https://gedminer.com/guides Free step-by-step genealogy guides covering GEDCOM analysis, census research, DNA testing strategy, and family tree best practices. en-gb Sun, 25 Oct 2026 18:26:34 GMT https://gedminer.com/guides/genealogy-glossary https://gedminer.com/guides/genealogy-glossary Thu, 01 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMT Genealogy Fundamentals Plain-English definitions for every genealogy term you're likely to meet, from Ahnentafel and BMD to centiMorgans, endogamy, NPE, IPM and the Genealogical. https://gedminer.com/guides/gedcom-vs-gedcom-x https://gedminer.com/guides/gedcom-vs-gedcom-x Thu, 01 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMT Data Quality GEDCOM is the long-established plain-text exchange format; GEDCOM 7 is its current FamilySearch version. GEDCOM-X is a separate FamilySearch data model, written as JSON or XML. GEDminer reads both. https://gedminer.com/guides/gedcom-error-propagation https://gedminer.com/guides/gedcom-error-propagation Mon, 11 May 2026 12:00:00 GMT Data Quality GEDCOM error propagation explained: how one wrong date, duplicate person, or bad merge cascades through a family tree and corrupts hundreds of downstream facts. https://gedminer.com/guides/genealogy-software-comparison https://gedminer.com/guides/genealogy-software-comparison Mon, 11 May 2026 12:00:00 GMT Genealogy Fundamentals Modern genealogy software falls into two categories: desktop programs that own your data, and analysis tools that audit it. https://gedminer.com/guides/find-living-relatives-genealogy https://gedminer.com/guides/find-living-relatives-genealogy Mon, 11 May 2026 12:00:00 GMT Research Techniques Three methods for finding living relatives, ranked by yield: mining the cousins already implicit in your tree, autosomal DNA testing, and triangulating the. https://gedminer.com/guides/sourcing-genealogy-evidence-standard https://gedminer.com/guides/sourcing-genealogy-evidence-standard Mon, 11 May 2026 12:00:00 GMT Research Techniques The five elements of the Genealogical Proof Standard - exhaustive research, complete citations, analysis, conflict resolution, written conclusion - and how to. https://gedminer.com/guides/scottish-ancestor-research-guide https://gedminer.com/guides/scottish-ancestor-research-guide Sat, 25 Apr 2026 12:00:00 GMT Regional Research Trace Scottish ancestors using ScotlandsPeople, Old Parish Registers, statutory records, and census returns. https://gedminer.com/guides/german-ancestor-research-guide https://gedminer.com/guides/german-ancestor-research-guide Sat, 25 Apr 2026 12:00:00 GMT Regional Research Trace German, Austrian, Prussian, and Central European ancestors. Learn about church books (Kirchenbücher), Auswandererlisten, microfilmed parish registers. https://gedminer.com/guides/dating-old-family-photographs https://gedminer.com/guides/dating-old-family-photographs Sat, 25 Apr 2026 12:00:00 GMT Research Skills Date Victorian and Edwardian family photos using clothing, photo format, photographer marks, and card mounts. https://gedminer.com/guides/organising-genealogy-research https://gedminer.com/guides/organising-genealogy-research Sat, 25 Apr 2026 12:00:00 GMT Research Skills Organise genealogy research with consistent file naming, research logs, and GEDminer to track progress. https://gedminer.com/guides/citing-genealogy-sources https://gedminer.com/guides/citing-genealogy-sources Sat, 25 Apr 2026 12:00:00 GMT Research Skills Learn how to cite genealogy sources using Evidence Explained standards. Improve your tree quality score and make your research credible and shareable. https://gedminer.com/guides/merge-two-gedcom-files https://gedminer.com/guides/merge-two-gedcom-files Fri, 24 Apr 2026 12:00:00 GMT How-To Step-by-step guide to merging two GEDCOM files without creating duplicates or losing source citations. https://gedminer.com/guides/fix-gedcom-character-encoding