>> > I wish to be able to clearly and succinctly identify the sources, >> > and logic used to establish a parent child relationship. This is not >> > usually as simple as citing an individual source, but for me often >> > requires establishing a "network" of interlocking bits of evidence. >> > This does not seem to be supported in many Genealogy programs, and >> > I've been told that the reason for that is that the capability is >> > not built into the GedCom standards. >> > >> > If that's the case, then this would seem to be a severe problem. I >> > can't think of anything more important than establishing parent >> > child relationships. >> > >> > Can anyone confirm that this is in fact a limitation in the GedCom >> > standards? >> > >> > Quolla6@gmail.com >> >> The GEDCOM standard supports the specification of one of four types >> of relationship of child to a family (PEDI tag subordinate to FAMC >> tag). These are: birth, adopted, foster, sealing. (Sealing is an >> LDS ceremony of adopting a child into a family.) >> >> Also, there is an "ADOP" event available for each individual. This >> may contain the reference to the family which adopted the individual >> (FAMC sub-tag) and a sub-tag (ADOP) to specify which or both parents >> as HUSB, WIFE or BOTH. >> >> Thus: >> 0 INDI @I1@ >> 1 FAMC @F1@ >> 2 PEDI adopted >> 2 NOTE As and if required. >> 3 SOUR ... >> 1 ADOP >> 2 FAMC @F1@ >> 3 ADOP HUSB >> .... >> 0 FAM @F1@ >> 1 CHIL @I1@ >> .... >> >> There are a small number of programs that support these tags as >> defined. Some others define custom _MREL and _FREL tags within the >> family record to define the relationships of an individual to >> "father" and "mother" of a family. Note that custom tags may not >> transport reliably between programs. >> >> With respect to sources, the GEDCOM standard does not permit SOUR as >> a sub-tag of PEDI, but it does permit SOUR as a sub-tag of NOTE as a >> sub-tag of PEDI. >> >> Nigel >> www.tcgr.bufton.org >> "Nigel Bufton" <nigel@bufton.org> > > > From Nigels response to my question it appears that > a) The GedCom Standard does not directly provide a tag that allows > you to explicitly explain the basis on which a family relationship > is established. > b) To handle this you have to use the notes > > Consider a website or desktop package that allowed GedCom uploads > and downloads. Even if it provided for the capability to explicitly > explain the basis for identifying the basis for a parent child > relationship (other than through a general note), you would not be > able to re-export that information through a GedCom. > > Thanks to all who replied. I appreciate the information received > from all. > > Q <quolla6@gmail.com> I should have added that the ADOP event permits SOUR sub-tags and a custom EVEN event could be created for Fostering (or any other event), which itself may have SOUR sub-tags. Therefore, if you specify events for individuals defining the establishment of the (additional) family relationships, SOUR sub-tags may be freely used for each event. Nigel "Nigel Bufton" <nigel@bufton.org>