GEDCOM to XLS conversion

[mrigger]

Hi!

Some time ago I started to write an Excel based application to convert GEDCOM files into a tabbed XLS spreadsheet. For various reasons I had to shelve the project but now I am in a position to start work again.

The finished application will be released as freeware to anyone who can make use of it. In the meantime I need some help! At this stage, I am looking for forum members who can provide me with GEDCOM files exported from differing genealogy programs. I only use PAF, so output from differing programs will help me ensure that the input process is as stable and robust as possible.

I am not looking to 'steal' anyone's research, and I certainly don't want any information that relates to living individuals. Any and all information will be handled securely and confidentially, and will be deleted after I have finished the testing stage. So is anyone willing to help? I will also need a few volunteers later to beta test the application, but at the moment it is the data that is important.

I do hope that some of you will consider helping out .

Best wishes

Mark

[danuslave]

Hi Mark

I use Legacy and would be happy to provide a GEDCOM

How much data do you want and how do we deliver it?

Linda

[Alexander.]

Hi Mark,

I wouldn't have thought it matters which program is used, because the GEDCOM output should be the same regardless of the program. Anyway, if you would like to test a GEDCOM generated by RootsMagic, I can provide one.

I must say, I am intrigued as to why you would want an entire GEDCOM in XLS format.

Alexander

[danuslave]

the GEDCOM output should be the same regardless of the program

I believe there are slight variations between programs, although most programs can ignore anything that they don't need without falling in a heap   

Linda

[mrigger]

Thank you all for your responses - it is much appreciated!

I must say, I am intrigued as to why you would want an entire GEDCOM in XLS format

....mainly because at one stage I was exchanging information with relatives who didn't use genealogy software (but did have a spreadsheet application or viewer), plus I wanted to improve my programming skills 

How much data do you want and how do we deliver it?

Your choice, although the more individuals there are in the GEDCOM file, the better (from a testing viewpoint). Please feel free to make available as much (or little) data as you feel comfortable with. Please PM me and I will give you an email address where you can send the data.

Once I have the data, I will process it and send the results back to you in an Excel tabbed spreadsheet (if you don't use Excel, don't worry - the data should be visible in most Spreadsheet applications, or you can use the free MS Excel viewer application). This initial data will consist of a breakdown of all the data in the file. After some bug fixing, I intend to modify the application to allow you to compare two GEDCOM files, but more of this later.

Thanks again for your responses, and I hope you can assist.

Best wishes

Mark

[Ruskie]

I have Family Historian. If I can work out how to send you a Gedcom I will do so. 

[jc26red]

You might want to see the export options, this is from RootsMagic as it will make a difference to your excel layout.
the drop down box options:
Names: Full name or living
Facts: there are 6 options, variations of Date/year/place and don't print facts

Also, why don't you download the free downloads of the FH programs which are available to test? That way you will get a better picture of how each FH program exports its data.  Once you get that right, testing larger gedcoms shouldn't cause a problem.  Testing gedcoms people send to you blind without knowing the options chosen is really hit and miss on getting your application to work properly without bugs.

[mrigger]

You might want to see the export options, this is from RootsMagic as it will make a difference to your excel layout.

A valid point, but as I cannot guarantee what application the GEDCOM was created in, nor what fields it contains I have had to make the import code fairly forgiving in terms of missing /additional fields.

Also, why don't you download the free downloads of the FH programs which are available to test? That way you will get a better picture of how each FH program exports its data.  Once you get that right, testing larger gedcoms shouldn't cause a problem.  Testing gedcoms people send to you blind without knowing the options chosen is really hit and miss on getting your application to work properly without bugs.

Again, a valid point, but the problem here is that it would only ever be me creating the test data - it's far better from a testing standpoint to use real data - no two people will enter data in the same way, so this is a much better way of testing in my opinion.

Thank you for your comments - they are appreciated!

Best wishes

Mark

[KGarrad]

Thank you all for your responses - it is much appreciated!

I must say, I am intrigued as to why you would want an entire GEDCOM in XLS format

....mainly because at one stage I was exchanging information with relatives who didn't use genealogy software (but did have a spreadsheet application or viewer), plus I wanted to improve my programming skills 

Thinking laterally . . . RootsMagic comes with RootsMagic-to-go, which allows you to generate a free-standing CD of your family tree.

Probably other genealogy programs also do something similar?