The Positive Outcomes of Community GIS

By Tim Naff, Community GIS student in Spring 2023

Mapping and maps in general for me have always been about the visual aspect of it, their
pleasing aesthetics and interesting information, nothing more. I've also always been a
community-involved person, whether it be helping with food drives or more significant events
such as local markets or social/mental awareness-promoting occasions. When I came across
Community GIS, taught by professor Jerry Shannon, at the University of Georgia I didn’t
hesitate to enroll. Prior to the course, I was unaware there was a way to combine my love for
both GIS/maps and supporting my community in both enjoyable and beneficial methods.

Throughout the first half of this semester our class has been tasked with creating a digital
archive and maps for Brooklyn Cemetery, an all African-American Cemetery in Athens, GA.
Formerly known as Bethlehem Cemetery, Brooklyn Cemetery is a historic cemetery that was
established in the early 1800s and is located in central Athens. The cemetery contains many
grave markers and monuments that date back to the 19th century and it is the final resting place
of many prominent individuals from the Athens area, including Civil War veterans, local
politicians, and business leaders. However, many are still illegible, unmarked, or unknown. The
cemetery is still in use today and is maintained by its board of trustees working to ensure its
place and existence in the history of Athens. Through many community events there has been
noticeable progress on its restoration, such as cleaning and clearing brush and scanning for
unknown buried persons. Our project is on somewhat of a different wavelength but with the
same idea in mind, preserving and protecting Brooklyn Cemetery and its history, meaning, and
integrity so that future generations, perhaps relatives, can seek their ancestors/family, as well as
give locals the chance to learn about important history of their community.

Learning about the history and context of what we are working towards was extremely
valuable. Not only did I learn about the specific history of the cemetery but other stories and
events that happened in the past that correlate with what our issue is, the invisibility and
unrepresentedness of African-American related areas. An example is the Texas Freedom
Colonies, an reading we did, which illustrates the invisibility of African-American agricultural
communities in Texas post-emancipation. This relates to our project because Brooklyn Cemetery
is almost invisible locally. It’s invisible in the sense that it is often overgrown in a somewhat
hidden forested area and is barely marked. Much like the Texas Freedom colonies which were isolated, unregistered/off the record, and out of the scope of political and economical powers and
resources. Another connection is that both have gained recognition in recent decades which is
important so that the communities can restore and ensure the legacy they bring. Knowing the
history of my community has always been of importance to me because I am a curious person
and like to know why things are and where they are. So to get an idea and context for our issue at
hand was both interesting and needed for our project.

Besides learning about the history, the other important factor was the importance that
both sides are tailored to, for class, the process of learning and experience, and for the
community members, an end product that is attainable and of quality. Although a community
project, this is a college course so learning has been a definitive factor. This is where our GIS
“expertise” comes in. I have been introduced to aspects I had not know known, such as sites for
data-grabbing, workflows, the importance of metadata, and teamwork. Also to mention are the
critical thinking and problem solving aspects as well as the exposure to different perspectives
and social injustice issues that are obtained through the process. However, the most valuable
aspect for me of this class and project has been the opportunity to get real hands-on/professional
experience being the most valuable.

Through restoring and engraining the important history of Brooklyn Cemetery online and
on-site through references and maps so far I have learned many things and can envision the
immensely positive results that GIS and community involved work has to offer. Although
unfinished, this project goal should help facilitate the expansion of my knowledge in GIS, my
community, history, and perspectives so far. It has already helped me realize the potential of the
combination. I’ve already gained knowledge in collaboration, software skills, concepts, and
specific history all while enhancing my interest in GIS and community topics. That is all I
could’ve asked for. Not even to mention the final product we will have when completely finished
for the community members we’ve worked with. I hope it will successfully and effectively
inform the community of Athens for years to come. I also hope to be involved in various
community initiatives and promote community engagement and collaboration not only after this
class but once I graduate to contribute whatever I can wherever I end up living, all whilst
continuing to learn about my community and GIS.