* Problems Importing FTM Gedcom to FH

[Gowermick]

What is best way to prepare FTM2012 or its exported Gedcom, so the Gedcom import into FH goes smoother.

As a newbie to FH, I exported my Tree (12000+) from FTM2012 as a Gedcom and imported it to FH6. I realised it wouldn't be that simple and with a current Import Log File of 200+ pages - (Mainly INFO Only), some methods of automating the process is called for.

Examples:-
'Occupation' facts are being imported into 'Place' fields in FH.
(try geocoding 'Ag Lab') haha

'ALIA' facts are being excluded

The tree is also on Ancestry, so would an export from there be better?

Any guidance or pointers to where I can find the answer would be useful.

Mike

[tatewise]

Welcome to the FHUG, Mike.
You will do better to stick with FTM as Ancestry is usually even worse.
Checkout how_to:import_from_ancestry|> Import from Ancestry website
and how_to:import_from_family_tree_maker|> Import from Family Tree Maker (FTM)
and also how_to:index#importing_to_family_historian|> Importing to Family Historian under "Use the following advice to repair common residual problems".

The main problem is that most programs (apart from FH) do NOT implement GEDCOM 5.5 at all well.

There is more advice about importing from FTM in how_to:exchange_with_ftm:step_6_import_your_ftm_gedcom_back_into_fh|> Step 6 Import your FTM GEDCOM back into FH (which is part of how_to:exchanging_data_with_ancestry_ftm|> Exchanging Data with Ancestry and FTM but is quite technically challenging). This involves some global editing of the GEDCOM file before importing into FH.

However, I am not aware of anyone complaining about the OCCUpation problem you mentioned.

[Gowermick]

Thanks Mike,

I quite like a technical challenge, so that shouldn't be a concern.

I did start to read the posts you mentioned, but they seem more tuned to going the other way, so user could take advantage of hints in Ancestry, but I'll take another look.

As I said, it is early days with FH (only bought on Saturday), so I'll just have to buckle down and RBM ( read the b** manual )

Mike

[tatewise]

You correct that the Exchanging Data with Ancestry and FTM project has been mainly focussed on FH to FTM, but the longer term objective is to complete the round trip and enhance the FTM to FH experience. The page I referred to is a summary of the FTM to FH problems that need to be resolved.

If you are interested in those project objectives, then your future assistance will be welcome in due course.

As a newcomer to FH, then take a look at how_to:key_features_for_newcomers|> Key Features for Newcomers and follow up all its leads.

[DavidNewton]

The occupations problem, amalgamating place and event description data, is a known issue with earlier versions of FTM but it shouldn't occur with FTM2012.

http://www.tcgr.bufton.org/tcgpcomp.htm

David

[Gowermick]

David,

For a long time, I had the fact properties for Occupation in FTM2012, set as date/place/description, and left place field blank and used description field when entering an Occupation, which could be the root cause of my problem.
As an experiment, I have changed the properties to description only, which still does not produce correct OCCU data in Gedcom file, AND gives no allowance for entering date. Have attached sample Gedcom for 1 individual to see difference.

Mike

[tatewise]

Mike, unfortunately you have not attached the GEDCOM via the Upload attachment tab below, and remembered to use the Add the file button. You can do so retrospectively, by editing your last posting.

[DavidNewton]

Some time ago when exchanging data between Legacy and FTM2012 I recall that the choice of destination format was important.

I have been doing a little experimenting with FTM2012 export, making the choice of Output format GEDCOM 5.5. At the next step the choice of destination matters. I have not tested all of them but Other and FTM2012 seem to give a proper OCCU in the GEDCOM whereas the choice FTM16 removes the value from OCCU and puts it into the PLAC. I noticed also that the choice of FTM16 changes the header tag DEST to FTW whereas the others all have DEST GED55. I have no clue what FTW means.

David

[PeterR]

According to my manual for Family Tree Maker 3.0 for Windows, .FTW was the standard extension for Family Tree Maker for Wndows; I think the extension was .FTM for DOS. I haven't used it since starting with FH many years ago.

