FamilySearch Computer Aided Indexing
Computer Aided Indexing
Computer Assisted Indexing (CAI) is artificial intelligence (AI) created by FamilySearch to index and publish digitized records. One of the main records CAI is focusing on are Spanish Catholic Church Baptism records. CAI relies heavily on correct cataloging/record organize metadata. Current CAI efforts focus on natural image groups (DGS or subset of a DGS) using metadata in FamilySearch's database called Record Management System (RMS). When RMS metadata matches CAI criteria, then the natural image groups are indexed and published on FamilySearch.
Image Group Metadata Criteria
Natural image groups must have their record language specified as Spanish. Natural image groups found in FamilySearch Historical Images must have the following metadata tag(s) (their Spanish equivalent) in order for them to be processed via CAI.
- Baptism Records
- Christening Records
- Reconstructed Baptism Records
- Baptism Record Extracts
- Baptismal Certificate
- *Baptism Indexes
- Delayed Baptism Records
- Hospital Baptisms
*Baptism Indexes - Often a natural image group includes an index and baptisms (example: a book of baptisms with an index at the beginning or ending of the volume). If the natural image group is a stand alone volume of indexes, then it will not be selected for CAI. If the volume contains metadata of Baptism Indexes in addition to metadata of another qualifying record type, then the natural image group will be included in CAI.
Additional Selection Criteria
Additional selection criteria has been set by FamilySearch on which natural image groups were NOT included in CAI.
- Natural image groups tied to a Partner agreement - agreements where FamilySearch has agreed to not publish indexed records for images that are part of a contract with a partner organization.
- Natural image groups already indexed and published on FamilySearch previous to CAI capability.
Image Group Classification
All Spanish parish records have been tagged or designated a record classification for record style/format. Classifications are made by natural image group. In order for a baptism record to be selected for CAI it must fit one of the following classifications.
- Paragraph - type/machine or handwritten paragraphs
- Paragraph Forms - type/machine written fill in the blank paragraphs
- Key Value - abbreviated baptism record that has fields followed by values - example: 'nombre: Juan'
As new records are acquired they are classified at the point of capture and are processed via CAI shortly after digitization.
CAI Publication Requirements
All CAI records must have a publication title for the records to be placed in and made available. Some countries have only one collection title for CAI records while others have up to 30. CAI records are intermixed with other indexed records (traditional FamilySearch indexed records). Here are a few examples of collection titles. A more comprehensive list is being created.
Argentina
- Argentina, Entre Rios, Catholic Church Records, 1764-1983 - How to Use this Collection
- Argentina, San Juan, Catholic Church Records, 1655-1975 - How to Use this Collection
Mexico
- Mexico, Durango, Catholic Church Records, 1604-1985 - How to Use this Collection
- Mexico, Michoacán, Catholic Church Records, 1555-1996 - How to Use this Collection
Panama
Spain
Identifying CAI Records
Identifying records processed via CAI is not easy. FamilySearch is working on this and future versions of Image Search will make it more clear. In the meantime there are two ways to determine if a natural image group has gone through CAI.
- Performing a search and clicking on a search result. The Record Details page will include this statement: "This record was indexed by a computer. Use the Edit button above to make corrections."
- Please note the Edit button is not the Attach to Family Tree button visible in the screenshot below.
- Navigating to a group of images via Image Search or the Catalog and seeing blue highlights on the image - see CAI Image Example.
CAI Notice on Record Details Page
CAI Image Example
Updates
Every week FamilySearch processes new natural image groups that fit the criteria above: this is done by updating the metadata of existing natural image groups and through new image acquisitions. Users should return regularly to determine if new image groups have been processed via CAI.