Technology is continuously improving, which has substantially improved the way that genealogy research is undertaken. It has had a substantial impact on genealogy research and has gone a long way toward simplifying processes and advancing the availability of information. Understanding the benefits of technological advancements in the area of genealogy research can help you to understand how to utilize technology to effectively work on your genealogy research project. There are a multitude of benefits to using technology when you complete your research project.

Technological Advances

There are many ways in which technology has advanced how genealogy research functions. For one thing, technology has allowed information to be digitized and categorized more effectively. The internet ensures that information is easier to access from the comfort of your own home. DNA testing is yet another way in which innovations in technology have substantially furthered genealogy research. This advanced technology is able to extract DNA strands from saliva, as well as analyze the strands in order to determine your genetic makeup. Not only does this provide you with information regarding your ancestry, but it can also be leveraged to provide health information.

More Available Data                         

More data is available with technological advances. Digitizing information means increasing the availability of this information. It is more likely that you will be able to find information regarding obituaries, birth certificates, marriage certificates, and death certificates. Much of this information can be found with a simple Google search. The more information that is widely available, the more likely you will be to find information that will further your genealogy research project. This goes a long way toward preventing walls in your research project.  

Easier to Access

In addition to providing more data, advancements in technology make it easier to access this data. The internet ensures that you are able to obtain access to the many various data types from your home or wherever you intend to research. This ease of access goes a long way toward simplifying your genealogy research project. You don’t have to make a separate trip to the library in order to work on your research.  

Sharing Information

It is easy to store, as well as share information with advancements in technology. With the touch of a button, you can share your research with the world. The ease of sharing information ensures that you can benefit from the research of others and they can benefit from your own research. When you share your findings, you may enable other people to further their own research projects. Sharing information can also help you to consult with other people doing research similar to your own.  

DNA Testing

DNA testing is likely one of the most substantial advancements in technology and how it impacts genealogy research. Through DNA testing, you can determine your DNA makeup, as well as determine what it indicates. We even offer services to help you understand the implications of your DNA test results. DNA tests can help to provide you with assurance of your prior research, as well as indicate if “family rumors” are true or false. DNA testing also helps to find genetic tendencies toward various health concerns, which can help you to make the best decisions for your health and be aware of possible problems.

Debunk Connections

Many of us have had the experience of grandmothers informing us of hard to believe ancestors. Advances in technology are able to help you to determine whether these connections are true, which can help you to solidify your genealogy research.

Find Unknown Connections

DNA testing, in particular, has been shown to provide you with information regarding connections that you may have not known about. These connections may be second cousins or other family members. Finding new connections can ensure a better sense of community and provide a multitude of other benefits.

Better Organization of Information

Improved organization is just one of the benefits of technological advancements. It is easier to find information and ensure that it stays organized. In addition, technology has helped genealogy libraries, such as the Family History Library in Utah, which hosts the largest collection of its kind, to index their information and keep it more organized. The more organized information is, the easier it will be to find the information that you need to improve your genealogy project.

Protect Data

Before technology was used to store information, it was much easier to lose this data permanently. Issues like fires or even displacement may have caused information to have been lost. Fortunately, this issue is no longer a problem, because data can be stored digitally. Backing up data also helps to save your family research and keep it from becoming lost over time. When you take the steps to digitize your research, you can prevent a multitude of issues from occurring and ensure that this research can be passed on to your children.

Meet Like-Minded People

The advances in technology have made it much easier to connect with people that share your interest. For example, it is easier to find a genealogical society to join or participate in a group genealogy project. Making these connections can help to further your project, provide motivation, and obtain relevant information to simplify your research.

Don’t Overlook Traditional Methods

Though technology has provided a multitude of benefits to genealogy research, it is important to keep traditional methods of research in mind. For example, a great deal of genealogy information comes from your older relatives. If you overlook talking to them about their past, you may lose valuable information that could add to your genealogy research. Fortunately, technology doesn’t prevent you from using traditional methods of research in combination. This approach can ensure the most thorough, effective research process possible.

Here at Heritage Consulting, we are passionate about our genealogy work. We are well-versed in using both technology and more traditional methods in order to obtain accurate, effective results. We offer a broad array of services, including everything from consultations to probate research. To learn more about our genealogy services, contact us at Heritage Consulting today!