Post by Howard Metcalfe on Dec 1, 2006 15:22:18 GMT -5
Q: Can I import a GEDCOM file into my existing data file?
A: Yes, but ...
Over the years I have generally found that importing other people's GEDCOM files into my existing data file to be impractical.
I've yet to find a GEDCOM that doesn't require a large amount of work "cleaning" it and verifying each item within it. I've determined that the best that can be done in almost cases is to import the new GEDCOM file into a new PAWriter data file, print it out and manually enter each piece of information into my existing data file after the information is cleaned and verified.
This is not to say those GEDCOM's aren't useful. They just require a lot of hard work before the information can be used (frequently as just clues) in your own research file.
In the March 2007 issue of Internet Genealogy, the article "What is This GEDCOM" by Dae Powell on page 38 states flatly: "GEDCOM-format files can be imported (or merged) directly into your existing data files. Don't do it!"
So to some extent I question how useful features are which import and automatically merge other people's GEDCOM files, even with the interactive comparision of old and new information that some programs provide. Thus I haven't expended the necessary (large) effort to be 100% compatible with the version 5.5 standard for GEDCOM tags in PAWriter import.
Starting with version 67, GEDCOM tags that aren't supported in PAWriter are formatted somewhat nicely and included in the appropriate people's notes for you to edit as you see fit (or in very few cases ignored). Further, a cautionary alert will be displayed when you ask to import a GEDCOM into a file that already contains some people. The alert states:
That said, you can import a GEDCOM into an existing file by choosing File menu > Import GEDCOM (or by pressing command-I). The imported people will be tagged. You can then go about merging imported people with previously existing people. But this process can be complicated and confusing when more than one person is in common.
To merge two people, you use Person menu > Merge a Person into This Person by Name (or by RIN). The person being merged from should be the one without parents. Please see the topics in the Reference Guide for these menu items.
A: Yes, but ...
Over the years I have generally found that importing other people's GEDCOM files into my existing data file to be impractical.
I've yet to find a GEDCOM that doesn't require a large amount of work "cleaning" it and verifying each item within it. I've determined that the best that can be done in almost cases is to import the new GEDCOM file into a new PAWriter data file, print it out and manually enter each piece of information into my existing data file after the information is cleaned and verified.
This is not to say those GEDCOM's aren't useful. They just require a lot of hard work before the information can be used (frequently as just clues) in your own research file.
In the March 2007 issue of Internet Genealogy, the article "What is This GEDCOM" by Dae Powell on page 38 states flatly: "GEDCOM-format files can be imported (or merged) directly into your existing data files. Don't do it!"
So to some extent I question how useful features are which import and automatically merge other people's GEDCOM files, even with the interactive comparision of old and new information that some programs provide. Thus I haven't expended the necessary (large) effort to be 100% compatible with the version 5.5 standard for GEDCOM tags in PAWriter import.
Starting with version 67, GEDCOM tags that aren't supported in PAWriter are formatted somewhat nicely and included in the appropriate people's notes for you to edit as you see fit (or in very few cases ignored). Further, a cautionary alert will be displayed when you ask to import a GEDCOM into a file that already contains some people. The alert states:
Importing a GEDCOM file into an existing PAWriter data file is NOT recommended unless it is known that:If this procedure is not followed, it is possible the PAWriter may hang up.The recommended procedure is: (1) import the GEDCOM file into an empty PAWriter data file, (2) validate the imported information, (3) export for PAWriter the valid information into a new GEDCOM file, (4) import the new GEDCOM file into this existing PAWriter data file, and (5) merge the two records for the single person in common (if such a person exists).
- the GEDCOM file structure is not corrupt,
- all GEDCOM file information has been verified, and
- at most one person exists in common between the GEDCOM file and the PAWriter file.
Do you wish to proceed with importing this GEDCOM file?
That said, you can import a GEDCOM into an existing file by choosing File menu > Import GEDCOM (or by pressing command-I). The imported people will be tagged. You can then go about merging imported people with previously existing people. But this process can be complicated and confusing when more than one person is in common.
To merge two people, you use Person menu > Merge a Person into This Person by Name (or by RIN). The person being merged from should be the one without parents. Please see the topics in the Reference Guide for these menu items.
