Chromosome Mapping Checklist
The Chromosome Mapping Checklist guides you step-by-step through building a visual map of your 22 autosomes plus X chromosome. Convert raw segment data from DNA Painter or spreadsheets into a visual inheritance record that assigns specific chromosomal stretches to confirmed ancestors.
📥 Free Download: Chromosome Mapping Checklist
Printable PDF format • 100% Free • Systematic guide for DNA Painter & segment mapping
Chromosome Map: A visual record assigning specific stretches of your 22 autosomes + X chromosome to specific ancestors.
Autosome: Any of your 22 non-sex chromosome pairs inherited from both parents.
Orphan Segment: A confirmed DNA segment with no assigned ancestor yet due to lack of triangulated matches.
Target Genome Size: Roughly 6,800 cM (~3,400 cM per parent across 22 autosomes).
Step 1 — Set Up Your Mapping Profile
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Choose your chromosome mapping tool
Select DNA Painter (dnapainter.com), a dedicated kalkylark, or the Genetic Voyage Chromosome Mapping Template.
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Create a personal profile for your chromosome set
Set up your profile with chromosomes 1–22 and X (males have 1 X, females have 2 X chromosomes).
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Establish a standardized color-coding system
Assign one distinct color family per grandparent (e.g. blues for paternal grandfather, greens for paternal grandmother).
Step 2 — Add Confirmed Triangulated Segments
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Record chromosome, start position, end position, and cM
Input exact segment boundaries directly from your completed DNA Triangulation Checklist entries.
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Assign segment to the verified common ancestral couple
Link the segment to the specific ancestral couple confirmed by paper trail and segment triangulation.
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Apply grandparent color-coding & link match records
Color-code the segment and record the exact match names supporting the segment for future audit.
Step 3 — Work Outward from Close Relatives First
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Map parent or grandparent segments first
A tested parent instantly divides 100% of your genome into maternal vs. paternal halves.
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Use full and half siblings to segregate sides
Compare shared segments with siblings (2,300–3,400 cM) to quickly assign parental sides across all 22 autosomes.
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Progressively add more distant confirmed matches
Map from closest relatives outward to distant 2nd and 3rd cousins, rather than adding random matches.
Step 4 — Track Mapping Progress & Manage Orphan Segments
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Calculate percentage of genome mapped per grandparent line
Track coverage percentages across all 4 grandparent lines in DNA Painter profile view.
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Identify unmapped chromosomal gaps & flag orphan segments
Note unmapped regions on specific autosomes and tag orphan segments (real matches not yet assigned to a line).
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Revisit orphan segments every few months
Set calendar reminders to re-evaluate orphan segments as new database testers arrive.
Step 5 — Use Your Map Actively for Predictive Research
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Cross-check new matches against mapped segments
Predict a new match’s ancestral line instantly if their segment falls inside a previously mapped ancestral block.
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Spot overlapping triangulation candidates automatically
Identify visual overlap zones in DNA Painter to spot potential 3-way triangulation groups.
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Export CSV profile backups periodically
Download profile CSV exports every few months to secure your segment data offline.
Always map confirmed close relatives first, then work outward toward more distant and less certain matches. A map built from distant matches inward accumulates unverified assumptions that are difficult to undo later.
DNA Academy - Quick Answers
What formats are your free templates available in?
Our templates are available as downloadable Excel/Google Sheets files (for digital tracking).
How do I use a research log effectively?
A research log helps you track which records you’ve searched, what you found, and what’s still missing. We recommend filling it out as you go, it prevents duplicate searches and helps you identify patterns. Our template includes columns for date, source, location, and findings.
Are the templates available in languages other than English?
Currently, our templates are in English only. We are exploring translations into Swedish, Spanish, and German based on user requests. If you need a specific language, contact us and we’ll prioritize it.