We are immensely proud of our Comma Separated Values (CSV) Importer, a major feature of v1.1 released last week and we hope all you researchers will find it a huge asset.

Traditionally, records were transcribed and recorded in a spreadsheet format where details were captured such as name, address, occupation and birthdate.

An example CSV file of historical data

Now, located within Tools on the navigation bar, the importer enables the rapid import of spreadsheets saved, in CSV format, to ensure a speedy population of a database from census, parish registers, electoral rolls or a simple list of names recorded from a book index. Of course, you may just wish to manually enter data into your project and that’s fine too.

The Dashboard for an empty project

The same project after a CSV import.

To assist you in structuring your data to be compatible with our importer, we have produced some CSV templates which can be found in Help > Help And Support > Resources on the Navigation Bar. Full instructions are provided to retain compatibility and recognise Name & Place headings and guide you effortlessly through the import process. We recommend using the original source details within a hierarchy to best analyse your research and again, full directions are available. We are currently filming a YouTube video for those who prefer visual assistance as we all have different learning styles.

CSV imports are associated with a source record, preserving the integrity of your research.

Once your CSV import is complete, check the Dashboard / Project Overview where you can assess and reflect on the quantity and quality of your import and how your data has been structured into connected Names, Places, Occupations and Sources.

This is the first importer, more are in the pipeline, designed with you in mind. Please enjoy.

Building a database for a One-Place Study is like building a new home. The foundations need to be solid and reliable to construct and support a growing community. Sources are required for every fact otherwise if they cannot be proved, they might as well not have happened. Statistical analysis requires accurate data in order to produce meaningful results.

Although it is down to personal preference how a Name & Place project should be started, it is useful to upload the census from 1841-1911. Don’t panic! A detailed explanation on how to achieve this will be given in a future blog. This will ensure that everyone who was enumerated will have their own profile.

Then, a layering process is brought into play. Pre-1837 baptisms, marriages and burials should be obtained together with post-1937 certificates of births, marriages and deaths. By this point a fair assessment of past inhabitants will have been captured give or take a few stragglers.

Applying further layers of wills, deeds, land tax records, manorial rentals and more to each and every name will start to restore the community to a three dimensional view. Maps, photographs, postcards and newspaper articles can be assigned to each person and property. Identified properties can be allocated records associated to them producing a house history and timeline of occupancy of various owners and tenants.

Name & Place loves gathering data and helping to restore communities.