simple equation is a built-in Excel function. The second
reason Excel is used as an intermediary step involves its outputting potential. An exported table can be
saved as an Excel spreadsheet with an xls file extension. This transformation is necessary as Google
fusion tables only recognize a select variety of files including but not limited to txt, csv, excel files and
kml. The xls file previously mentioned was used to create the Persons Buried Fusion Table.
Three other feature classes (waste water, garbage bin and cemetery sections) were converted into KML
files and used to create the waste water, garbage bin and cemetery sections fusion tables. The sections
table will serve as a secondary layer in the final map and provides navigational services for newcomers
or users interested in the layout of the cemetery. The garbage cans and water stations also provide
secondary information to the user as these features on the map provide helpful locational information.
Maps were created from the four fusion tables using the Map of Geometry Functionality (Blake, Excel
and mapping points with Google Fusion Tables, 2013) and (Blake, Excel and mapping polygons, 2013).
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Modifying Placemark Icon Symbology in Google Fusion Tables
Once the fusion tables were created and mapped, the placemark icon symbology was changed using the Change Map Style functionality. There were three different methodologies used to symbolize the layers in our online map: symbology specific icon name, fixed symbology and symbology by numerical column range. The symbology by specific icon name was used for the Water Stations and Garbage Bins Fusion Tables using the parameters outlined in both Table 3 and Table 4. Table 3: Water Stations Fusion Table Symbology Parameters
Water Stations Fusion Table Symbology Parameters
Parameter Settings Figure
Points Marker Icon
Map Marker Icons Column
Use Icon Specified in Column
On
Icon Column Type: Text
Format: None
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Table 4: Garbage Cans Fusion Table Symbology Parameters
Garbage Cans Fusion Table Symbology Parameters
Parameter Settings Figure
Points Marker Icon
Map Marker Icons Column
Use Icon Specified in Column
On
Icon Column Type: Text
Format: None
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For the Persons Buried Fusion Table the fixed symbology method was applied using the parameters
outlined in Table 5.
Table 5: Persons Buried Fusion Table Symbology Parameters
Persons Buried Fusion table Symbology Parameters
Parameter Settings Figure
Points Marker Icon
Map Marker Icons Fixed
Use one Icon On
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For the Cemetery Sections Fusion Table the symbology by numerical column range method was applied
using the parameters outlined in Table 6.
Table 6: Cemetery Sections Fusion Table Symbology Parameters
Once the parameters were applied and saved to the fusion table the placemark icon symbology changes
appeared in the individual maps Table 7.
Cemetery Sections Fusion Table Symbology Parameters
Parameter Settings Figure
Polygons Fill Color
Polygon Background Colors Gradient
Show a Gradient On
Code Column Type: Number
Format: None
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Table 7: Customized Symbology for All Fusion Tables
Customized Symbology For All Fusion Tables
Water Stations Fusion Table Garbage Cans Fusion Table
Persons Buried Fusion Table Cemetery Sections Fusion Table
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Displaying Photos in Google Fusion Table A Picasa Web Albums account was created for the client in order to host all of the cemetery photos.
URL links were obtained through Picasa Web Albums and manually added to each row in the fusion
table Head_Stone_Photo column (Google Picasa Web Albums, 2013).
In order for the URL links to display as images the Head_Stone_Photo column was reformatted to meet
the following parameter, which is illustrated in Table 8 below.
Table 8: Head_Stone_Photo Column Parameters
Head_Stone_Photo Column Parameters
Parameter Settings Figure
Column Name Head_Stone_Photo
Type Text
Format Eight line Image
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Customizing the Info Window Layout in Google Fusion Tables
The info windows for the fusion tables were customized using the change info window layout
functionality and HTML. Table 9 displays the customized info window layouts for the four fusion tables.
