Baden-Baden – Digitalization is also reaching the final resting place: with the introduction of a digital cemetery plan, Baden-Baden is setting new standards in the administration of public services and taking on a pioneering role in Germany.
First Mayor Alexander Wieland and Frank Geyer, Head of the Cemetery Office, presented the innovative system, which not only significantly reduces the burden on citizens, but also on trades and the administration itself.
One system for all: simple, efficient, accessible
Using the digital cemetery plan is extremely easy and accessible to everyone: with an internet-enabled device – be it a PC, tablet or smartphone – gravesites can be found in just a few steps. Particularly practical: QR codes at the main entrances to the cemeteries as well as in the cemetery brochure and on the municipal website lead directly to the plans. Alternatively, the maps can be accessed at www.baden-baden.de/digitaler-friedhofsplan. A search window allows you to enter the name of the person you are looking for, whereupon the grave site is displayed directly on the map.
Digital precision from the air
The path to this modern system literally started at lofty heights. The digitization of the approximately 22,000 graves in the city’s cemeteries began with a drone flight, followed by the careful marking of each individual grave. These were then recorded using special software from the Cologne-based company PBSGEO and linked to the existing database.
Benefits for all user groups
“These digital cemetery plans are a great tool for us as the cemetery administration and for the public.” Quote from Frank Geyer, head of the cemetery department.
The result is a digital system that not only makes the day-to-day work of the cemetery administration much easier, but also offers citizens new opportunities. Cemetery trades such as stonemasons and gardeners also benefit, as they can find the current grave location at any time. “These digital cemetery plans are a great tool for us as the cemetery administration and for the citizens,” explained Geyer. “It saves time and significantly improves administration.” In the first half of 2025, it should also be possible to submit reservation requests for gravesites online. “The cemetery administration has put a lot of work and commitment into this project, and we are proud that everyone can now benefit from it,” explained Wieland.
With this project, Baden-Baden is underlining its claim to offer a modern and citizen-oriented city administration. Digitalization is advancing, and Baden-Baden is showing how innovative approaches can create added value even in traditional areas such as cemetery administration. This model could set a precedent nationwide.
Source: Wirtschaftskraft, 18.12.2024, https://wirtschaftskraft.de/artikel/baden-baden-digitalisiert-seine-friedhoefe