https://gedminer.com/guides/fix-gedcom-character-encoding Fri, 24 Apr 2026 12:00:00 GMT How-To Why accented names like Müller, O\u2019Brien, and François appear garbled in GEDCOM files - and how to fix character encoding issues with UTF-8, ANSEL, and. https://gedminer.com/guides/surname-distribution-one-name-study https://gedminer.com/guides/surname-distribution-one-name-study Fri, 24 Apr 2026 12:00:00 GMT Tool Tutorials How to analyse surname frequency, geographic clusters, and variant spellings in your family tree to support one-name studies and surname research. https://gedminer.com/guides/recover-corrupted-gedcom-file https://gedminer.com/guides/recover-corrupted-gedcom-file Fri, 24 Apr 2026 12:00:00 GMT How-To GEDCOM file won\u2019t open or won\u2019t import? Learn how to diagnose and repair corrupted .ged files, fix broken syntax, recover missing individuals, and. https://gedminer.com/guides/break-genealogy-brick-walls https://gedminer.com/guides/break-genealogy-brick-walls Fri, 24 Apr 2026 12:00:00 GMT How-To A repeatable method for breaking down genealogy brick walls using GEDCOM analysis, collateral research, DNA evidence, and record triangulation. https://gedminer.com/guides/tracing-female-ancestors-genealogy https://gedminer.com/guides/tracing-female-ancestors-genealogy Fri, 24 Apr 2026 12:00:00 GMT How-To Female ancestors disappear from records after marriage, leaving the hardest lines in any family tree. https://gedminer.com/guides/irish-ancestor-research-guide https://gedminer.com/guides/irish-ancestor-research-guide Fri, 24 Apr 2026 12:00:00 GMT Regional Research Irish ancestry is famously difficult thanks to the 1922 record fire. Learn which records survived, how to use them, and how to analyse Irish family trees with. https://gedminer.com/guides/using-ai-for-genealogy-research https://gedminer.com/guides/using-ai-for-genealogy-research Fri, 24 Apr 2026 12:00:00 GMT Tool Tutorials How to use AI tools like ChatGPT for genealogy research without inventing ancestors. https://gedminer.com/guides/what-is-a-gedcom-file https://gedminer.com/guides/what-is-a-gedcom-file Tue, 10 Mar 2026 12:00:00 GMT Genealogy Fundamentals Learn what a GEDCOM file is, how the format works, which programs create them, and how to open, edit, and analyse .ged files for genealogy research. https://gedminer.com/guides/how-to-start-family-tree-research https://gedminer.com/guides/how-to-start-family-tree-research Tue, 10 Mar 2026 12:00:00 GMT Genealogy Fundamentals A step-by-step beginner guide to starting your family tree research. Learn where to find records, how to organise your findings, and which tools to use. https://gedminer.com/guides/how-to-read-census-records https://gedminer.com/guides/how-to-read-census-records Tue, 10 Mar 2026 12:00:00 GMT Genealogy Fundamentals Learn how to find, read, and interpret census records for family history research. https://gedminer.com/guides/understanding-dna-matches-genealogy https://gedminer.com/guides/understanding-dna-matches-genealogy Tue, 10 Mar 2026 12:00:00 GMT Genealogy Fundamentals Learn how to interpret DNA matches for genealogy. Understand centiMorgans, shared DNA percentages, relationship predictions, and how to use DNA results to. https://gedminer.com/guides/common-genealogy-mistakes https://gedminer.com/guides/common-genealogy-mistakes Tue, 10 Mar 2026 12:00:00 GMT Genealogy Fundamentals Avoid these 10 common genealogy mistakes that lead to inaccurate family trees. Learn about source citation, name assumptions, and data quality best practices. https://gedminer.com/guides/free-genealogy-tools-resources https://gedminer.com/guides/free-genealogy-tools-resources Tue, 10 Mar 2026 12:00:00 GMT Genealogy Fundamentals Discover the best free genealogy tools and resources for family tree research. From record databases to analysis tools, build your family tree without. https://gedminer.com/guides/guide-to-bmd-records