Table 9: Customized Info Windows for All Fusion Tables
Customized Info Windows For All Fusion Tables
Water Stations Fusion Table Garbage Cans Fusion Table
Persons Buried Fusion Table Cemetery Sections Fusion Table
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Displaying Multiple Fusion Tables on One Map
Once all the necessary data related to each fusion table was correctly formatted the visibility options in
the sharing settings were set. They were changed to Public on the web using the File-Share-Change
method. The tables were then published using the Tools- Publish method in order to obtain the HTML
to embed in website code. These steps ensure that the fusion tables and corresponding maps are
visible to the public.
Once all of the HTML to embed in website codes were obtained they were merged together into a
single map using the fusion table layer wizard application available through Google Fusion Tables
(Geocode, 2013). The codes were then put into the embed link column then put onto the map by
clicking the Put layer on Map button. The add layer button was used to add all four fusion table into
the map. Once the layers were placed in the correct order, a code was generated for this newly created
map.
Customizing Generated Code
Although there are options on the wizard to modify the dimensions of the map and the style of the base
map as well as to create queries, these fuctionalities are limited. As a result of map design and query
limitations in the FusionTablesLayer Wizard, these tasks were completed using a source code editor
(Goodale, 2013). This generated code can be imported into a source code editor and modifed using
html, css and javascript to the clients satisfcation, for example, to generate a legend and extensive
search functionality as show in Figure 10 (Schneider, 2013).
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Figure 10: Screenshot of customized Interactive Online Website
5.3.4 Challenges When working on the interactive online map and webpage, we encountered four main challenges: data
transfer complexity, layer limitations, symbology limitations and multiply query restrictions. Any other
challenges that were encountered are explicitly addressed in the extensive user manual.
In order to create an online map, the cemetery data had to be transferred between four different
software programs, in particular: Microsoft Access, Arc Map, Microsoft Excel, and finally Google Fusion
Tables. As a result, an extensive manual detailing out the procedures involved, was created.
Google Fusion Tables currently only allows users to map a maximum of five layers on any given map. In
order to deal with this challenge, we limited our mapped layers to the feature classes that were
essential to the cemetery search in particular; the persons buried feature class and the cemetery
sections feature class.
Google fusion table has a limited icon and colour library; again we dealt with this issue by simplifying the
overall cartography design of the online map.
Trying to create multiple queries that refer to a single Fusion table initially proved to be a challenge due
to the lack of the documentation regarding this specific functionality through Google API. As a result we
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consulted one of database/programming instructors Dr. James Jiang who helped us modify the
JavaScript code to accommodate for multiple searches on the same table (Jiang, 2013).
5.4 Future Cemetery Expansion Study
The Future Cemetery Expansion Study was conducted in order to determine the business feasibility of
the adjacent property to the south of the Fonthill Cemetery. The Town of Pelham was interested in the
feasibility of expanding the Fonthill Cemetery by acquiring a portion of land that sits to the south of the
Dickson section of the cemetery. The land is currently owned by the Niagara District School Board and is
a part of the AK Wigg Public School. Figure 11 (below) Illustrates the location of the area under study
for the Future Cemetery Expansion Study.
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Figure 11: The Fonthill Cemetery study area with the proposed expansion study area included
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The study provided three structures; an extension of the existing cemetery layout, a minimized spacing
with greater accessibility and a maximized spacing for optimal plot space (Ground Truth Consultants,
2013, p. 7). Based on a series of calculations and findings, Ground Truth Consultants were able to
recommend Template # 1 (see Figure 12 below).
Figure 12: Design of Layout Option 1 recommended by Ground Truth Consultants
This layout option provided a balance between the level of accessibility required for the cemeterys
workers and their machinery and the number of plots available for sale in the new area. This layout
would allow the Fonthill Cemeterys capacity to increase by approximately 20 percent and provide a
range of net revenue of between $2.2 and $3.1 million, depending burial date and package (Ground
Truth Consultants, 2013, p. 7).
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6.0 Project Management
6.1 Final Project Schedule Changes were made to the end date of all the major project tasks with the exception of project
management, project proposal presentation/report and final project presentation and report as seen in
Table 10 below in the timeline illustrating the completion times of the major project task.
