By Christiana Johns

Jason Preuett thesis research has taken him from the woods to his neighbors’ houses. In one backyard he discovered a grave without a tombstone. Without his research, this grave may have remained forgotten, but that is what Prevett hopes to prevent.

Preuett’s thesis uses geographical information systems (GIS) to track the location of roads, waterways and cemeteries. This information is used for mapping of the city when developers want to know where they can and cannot begin construction. “It’s a combination of science and tools used for mapping,” Preuett said.

With the continuing growth of Central, Preuett’s research is essential to the city. It will allow developers to know where the greatest concentration of people lives and where land is vacant, where bayous and rivers run, where corrected roads are located and what zoning restrictions are present in different areas. As companies begin setting up in the new city, this information will help them build their businesses to best serve the citizens of the community.

Preserving the Past

In addition to preparing for the future, Preuett’s research is also important to the history of Central. By pinpointing where cemeteries and graves are located, he can ensure their survival.

Preuett isn’t sure of the date, but he estimates about 20 to 30 years ago the people of Central saved Bradford Cemetery. A developer wanted to remove the graves that dated back as far as 1850 to build homes, but the people petitioned to keep the developer out. “The people cared enough to prevent it from being destroyed,” Preuett said. “It’s important to preserve the history of the city.”

His thesis research did not begin with finding cemeteries. He originally began researching land use changes, but as he dug further into his research he discovered the benefits of tracking cemeteries. “I wanted to see where people lived and came from, and the cemetery was one of the best approaches,” Preuett said. Using the GIS technology, one of the earliest graves he found dated to 1815.

Vicki Carney, President of the Central/Greenwell Springs Society of History, said Preuett’s research is vital to Central’s recorded history and culture for future generations. “Many of our cemeteries dating back to the 1800’s will disappear,” Carney said. “Due to Jason’s research, their historical value will remain in our records forever and will be a wonderful resource for people tracing their family histories.”

Outdoors and Education

Preuett said his love for the outdoors started his interest in the type of research he does, but he picked Central as the focus of his thesis because he grew up there. “Nobody has tried to map out all of the cemeteries before,” he said. “The cemeteries are only part of what I do, but it is important to know where they are.”

Preuett began his studies at Louisiana Tech University as an undergrad and then moved back to his hometown of Central. He completed his Master’s degree in May at Southern University and plans to continue his education there to receive his PhD. He plans to give a copy of his thesis to the city of Central when it is completed.