Fan chart

A fan chart is a genealogical diagram that displays an individual's ancestors in a circular or semi-circular format, resembling a fan. This type of chart is particularly useful for visualizing family history and understanding the relationships between different generations. Fan charts are popular among genealogists and family historians for their ability to present a large amount of information in a compact and aesthetically pleasing manner.

Structure of a Fan Chart

A fan chart typically places the individual, known as the proband, at the center or bottom of the chart. The ancestors are then arranged in concentric arcs or semi-circles around the proband, with each arc representing a generation. The number of ancestors doubles with each generation, following the pattern of 2^n, where n is the number of generations.

Generational Layout

• First Generation: The proband is the starting point of the chart.
• Second Generation: The parents of the proband are displayed in the first arc.
• Third Generation: The grandparents of the proband are shown in the next arc.
• Subsequent Generations: Each subsequent arc represents an additional generation, with the number of ancestors doubling each time.

Advantages of Fan Charts

• Compact Representation: Fan charts allow for a large number of ancestors to be displayed in a small space, making them ideal for presentations and displays.
• Visual Appeal: The circular or semi-circular design is visually appealing and can be customized with colors and styles to enhance readability.
• Easy to Understand: The layout is intuitive, making it easy for viewers to understand the relationships between different generations.

Creating a Fan Chart

Fan charts can be created manually or with the help of genealogical software. Many genealogy programs offer fan chart templates that automatically generate the chart based on the user's family tree data. When creating a fan chart, it is important to ensure that the information is accurate and up-to-date.

Software Tools

Several software tools and online platforms provide features for generating fan charts, including:

• Family Tree Maker
• Ancestry.com
• MyHeritage
• RootsMagic

Applications of Fan Charts

Fan charts are used in various contexts, including:

• Genealogical Research: To track and visualize family history.
• Educational Purposes: To teach students about genealogy and family relationships.
• Cultural Heritage: To preserve and display family lineage in cultural and historical contexts.

Also see

• Pedigree chart
• Family tree
• Genealogy
• Ancestry chart