How to Analyze GEDCOM Files Efficiently with GEDminer

I've been looking forward to trying GEDminer, a GEDCOM analyzer. I'm going to resist the temptation to compare it to other consistency checkers I've used, because this one is exceptional and outshines any other I've tried. On the features page you'll find the brief description of:

"Upload a GEDCOM file and instantly access 12+ genealogy analysis tools — demographics, migration maps, error detection, census gaps, kinship calculation, and more."

I gotta tell you, when they say "and more" they mean it! I'm not going to list every feature (the list is simply too long) but even if you don't try it, it's worth heading over to the features page to see the potential it might offer, if and when you need it. Given this is a totally FREE site, and your data is parsed in your browser so it never leaves your computer, you can feel confident when using this tool.

While the site is totally FREE, you can register for an account if you wish. You can also support the site with a donation if you feel inclined to do so. With an account, you can save up to 3 trees. The data saved is parsed and only includes names, dates, places, and relationships. One feature I don't often see, but they offer, is the option to replace a file with a newer version - a feature I've longed for on sites like MyHeritage. If you don't sign up for an account, nothing is saved at all. 

On the Overview page, you'll find some stats as well as an "on this day" feature outlining births, deaths, and marriages on given dates. My sourcing and citations were 98-99%, but my completeness score is 73% - giving me an overall score of 88.79%. Given I know I'm missing some crucial dates, this was expected. To give you an idea of the user interface, here's a screenshot of my overview:

Clicking on any of the issues listed provides more explanation and detail. There's even a section for "quick wins" (sortable by impact or effort required) to help quickly improve your scores. Each page appears to have numerous filter and sort options.

The other main pages are:

• Directory (People, Occupations, Locations and Kinship)
• Integrity (Suggestions, Errors, Vital Sharpener, and Tree Structure)
• Discovery (Migration Analysis, Census Toolbox, Gap Detector, Incomplete Families, DNA Planner and Plan Generator)

I do want to take a moment to call out the Census Toolbox. A quick look at mine shows I moved on from the 1850 to the 1860 census, and I've done a fairly good job with it. But many other census years are really lacking in my research (just as I alluded to in a recent post). 

It goes a step further and suggests all the potential missing censuses, not just from the US, but other countries as well. (Clearly, I have a lot of work to do!!)

If you're still not sure about trying it, head on over to Fortify Your Family Tree - This Free, Elegant GEDCOM Analyzer Is a Wonder for a more in depth review. 

I've barely scratched the surface on this wonderful resource. You truly have to see this in action to appreciate all the features. Each page is filled with useful insights to help you uncover patterns, find potential errors and identify where more research is needed. I find the clear graphics and color coding very satisfying. The data is presented in clear, easy to understand format. This site is also linked in my Genealogy Toolbox under GEDCOMs. 

If you aren't already using this site, give it a try and let me know your thoughts! 

Image by Clker-Free-Vector-Images from Pixabay