Family tree mapping
Family tree mapping is the process of geocoding places in family tree files to produce geospatial data suitable for viewing with a virtual globe or 2D mapping program.
Overview
The availability of several free applications for viewing geographic data has led to a growing interest in 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 can find matches based on geographic location rather than just a place name.
Family Tree Mapping Applications
Applications that can be used for family tree mapping include
- Ancestral Atlas - a Google Maps-based web 2.0 application that allows the user add their own family tree information to a map for their own private use or to make it immediately available for other users to see. Users can search for and see public data added by other users. Subscribed users can then communicate with each other via an internal messaging system to compare notes and other data. Events and people can be uploaded to the site via GEDCOM files or can be added by hand. Historical map data is also available for subscribers - this is superimposed on top of the Google Maps.
- Family Atlas - a Windows application that imports data from genealogy software for mapping with its own internal maps.
- Map My Ancestors - a Windows application that imports GEDCOM files or comma-separated values (CSV) files and converts them to 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 that imports 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.