Table 10: Timelines for all of the major project tasks for the Fonthill Cemetery Mapping Project Phase 1
6.2 Final Project Working Hours The estimated total hours has decreased since the creation of the final report. Ground Truth Consultants
have overestimated the time required for all major project tasks with the exception of the interactive
online map and webpage as well as the property analysis and feasibility study which took more time
than expected. Overall there has been a net reduction of the total hours from 944.5 hours to
approximately 800 hours. Table 11 illustrates the decrease in the total hours proposed to complete all
of the projects tasks.
Major Project Tasks Proposed Start Date (yyyy/mm/dd)
Proposed End Date (yyyy/mm/dd)
Actual Start Date (yyyy/mm/dd)
Actual End Date (yyyy/mm/dd)
Project Management 2012-10-05 2013-06-14 2012-10-05 2013-06-14
Project Proposal Presentation and Report
2012-10-10 2012-12-11 2012-10-10 2012-12-11
File Geodatabase 2013-01-07 2013-04-30 2013-01-07 2013-05-30
Progress Report 2013-01-07 2013-03-21 2013-01-07 2013-03-22
Interactive Online Map and Webpage
2013-01-07 2013-04-30 2013-01-07 2013-05-31
Property Analysis and Feasibility
2013-04-30 2013-05-14 2013-04-30 2013-05-30
Final Project Presentation and Report
2013-05-14 2013-06-14 2013-05-01 2013-06-14
Overall Project 2012-10-10 2012-10-05 2013-06-14
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Table 11: Comparison Proposed to Actual work required to complete Major Project Tasks
There were several reasons for the decrease in the total working hours required to complete the major
task associated with this project. The time required to create the file geodatabase was grossly
overestimated. The main reason for this change revolves around the changes made to the content of
the file geodatabase from the proposal and the final report. The file geodatabase was simplified with
the elimination of the subtypes and domain restrictions and the creation of multiple data sets.
On the other hand, there was an even greater time revision for the creation of the online interactive
map. This major client deliverable took over 100 hours longer to complete. The main reason for this
underestimation involved the requirement to study the methods surrounding the use of fusion tables
and the online searches necessary to understand search functions and structural restrictions associated
with this new online mapping application. Figure 13 illustrates the comparison between the proposed
total working hours and the actual total working hours.
Major Project Tasks Proposed Total Working Hours
Actual Total Working Hours
Project Management 146.0 Hours 78.7 Hours
Project Proposal Presentation and Report 100.0 Hours 100.0 Hours
File Geodatabase 180.0 Hours 96.5 Hours
Progress Report 90.0 Hours 12.3 Hours
Interactive Online Map and Webpage 180.0 Hours 286.0 Hours
Future Cemetery Expansion Study
48.0 Hours 57.0 Hours
Final Project Presentation and Report 200.5 Hours 136.5 Hours
Overall Project 944.5 hours 766.98 hours
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Figure 13: Visual Comparison of Proposed vs. Actual Project Total Working Hours
Finally, the largest area of change occurs in the Progress Report where an overestimation of the time
required for its completion was allotted. Additionally, greater efficiency in data compiling and report
creation has also significantly decreased the time devoted to such tasks. In the end, the total number of
working hours required to complete all of the tasks associated with the Fonthill Cemetery Mapping
Project Phase 1 decreased over 170 hours.
Project Management
Project Proposal Presentation and
Report
File Geodatabase
Progress Report
Interactive Online Map and Webpage
Future Cemetery Expansion Study
Final Project Presentation and
Report
0
50
100
150
200
250
300
350Updates to Total Working Hours
Proposed Total Working Hours Actual Total Working Hours
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6.3 Labour Costs
6.3.1 Final Labour Costs Breakdown
The labour cost breakdown between all of the project team members is illustrated in Table 12 below.