https://gedminer.com/guides/guide-to-bmd-records Tue, 10 Mar 2026 12:00:00 GMT Genealogy Fundamentals Learn how to find and use birth, marriage, and death (BMD) records for genealogy. Understand civil registration, church records, and how to order certificates. https://gedminer.com/guides/genealogy-data-privacy-security https://gedminer.com/guides/genealogy-data-privacy-security Tue, 10 Mar 2026 12:00:00 GMT Genealogy Fundamentals Learn how to protect your genealogy data and family tree privacy. Understand the risks of online genealogy, data handling practices, and how GEDminer keeps. https://gedminer.com/guides/search-people-family-tree https://gedminer.com/guides/search-people-family-tree Mon, 09 Mar 2026 12:00:00 GMT Directory Tools Learn how to search, filter, and browse individuals in your GEDCOM family tree using GEDminer's People Directory with fuzzy search and surname grouping. https://gedminer.com/guides/explore-ancestor-locations-map https://gedminer.com/guides/explore-ancestor-locations-map Mon, 09 Mar 2026 12:00:00 GMT Directory Tools Visualise where your ancestors lived using GEDminer's Location Explorer. See geographic patterns, clusters, and place hierarchies on an interactive map. https://gedminer.com/guides/analyse-ancestor-occupations https://gedminer.com/guides/analyse-ancestor-occupations Mon, 09 Mar 2026 12:00:00 GMT Directory Tools Discover what your ancestors did for a living. Learn to analyse occupations by category, spot trends across generations, and understand historical work. https://gedminer.com/guides/using-kinship-explorer https://gedminer.com/guides/using-kinship-explorer Mon, 09 Mar 2026 12:00:00 GMT Directory Tools Calculate exact relationships between any two people in your family tree. Find shared ancestors, visualise relationship paths, and estimate shared DNA. https://gedminer.com/guides/research-suggestions-guide https://gedminer.com/guides/research-suggestions-guide Mon, 09 Mar 2026 12:00:00 GMT Integrity Tools Get personalised research suggestions based on gaps and patterns in your GEDCOM file. Learn how GEDminer identifies your best next research steps. https://gedminer.com/guides/vital-sharpener-guide https://gedminer.com/guides/vital-sharpener-guide Mon, 09 Mar 2026 12:00:00 GMT Integrity Tools Identify and prioritise incomplete or estimated vital records in your GEDCOM file. Learn to systematically sharpen birth, marriage, and death data. https://gedminer.com/guides/duplicate-finder-guide https://gedminer.com/guides/duplicate-finder-guide Mon, 09 Mar 2026 12:00:00 GMT Integrity Tools Detect and evaluate duplicate individuals in your GEDCOM family tree. Learn how to identify likely duplicates and merge them in your genealogy software. https://gedminer.com/guides/migration-analysis-guide https://gedminer.com/guides/migration-analysis-guide Mon, 09 Mar 2026 12:00:00 GMT Discovery Tools Trace your family's movements across countries and continents. Visualise migration routes, identify immigration waves, and explore when and where your family moved. https://gedminer.com/guides/timeline-gap-detector-guide https://gedminer.com/guides/timeline-gap-detector-guide Mon, 09 Mar 2026 12:00:00 GMT Discovery Tools Spot decades-long gaps in each ancestor's documented timeline. Find periods where records might exist but haven't been found yet. https://gedminer.com/guides/research-plan-generator-guide https://gedminer.com/guides/research-plan-generator-guide Mon, 09 Mar 2026 12:00:00 GMT Discovery Tools Automatically generate a prioritised research plan based on gaps, errors, and opportunities in your GEDCOM family tree. Know exactly what to research next. https://gedminer.com/guides/overview-dashboard-guide https://gedminer.com/guides/overview-dashboard-guide Mon, 09 Mar 2026 12:00:00 GMT Getting Started Learn to read and interpret the Overview dashboard showing demographics, statistics, and