About
BillionGraves is the world's largest resource for searchable, GPS-indexed cemetery data, powered by a global community of volunteers committed to preserving ancestral records for future generations. The platform allows users to photograph headstones at local and international cemeteries using free mobile apps for iOS, Android, and Windows — automatically capturing precise GPS coordinates so every grave can be located on a map. Volunteers who prefer to contribute from home can transcribe (index) uploaded headstone photos, turning raw images into searchable records accessible to millions of families worldwide. The platform's research tools include Person Search and Cemetery Search, making it easy to locate ancestors by name or browse entire cemeteries. BillionGraves integrates seamlessly with major genealogy platforms including FamilySearch, MyHeritage, and Findmypast, ensuring that any record discovered is automatically synced across partner sites. Users can also build family trees directly within the platform, submit photo requests for specific graves, or hire local experts to document difficult-to-reach cemeteries. The service is widely used for Eagle Scout projects, community service initiatives, and serious genealogical research. With flexible subscription plans and a free searchable index, BillionGraves is suited for casual family historians, dedicated genealogists, students, and civic organizations alike. Its combination of mobile-first data collection, crowdsourced transcription, and deep integration with global genealogy networks makes it an indispensable resource for anyone tracing their family heritage.
Key Features
- GPS-Linked Headstone Photography: Free mobile apps for iOS, Android, and Windows let volunteers photograph headstones and auto-capture GPS coordinates, precisely mapping every grave — no data plan required.
- Crowdsourced Transcription: Volunteers can transcribe headstone photos from home, converting images into fully searchable text records accessible to millions of families globally.
- Person & Cemetery Search: Powerful search tools allow users to find ancestors by name or browse entire cemeteries, with access to a free index of millions of documented records.
- Family Tree Integration: Seamlessly syncs discoveries with leading genealogy platforms including FamilySearch, MyHeritage, and Findmypast, and supports building trees directly within BillionGraves.
- Photo Requests & Expert Hire: Users can submit requests for photos from specific graves or hire local experts to document cemeteries on their behalf, ensuring hard-to-reach records are still captured.
Use Cases
- Family historians searching for GPS-mapped grave locations of deceased relatives to plan cemetery visits or document family history.
- Genealogists linking headstone records to family trees on FamilySearch, MyHeritage, or Findmypast to build comprehensive ancestral profiles.
- Volunteers and community organizations — including Eagle Scout troops — photographing and indexing local cemeteries as a preservation service project.
- Researchers transcribing headstone images from home to expand the global database and make records accessible to families worldwide.
- Individuals hiring local experts to photograph graves in distant or hard-to-reach cemeteries when personal visits are not feasible.
Pros
- Massive, Growing Database: Backed by hundreds of thousands of global volunteers, the database continually expands with new GPS-stamped records from cemeteries around the world.
- Free to Search: The core record index is freely accessible, allowing anyone to search for ancestors without a paid subscription.
- Deep Genealogy Platform Integration: Automatic syncing with FamilySearch, MyHeritage, and Findmypast means records found on BillionGraves extend your reach across the genealogy ecosystem.
- Accessible Volunteer Options: Contributing is easy whether you're in the field with a smartphone or transcribing at home on a desktop — no technical expertise required.
Cons
- Coverage Gaps in Remote Areas: Cemetery coverage depends on volunteer activity, so rural or internationally remote cemeteries may have few or no documented records.
- Advanced Research Requires a Paid Plan: Full access to premium research features and integrations is locked behind a subscription, which may be a barrier for casual users.
- Transcription Accuracy Varies: As a crowdsourced platform, the quality and accuracy of transcriptions can vary depending on volunteer care and legibility of headstones.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is BillionGraves free to use?
Yes, BillionGraves offers a free searchable index of records and free mobile apps for contributing photos. Premium research features are available through paid subscription plans.
How do I contribute headstone photos?
Download the free BillionGraves app for iOS, Android, or Windows, visit any cemetery, and photograph headstones. The app automatically captures GPS coordinates and uploads images to the database.
Can I transcribe records without a smartphone?
Yes. Transcription can be done entirely from a desktop or laptop computer at home, making it easy to contribute without visiting a cemetery.
How does BillionGraves integrate with other genealogy sites?
BillionGraves partners with FamilySearch, MyHeritage, and Findmypast. Records you find or contribute on BillionGraves are copied to these partner sites automatically.
What if a cemetery near me hasn't been photographed yet?
You can submit a Photo Request for a specific cemetery or individual grave. You may also hire a local expert through BillionGraves to document the location on your behalf.
