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How to Delete a Structure

Occasionally you will come across points representing structures that are no longer in business, or points representing structures that we do not collect. If so, those points should be deleted.

Back to Topic: Editing | Previous Section: How to Add a New Structure | Next Topic: Mapping Challenges

 

Before deleting any point be sure you’ve done sufficient research using authoritative sources to confirm that the structure is no longer in operation or that it does not meet our collection criteria.   

 

Follow these steps for deleting structures points:

NOTES: 

  • Do NOT delete existing points that only need to be updated (i.e., need to be moved or have their name and / or address updated)! If a structure has a different name but still serves the same function (such as a school), update the existing structure point with the new information rather than deleting the original point and creating a new one. 

    For example, if Murphy Elementary School is now Sunshine Academy, update the name of the existing point rather than deleting it and creating a new one. 
     
  • Also, it’s extremely rare that you’ll need to delete a cemetery point, so if you can’t find evidence that a cemetery has been destroyed or its burials disinterred (or that it’s a duplicate), it’s best to leave the points on the map and move on to points you can confirm. If you delete a point by accident, send us an email and we’ll reinstate it for you. 

Check out our Cemetery Research and Guidance articles below for more cemetery verification tips.  

    • Moving vs. Deleting Points Moving vs. Deleting Points

      Sometimes when editing you'll encounter points placed in the wrong location. Most of the time, incorrectly located points only need to be moved a short distance, but occasionally they'll need to be moved much further. Can these points be moved great distances, or should they just be deleted?
      Moving vs. Deleting Points

      Moving vs. Deleting Points

      Sometimes when editing you'll encounter points placed in the wrong location. Most of the time, incorrectly located points only need to be moved a short distance, but occasionally they'll need to be moved much further. Can these points be moved great distances, or should they just be deleted?
      Learn More
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