A new mapping program aimed at genealogists was announced today. I saw a late beta version of this program in operation a few weeks ago and was impressed by it. I hope to write a review of Family Atlas soon.
Here is today's announcement:
RootsMagic, Inc. Releases Family Atlas Genealogy Mapping and Publishing Software
New software makes creating family maps fun and easy!
SPRINGVILLE, Utah, October 31, 2006 - RootsMagic, Inc., a leader in family history software, today announced the release of Family Atlas, a new Windows software program that lets users create custom family maps based on their own genealogy data.
For years family history enthusiasts have had to create maps by hand, but now Family Atlas makes that a thing of the past. You can use Family Atlas to easily do all these tasks:
- Import data from popular genealogy software including RootsMagic, Family Tree Maker, PAF, Legacy, and GEDCOM.
- View family information on an interactive world map (either spherical or flat).
- Zoom in or out to see additional detail, like state and county boundaries.
- Automatically geo-code places by matching them against the 3.5-million-name world place database included with Family Atlas.
- Pinpoint sites of important family events by adding custom markers automatically tied to the genealogy data. Markers can be based on specific people and events, or on your entire family tree, making it easy to see migrations and clusters in family data.
- Add markers manually, making possible historical marker sets like "Civil War Battles" and personal marker sets like "Our Family Vacations". Both hand-entered and data-based markers can easily be combined on the same map.
- Save or print beautiful maps.
- Enhance maps with text, migration lines, text bubbles, photographs, and other objects.
- Export maps to PDF or a number of popular graphics formats to be used in reports, books, or websites.
"Family Atlas allows you to explore and publish your family history in a way never before possible," explains Bruce Buzbee, president of RootsMagic, Inc. "I'm amazed at the discoveries I've personally made by mapping my own genealogy."
Other features in Family Atlas include the interactive Gazetteer, which helps locate almost any place in the world, and the "Nearby Places List," which finds all places and events within a given distance of any point.
Pricing and Availability
Family Atlas is available now in select retail stores at a list price of $29.95. Family Atlas is also available directly from www.FamilyAtlas.com, or by calling 800-766-8762.
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About RootsMagic, Inc.
Founded in 1986, RootsMagic, Inc., is a publisher of family oriented software, with headquarters in Springville, Utah. RootsMagic's product line includes its flagship genealogy software RootsMagic, Personal Historian, Family Atlas, Family Reunion Organizer, and Daily Journal, which is sold under the Broderbund label. In addition, RootsMagic, Inc., also hosts Family-Reunion.com, the world's most popular family reunion planning website. Additional information on RootsMagic, Inc., can be found at www.rootsmagic.com.
