Family tree mapping

Family Tree mapping is the process of geocoding places referenced in Family Tree files to produce Geospatial data suitable for viewing using a virtual globe program or 2D mapping program.

Overview

The availability of several free applications for viewing geographic data has led to a growing interest regarding the use of this technology by genealogists and family history researchers.

The ability to share Keyhole Markup Language (KML) files through sites such as Google Maps means that researchers are now able to find matches based on geographic location rather than just a place name.

Family Tree Mapping Applications

Applications which can be used for Family Tree Mapping include -

* Family Atlas - a Windows application which will import data from genealogy software for mapping using its own internal maps.
* Map My Ancestors - a Windows application which will import GEDCOM files or Comma-separated values (CSV) files and convert into Keyhole Markup Language (KML) files for viewing with KML compatible programs such as Google Earth or Google Maps.
* Map My Family Tree - a Windows application which will import data directly from a number of popular Genealogy programs. The program uses its own location database to resolve places from the source family tree. Viewing data is generally undertaken from within the program using the internal viewer but individual placemarks can be viewed using Google Earth, Google Maps, TerraServer-USA or MapQuest.

ee Also

* GEDCOM file format
* Google Earth Virtual Globe software
* Google Maps
* Keyhole Markup Language (KML)
* Map My Ancestors
* Microsoft Virtual Earth

External links

* [http://www.familyatlas.com/ Family Atlas official site]
* [http://earth.google.com/ Google Earth official site]
* [http://www.familytreeassistant.com/ Map My Ancestors official site]
* [http://www.progenygenealogy.com/ Map My Family Tree official site]