Why do the location pulldowns include places that don't exist?

+3 votes
252 views
Birth and death location pulldowns do not have Hardin Township, Johnson, Iowa...which exists. Apparently, it's better to choose Hardin Township, Johnson, Wisconsin...which does not exist? There are so many other non-existent locations listed as well.
in WikiTree Tech by G Gingerich G2G2 (2.8k points)
Just ignore the drop down list, there is no requirement to use it.

Many of the errors on the FS list can be changed on Family Search.

It can be a tedious process.

https://www.wikitree.com/g2g/1470809/many-of-the-ontario-place-name-conventions-are-wrong

2 Answers

+11 votes
 
Best answer

The help text has the following:

Automatic Place Name Suggestions 

WikiTree utilizes FamilySearch's Place Research database to make suggestions for location names based on what you type.

You will see a pin icon map.gif next to suggestions. If you click it, you'll be taken to the research details page at FamilySearch for the location. This may be necessary to see the years in which the place name was valid.

You do not need to accept any of the place name suggestions. They may not be the ideal way to record the place name on WikiTree. See our style rules above. In particular, the suggestions may not be in the person's own language. See the Language Selection page for more explanation.

by George Fulton G2G6 Pilot (739k points)
selected by Dieter Lewerenz
+3 votes
Wikitree seems to use the placenames directly from FamilySearch placenames. The only workaround I can find is to go into FamilySearch and manually add a new placename there, which is a rather involved process. Your new placename on FamilySearch should then populate itself into the Wikitree drop down list.
by Nigel O'Connor G2G6 (7.7k points)
The other workaround is to ignore the dropdown menu if it does not include what you know to be accurate.

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