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In depth
GEDCOM (Genealogical Data Communication) is a standard file format for exchanging genealogical data between different genealogy software and databases. It was developed by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (FamilySearch) in 1984 and is the de facto standard for genealogical data exchange.
For CBD cases, GEDCOM files can be used to: (1) import family tree data from Ancestry, MyHeritage, or FamilySearch into genealogy software, (2) share family tree data between family members collaborating on a CBD case, and (3) export family tree data to counsel for case analysis.
GEDCOM files are plain text files with a .ged extension. They contain information about individuals (names, dates, places) and family relationships, structured according to the GEDCOM specification.
Related terms
A family tree is a diagram showing family relationships across generations, the visual representation of the citizenship chain in CBD cases.
Genealogy is the study of family history and descent, the foundational research discipline for CBD cases.
A pedigree is a documented line of descent, the formal genealogical record used to prove the citizenship chain in CBD cases.
An ahnentafel is a numbered list of ancestors in a pedigree, using a specific numbering system that allows compact representation of multi-generational lineages.
FamilySearch is the world's largest free genealogy database, operated by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, with billions of records from around the world.
Ancestry (Ancestry.com) is the world's largest commercial genealogy database, with billions of records and DNA testing services.