Creating a Research Plan with the Plan Generator

The Plan Generator creates a structured research agenda:

• •Analyses your entire tree: Evaluates all individuals, gaps, and data quality
• •Identifies opportunities: Finds where records likely exist but haven't been found
• •Prioritises by impact: Ranks tasks by genealogical value
• •Creates actionable items: Each task tells you exactly what to search for

The result is a focused to-do list tailored to your specific tree.

The generator combines multiple analyses:

• •Gap detection: Periods with missing documentation
• •Error analysis: Data quality issues to resolve
• •Census matching: Census years where ancestors should appear
• •Vital record gaps: Missing birth, marriage, or death records
• •Relationship to you: Direct ancestors get higher priority

All factors are weighted to produce a balanced, practical plan.

Use the generated plan systematically:

• •Start at the top: Highest priority items have the best research payoff
• •Batch similar tasks: Research all records from one archive or website at once
• •Track progress: Mark items complete or note findings as you go
• •Update regularly: Re-generate after adding new data to get updated priorities
• •Be flexible: If you hit a dead end, move to the next item

Plans include different types of research tasks:

• •Vital record searches: Find specific certificates or registrations
• •Census lookups: Search for individuals in specific census years
• •Parent identification: Research to find unknown parents
• •Date refinement: Sharpen estimated dates with primary sources
• •Location specificity: Find precise places for vague locations
• •Source verification: Confirm unsourced claims with documentation

Generated plans can be exported:

• •CSV format: For spreadsheets and research logs
• •Print-friendly: For use at archives and libraries
• •Checklist format: For tracking progress

A documented research plan helps you stay organised and avoid duplicating effort.