key metrics about your GEDCOM family tree at a glance. https://gedminer.com/guides/passenger-list-research-guide https://gedminer.com/guides/passenger-list-research-guide Mon, 09 Mar 2026 12:00:00 GMT Discovery Tools Use GEDminer's Passenger List Candidates tool to identify ancestors who likely crossed oceans. https://gedminer.com/guides/setting-home-person-guide https://gedminer.com/guides/setting-home-person-guide Mon, 09 Mar 2026 12:00:00 GMT Getting Started Learn why setting a Home Person is essential for relationship labels, research prioritisation, and getting the most out of GEDminer's analysis tools. https://gedminer.com/guides/exporting-research-data https://gedminer.com/guides/exporting-research-data Mon, 09 Mar 2026 12:00:00 GMT Getting Started Learn how to export your genealogy analysis results as CSV spreadsheets and PDF reports from GEDminer for offline research, sharing, and archiving. https://gedminer.com/guides/on-this-day-events https://gedminer.com/guides/on-this-day-events Mon, 09 Mar 2026 12:00:00 GMT Overview Features See which family history events happened on today's date throughout history. Births, marriages, and deaths that connect you to your ancestors. https://gedminer.com/guides/data-quality-score-guide https://gedminer.com/guides/data-quality-score-guide Mon, 09 Mar 2026 12:00:00 GMT Overview Features Learn how GEDminer calculates your tree's health score and data quality metrics. Understand what affects your score and how to improve it. https://gedminer.com/guides/unlinked-individuals-guide https://gedminer.com/guides/unlinked-individuals-guide Mon, 09 Mar 2026 12:00:00 GMT Integrity Tools Find people in your GEDCOM file who are not connected to your main family tree. Learn strategies to identify why they're isolated and how to connect them. https://gedminer.com/guides/location-standardisation-guide https://gedminer.com/guides/location-standardisation-guide Mon, 09 Mar 2026 12:00:00 GMT Directory Tools Learn how to standardise inconsistent place names in your GEDCOM file for better mapping, analysis, and cross-referencing of geographic data. https://gedminer.com/guides/how-to-analyse-gedcom-file https://gedminer.com/guides/how-to-analyse-gedcom-file Sun, 01 Mar 2026 12:00:00 GMT Getting Started Learn how to upload and analyse your GEDCOM file online for free using GEDminer. https://gedminer.com/guides/fix-gedcom-errors https://gedminer.com/guides/fix-gedcom-errors Sun, 01 Mar 2026 12:00:00 GMT Data Quality Learn to detect and fix common GEDCOM errors including impossible dates, missing records, and duplicates. Improve your family tree data quality with GEDminer. https://gedminer.com/guides/dna-testing-strategy-family-tree https://gedminer.com/guides/dna-testing-strategy-family-tree Sun, 01 Mar 2026 12:00:00 GMT Research Techniques Plan your DNA testing strategy to get maximum genealogical value. Learn which relatives to test first and how to use DNA results with your GEDCOM family tree. https://gedminer.com/guides/understanding-tree-connectivity https://gedminer.com/guides/understanding-tree-connectivity Sat, 28 Feb 2026 12:00:00 GMT Data Quality Learn how to analyse the connected components and structure of your family tree. Find isolated individuals, broken links, and opportunities to connect branches. https://gedminer.com/guides/census-gap-detection-guide https://gedminer.com/guides/census-gap-detection-guide Fri, 20 Feb 2026 12:00:00 GMT Research Techniques Use census gap detection to discover which census records your ancestors should appear in but haven't been found yet. https://gedminer.com/guides/find-hidden-cousins-family-tree https://gedminer.com/guides/find-hidden-cousins-family-tree Sun, 15 Feb 2026 12:00:00 GMT Research Techniques Discover unlinked family branches that may be related. Learn how shared surnames, locations, and timeframes can reveal hidden cousin connections in your.