Table 12: A complete breakdown of all of the labour cost associated with this project
Project Team J.Finaly C.Burland A.Goodale N.Matanga J.Lisnyj C.LaScala
Title Project Advisor
Project Manager
GIS Consultants
Project Management (hours) 3.5 78.65 203.15
Project Proposal 56 123
(hours)
File Geodatabase 0 186.5
(hours)
Progress Report 9.33 23.32
(hours)
Interactive Online Map and Webpage 45 449
(hours)
Property Analysis and Feasibility Study 0 67
(hours)
Final Project Report 106.5 56
(hours)
Total Working Hours 3.5 295.48 1107.97
Rate/Hour 150/hr 80/ hr 60/ hr
Total Cost $525.00 $23,638.40 $66,478.20
Overall Project Team Cost $90,641.60
The project advisers costs totaled $525.00 for 3.5 hours of project advising, and the project managers
costs totaled $23,638.40 for 295.48 hours of project management as well as work on some project
deliverables. The four GIS consultants costs totaled $66,478.20 for their work on the project
deliverables totaling 1107.97 hours (approximately 277 hours per consultant) on all of the project
deliverables. Total cost for the team to complete the tasks was $90,641.60.
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6.4 Final Project Budget
As a result of this decrease in hours and wages, the proposed budget of $151,372.80 has been reduced
by $48,201.99 to $103,170.81. Additionally the contingency was not required. The breakdown and
comparison of the proposed to final task costs are illustrated in Table 13 below.
Table 13: A comparison of the proposed and final costs of all of the major expenditures related to the Fonthill Cemetery Mapping Project Phase 1
Item Description Proposed Costs Updated Costs
Project Team Costs Labour Costs $117,600.00
$90,641.60
Travel Costs (Mileage) Using two company cars at a rate of $0.50/km for 13 trips.
$460.00
$460.00
Incidentals Printing, Binding, Paper, Ink $200.00
$200.00
Sub-Total: $118,260.00
$91,301.60
Contingency 15% of the sub total before taxes $ 17,739.00
Not Used
Ontario Tax HST (.13% ) $ 15,373.80
$11,869.21
Total: $151,372.80 $103,170.81
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Travel Costs (Mileage) $460.00
Incidentals $200.00
Ontario Tax $11,869.21
Project Management 18%
Project Proposal Presentation and Report
11%
File Geodatabase 11%
Progress Report 2%
Interactive Online Map and Webpage
30%
Future Cemetery Expansion Study
4%
Final Project Presentation and Report
12%
Project Team Labour
$90,641.60
Final Budget Breakdown
The following graph (Figure 14) shows a breakdown on the final budget as well as the percentage weight
of each task on the overall Project Team labour costs.
6.5 Earn Value Management An earned value management evaluation was conducted to summarize our project teams progress and
efficiency to date. The cost variance and cost performance index indicate that we are currently under
budget for all tasks completed; while the schedule variance shows that we are on schedule.
Additionally, the complete performance index based on the aforementioned variance concludes that our
overall management of the project was efficient. Table 14 illustrates the variations in the final budget
numbers for the various major tasks associated with this project.
Figure 14: An illustration of the Final Budget Breakdown for the Fonthill Cemetery Mapping Project Phase 1
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Table 14: A breakdown and evaluation of the Earn Value Management changes through the life of the project
Name Formula Comment
Budget At Completion (BAC)
Before Taxes and Contingency:($118,260.00) After Taxes and Contingency: $151,372.80
Cumulative PV for whole project
Cost Variance (CV) ($118,260.00 $91,301.60 ) $151,372.80-$116,866.05
>0, under budget
Schedule Variance (SV)
($118,260.00 $118,260.00) $151,372.80 -$151,372.80
=0, on schedule
Cost Performance Index (CPI)
($118,260.00/ $91,301.60 ) $151,372.80/ $116,866.05
>1, under budget
To-Complete Performance Index (TCPI)
($118,260.00 $118,260.00 ) /($118,260.00 $91,301.60 ) ($151,372.80 -$151,372.80 )/( $151,372.80-$116,866.05)
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$0.00
$20,000.00
$40,000.00
$60,000.00
$80,000.00
$100,000.00
$120,000.00
$140,000.00
Earn Value Management
Planned Value(PV) Earned Value (EV) Actual Value (AC)
The EVM chart illustrated in Figure 15 (below) provides support regarding the final budget figures for
this project.