[tatewise]

The Knowledge Base instructions for Import fom Family Tree Maker make it very clear what Export to GEDCOM options to use!
I.e. GEDCOM 5.5 - Other - ANSI

[Gowermick]

Mike,

Teach me not to read the instruction!

To date I have always exported Gedcom using FTM16 (Default Setting) & ANSI, and had never experienced any difficulties with Tribalpage import, so stuck with what I knew worked.

However, following your comments, I exported using Other-ANSI and found Occupation is store correctly, AND with Date stored in the subsidiary Date Tag.

Tomorrow, I'll export the full tree, and then import it to FH and report back.

(I have attached two sample Gedcoms, if you want to compare)

Thanks

Mike

[tatewise]

If you compare the two GEDCOM files you will see how FTM exports the date/place/description details.
In both cases it correctly uses the DATE tag for the date.

In FTM16 mode it uses the PLAC tag for the place/description details, but reversed as description/place.
(Notice how your Tribal Pages tree shows those details effectively in its Place field just like FH.)

In Other mode it uses the PLAC tag for place, and puts description as the Fact value.
This is perfect for Attributes such as OCCUpation and EDUCation, but is invalid GEDCOM for Events such as BIRTh, CENSus & DEATh, and also for RESIdence.
In these invalid cases FH automatically moves that value (usually an Address in your case) to the NOTE field.
Later on you may decide to move that to the ADDREss field.

At the end of your examples you will see that the Individual Record I1964 long Note is represented in a separate Note Record N130. In FH this will NOT appear in the local record Note box on the Main tab of his Property Box. It will only appear in the Notes tab as a linked Note Record. In the Records Window under the Notes tab all such Note Records will be listed, but for FTM imports each are usually linked to just one parent record. At the end of how_to:import_from_family_tree_maker|> Import from Family Tree Maker (FTM) it advises to use the Clean Up Notes Plugin, which moves the Note Record text into the parent record local Note field.

[Gowermick]

Mike,

Thanks for the explanation. I'm not too concerned about the note problem, which as you say can be fixed by a plugin.

I'm more concerned about the Address being placed as a note. Is there a 'simple' way to move these to an address field. I did look at a plugin to tidy up places, but to be honest, with no help available from the help button, it meant absolutely nothing to me. I don't even know what the problem was it was trying to cure!

Mike

[tatewise]

The point about Notes is that it confirms FTM exports Note Records not local Notes and probably explains why your Tribal Pages has record Notes, whereas my tests show TP does not import local Notes.

Exactly which Plugin were you looking at? Where did you find it? There usually is some explanation in the Description in the Plugins window.

Anyway, I have written a Move Note to Address Plugin in the ATTACHMENT below.
BUT beware it unconditionally moves every Event or RESIdence Note field to Address field.
It assumes you've just imported from FTM and every Event description was an address, and their only local Notes were created by FH from the Fact value.

It is advisable to use File > Backup/Restore > Small Backup before running Plugin just in case.

When the Plugin finishes it lists all Facts that have had the Note moved to Address.

To cancel all changes use Undo > Plugin Updates after running Plugin but before closing FH.

[Gowermick]

Mike,

I'll fire up my PC in morning and let you know the plugin I was referring to. I'll also download your attachment at the same time.

I'm not concerned about corruption at present, as I still have FTM as my main program. I won't switch fully to FH until I have a better understanding of how it works, but your warning is appreciated

Mike

[Gowermick]

Sorry for delay in reporting back, but had mains off this morning! (still suffering Internet withdrawal symptoms)

First, the plugin with no help. This was the your own 'Re-arrange Address and Place'. However I tried again just now, and am happy to report that Help did open up this time, so might give it a try when I have a bit more experience of FH. Sorry if I worried you with my comment about the lack of Help, must have been a glitch on my PC!

Secondly, downloaded your Move note to Address plugin, and am very happy to report it worked like a dream judging by the 2 or 3 cases I've looked at so far.

I'll be quiet for a while, whilst I read and digest the GTMFFH5!

Mike