Import Data Templates provide the means to import bulk data into GDAT. There are a few standard templates included and the user may expand on these by creating their own. When an import data template is activated, it is added to the Menu item "Import Data".
GDAT comes with a collection of “built-in” templates that support major DNA sources.
529Renew is a Chrome extension to collect data from 23andMe.
PedigreeThief is a Chrome extension to collect data from MyHertiage and GedMatch. These templates are provided as is from PedigreeThief documentation.
GedMatch is a mixture of copy/paste using the Chrome browser or .csv files downloaded from the site. Instructions on how to use the templates are included with each template.
DNAGedcom provides an app that collects data from various sources such as FTDNA, 23andMe, etc. Included on this site is a program to extract that data from the dnagedcom.db in a format readable by GDAT. Copy the dnagedcom.db file to your documents folder, run the DNAGedcom Extract app then use the DNAGedcom Extract templates by just changing the source to that which is extracted.
Any issues with:
the DNAGedcom Client should be directed to DNAGedcom.
Gedmatch Tier 1 should be directed to Gedmatch.
Pedigree Thief should be directed to the Pedigree Thief Facebook group.
529Renew should be directed to 529renew@gmail.com.
If none of these templates work for you then you will need to create your own. See the Custom Templates section.
In the center section, is a list of the preloaded data import templates. Right click and save to activate the ones of interest. As these are subject to change, you may need to make modifications.
In general, import files must be .csv files and columns should not contain the '~', tab, 'end of line' or return characters. If included, remove these before import or data will be rejected. Some of the data loads require the use of a browser. Chrome is the only browser supported by GDAT but other browsers “may” work. If you are have issues and are using a browser other than Chrome, revert to Chrome and see if it is resolved before requesting assistance.
If you are installing a new version of GDAT over a previous version, it is typically recommended that you “delete” and re-activate all built-in templates that were previously used. This will ensure that any template changes will be used for imports.
All Import templates have the option to have their import stats recorded or not recorded to the Profiles page by use of ticking or unticking the tick box shown.
Export any custom templates to be kept (see below for more)
Remove All Templates by right clicking (Control-Click on Mac) on any template and selecting "Remove All Templates". You will be warned about the process. Select No, if you have any custom templates you have not yet exported.
Select desired templates and Activate it. This is done by right clicking on your chosen template and selecting "Activate Selected Template".
If an import has failed and you are sure you used the right method, update your template/s in case it was forgotten at the time of program update.
Right click (Control-Click on Mac) on the Import Data Template List to get the following options:
Add New Template: Changes the right hand column to blank to allow the user to create a custom template (see below for more information)
Activate All Templates: Activate all templates.
Activate Selected Templates: Activates the selected template/s when right clicked on.
Remove All Templates: deletes or deactivates all templates.
Remove Selected Templates: deletes or deactivates the selected templates.
Note: Removing the built-in templates is simply deactivating them from active use. Custom templates are deleted. Export any custom templates you wish to retain before using the Remove functions.
Important - Gedmatch users:
Activate only the templates for your access level.
Gedmatch displays data differently for Basic access and Tier 1 access.
This is most obvious for One to Many imports where extra information is displayed for Tier 1 members.
Using the template for the other access level will cause imports to fail, or cause unusual results to be displayed.
Basically, a template tells GDAT in what column to find specific data. It is recommended that to create a new data template, start with an existing one, change the name to a unique name and identify the columns where data can be found.
Debugging of a custom template is primarily up to the creator of that template, however with enough information provided, the Facebook group may be able to offer assistance.
Creating a custom template is simpler than it sounds. First consider if you need a custom source. If you do, see Source Settings for more information.
Right click (Control-Click on Mac) anywhere within the central area underneath the heading "Import Data templates", and select "Add New Template"
Enter information for "Menu Item" - this is typically the method you used to download the data, and will be the label shown first in the Import Data menu
Enter the Unique Template Description - this should instantly remind you what sort of data will be imported.
Select the Source of the data - this will be the company you tested at, and may either be an in-built source or a custom source.
Select the Input Type - this will either be a .csv file or pasted data
Select the Data Type - Ahnentafel (tree data), DNA Segments, Relatives, or ICW.
If you have no DNA Segment data at all to import, only Relatives and ICW or tree data, remember to ensure that your Custom Source has had Segment data set to False.
Select the Profile Location - Use Current Profile (typically when the imported data does not contain the Profile ID), Find Profile in File (typically when the imported data does contain the Profile ID or for ICW information), or "Not Applicable (typically for Ahnentafel and/or ICW information).
Once the Profile Location has been selected, the lower portion of this area will change according to your selections. You can now carefully cross reference between your data and the options presented and by clicking on a column space next to each value line, enter an appropriate column number. Even pasted data will have column numbers.
Use the Test line to copy a line of data to test and ensure that your data matches with your columns. This should be done for all custom templates.
Lastly, enter Import Instructions - these are typically to remind yourself of how to obtain the data and anything else you may need
When you are happy with your new template, click Save.
Your new template is now active and ready for use. Remember to export it as backup.
Click on the custom template to be exported so that it displays on the right hand side.
Click “Export” and save to a location of choice.
Repeat for all custom templates.
Click on "Import" and locate the text file that is your custom template.
Click "Open".
Check the structure of the template looks correct in the right hand section, and ensure the template has a unique name. Click "Save".
The template is now loaded and ready for use.
DNAGedcom Client, and Gedmatch Tier 1, are both paid subscription tools. Neither of these are required tools to be able to use GDAT, you will still be able to use all areas of GDAT without them.
If you are going to use the DNAGedcom Client, it is assumed that you will already have an account set up at DNAGedcom, downloaded and installed the Client. If not, please see: https://www.dnagedcom.com/
Note: “Sync with DNAGedcom” and “Sync with GF” are not required for GDAT. If synced files are used, imports will fail.