With the Actual Value figures falling below the Earned Value, the Fonthill Cemetery Mapping Project
Phase 1 came in under budget and on time.
7.0 Findings
To minimize all possible errors in data entry, the initial trial entry of 50 plots (consisting of 200 individual
persons buried) per section has allowed Ground Truth Consultants to be knowledgeable in any possible
issues the town may come across with data entry. This knowledge has allowed us to develop and
provide proper support in the form of a user guide. This guide will aid in the areas of naming
conventions for data, ensuring accuracy by use of headstone picture and cross validation by also
consulting the PDFs.
A system was designed to incorporate the complex organization of the cemetery at the grave level. The
current version has been designed to handle all of the variations in plot-to-grave relationships that
Figure 15: EVM breakdown of the comparison of Planned Value of this project to Earned and Actual Value
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currently exist in the complex and disorganized Fonthill Cemetery layout. For example, although there
were numerous plots that had no persons interred within them, they still had owners. In addition, each
cemetery section is designed differently. The older sections were built for eight graves whereas the
newer section contains plots of four graves.
The business feasibility study includes three different templates for the layout of the adjacent property.
The first template seamlessly extends the existing cemetery structure by mirroring the plot and road
density. The second template is pedestrian friendly with more area allocated to roads and less plot
space. The third template features maximum plot space and minimal road space. After analyzing these
three models, Ground Truth Consultants recommend the expansion template that mirrors the existing
cemetery structure. This option balances accessibility and still provides a total of 2194 individual graves
ensuring optimum feasibility of the survey site.
8.0 Conclusions and Recommendations
The Town of Pelham had a serious need to update their method of record keeping regarding data
storage of cemetery records. The towns current system was inadequate in meeting the needs of the
growing town. The old paper records were incomplete, inconsistent and poorly maintained with
recorded information not corresponding with the contents of the cemetery itself. The town was in need
of a database system overhaul. It is with this primary objective that Ground Truth Consultants was
commissioned to digitize the towns cemetery records.
The team implemented a new robust database system that would ensure greater accuracy of data entry
as well as introduce both strict data standards to record keeping and improved security and access to
the data records. The complexities and intricacies of the cemetery layout required a fully-thought out
database system that took into consideration the various plot layout methods involved within the
different cemetery sections.
The project also provided the client with an online web portal that provides the public with access to key
data for all the interred in the Fonthill Cemetery with a robust built-in search functionality. This service
provides interested parties the ability to search for the names and dates of death and burial for
ancestors or extended family branches as part of a larger genealogical exploration.
The final key goal of this project was the completion of a business feasibility study on an adjacent piece
of property which the town viewed as a potential area of expansion. The town believed that within a
few years the cemetery would reach full capacity and with the recent growth of the town over the past
several decades, there was a need to find more cemetery room for future use. The team surveyed a
section of the AK Wigg Public School that was deemed suitable for cemetery expansion. Ground Truth
Consultants developed three templates/layouts aimed at assessing the viability of the property ranging
from one that maximized the land with a minimum of road access to a layout that provided more access
than was found in the current cemetery layout. The final compromise between these extremes
consisted of a template that mirrored the structure of the existing Dickson section of the cemetery. This
middle ground option was seen as the most prudent alternative.
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The feasibility report outlines the total number of plots available with each template, outlines the
maintenance costs attached to each template and the range of revenue that could be achieved by each
layout plan based on full capacity. While the cost of the land still has not been accessed, the potential
minimum net revenue generated from the adjacent property ranges from $2,248,850.00 to
$3,019,053.70 depending on the level of services provided and the residential status of the purchaser of
a plot (Ground Truth Consultants, 2013).
