diff --git a/specification/gedcom-3-structures-1-organization.md b/specification/gedcom-3-structures-1-organization.md index a153daae..fcf9e3e4 100644 --- a/specification/gedcom-3-structures-1-organization.md +++ b/specification/gedcom-3-structures-1-organization.md @@ -1138,6 +1138,14 @@ A place, which can be represented in several ways: or in the `HEAD`.`PLAC`.`FORM` if there is no `FORM` substructure. If neither `FORM` exists, the meaning of the elements are not defined in this specification beyond being names of jurisdictions of some kind, ordered from smallest to largest. +:::note + Existing applications often default to assuming a `FORM` of "City, County, State, Country", + and may even ignore any `FORM` substructures and treat payloads with a smaller number of + elements as if they had additional blank elements at the end. Accordingly, to increase + the chances of interoperability it is recommended that blank elements be used to ensure + payloads can be interpreted as best as possible in such a circumstance. +::: + Elements should be left blank if they are unknown, do not apply to the location, or are too specific for the region in question.