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9.0 Works Cited
History of Niagara Region. (2009, January 1). Retrieved May 15, 2013, from Niagara Region: History of
Niagara Council
Google Fusion Tables API. (2012, September 19). Retrieved May 25, 2013, from Google Developers. N.p.:
.
Recreation, Culture & Wellness. (2012, August). Retrieved May 29, 2013, from Town Of Pelham:
http://www.pelham.ca/Departments/CommunityInfrastructure/CulturalMasterPlan/tabid/747/
Default.aspx
Town of Pelham Cemeteries. (2012, July). Retrieved May 30, 2013, from Town of Pelham:
http://www.pelham.ca/Departments/CommunityInfrastructure/Cemeteries/tabid/740/Default.
aspx
Welcome to the Town of Pelham. (2013, May 25). Retrieved June 3, 2013, from Town of Pelham:
http://www.pelham.ca/Home/tabid/38/Default.aspx
Blake, K. (2013, March 21). Excel and mapping points with Google Fusion Tables. Retrieved April 22,
2013, from Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HzwVEph-l8o
Blake, K. (2013, March 25). Excel and mapping polygons. Retrieved May 2, 2013, from Youtube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yj8AxtuXq7A
Bowie, G. (2011, June 23). The Citytrees.ca Project. Retrieved April 20, 2013, from City Trees - Ryerson
University: .
Brandon Cemetery Search. (n.d.). Retrieved March 5, 2013, from City of Brandon GIS:
http://gis.brandon.ca/arcgis/flex/cemeterysearch.html
Geocode. (2013, January 1). Fusion Tables Layer Wizard. Retrieved June 1, 2013, from Geocode.com:
http://fusion-tables-api-
samples.googlecode.com/svn/trunk/FusionTablesLayerWizard/src/index.html>
Goodale, A. (2013). Interactive Online Map and Webpage. Niagara-on-the-Lake: Niagara College GIS.
Google Picasa Web Albums. (2013). Picasa. Retrieved May 27, 2013, from Google:
http://picasa.google.com/#utm_medium=embed&utm_source=pwalogin
Ground Truth Consultants. (2013). Future Cemetery Expansion Study: Fonthill Cemetery . Niagara-on-the-
Lake: Niagara College.
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Jiang, D. J. (2013, May 24). Fusion Tables Coding Changes. (A. Goodale, Interviewer)
Liebens, J. (2003). Map and Database Construction for an Historic Cemetery: Methods and Applications.
Historical Archeology, 56-68.
Lisnyj, J. (2013). Help Guide for The Town of Pelham's Cemetery Access Database. Niagara-on-the-Lake:
Niagara College.
Niagara Falls Cemeteries. (n.d.). Retrieved March 5, 2013, from Niagara Falls Municipal Works:
http://www.niagarafalls.ca/city-hall/municipal-works/cemetery/default.asp&xgt;.
Schneider, V. (2013, April 10). Creating map legends in Google Fusion Tables. Retrieved May 29, 2013,
from Youtube: .
Stratford Cemetery. (n.d.). Retrieved March 5, 2013, from City Services:
http://www.city.stratford.on.ca/site_ourcitylife/city
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Appendix A (Terms of Reference)
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Appendix B (Project Overview Statement)
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Appendix C (WBS)
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Fonthill Cemetery Mapping Phase 1
1.0 Project Management
1.1 Client Advisory Meeting on Data Processing Issues
1.2 Advisory Meetings
1.3 Project Team Meetings
1.4 Project Managing
2.0 Project Proposal
2.1 Resumes and Biographies
2.2 Project Overview Statement
2.3 Project Proposal Presentation
2.4 Project Proposal Report
3.0 Complete File Geodatabase
3.1 File Geodatabase
3.2 User Guide and Operator's Manual
4.0 Pr