Changing sitemaps to reflect new site structure

[neildt]

Our site currently has about 10 individual site maps. However, our site folder and file structure is changing. What is the best way to change the sitemaps to use the new format, of which are configured within the Google Webmaster Tools console.

Is it just a matter of recreating the new format and replace the existing sitemaps ?

[Robert Charlton]

neildt - Just to be clear about your question... by "new format", are you referring to a new sitemap format, or to the new structure of your site... or to both?

[neildt]

Sorry a new folder URL for our site content and if needed new site map files aswell

[tedster]

You've got the basic idea - it is very straightforward. First you generate the revised xml sitemap, then you resubmit it through Webmaster Tools. Under Site configuration, click Sitemaps. Now you select the Sitemap that you want to resubmit, and then click Resubmit.

It's also a good idea to include the URL for your xml sitemap file in your robots.txt file. Use this syntax:

Sitemap: http://example.com/sitemap_location.xml

That line can be anywhere in the robots.txt file because it is not addressing any particular user agent.

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There is a second method for submitting a sitemap outside a Webmaster Tools account. That method is to send Google an HTTP request. Full instructions on this kind of resubmission are at the bottom of this Help page: Submitting Sitemaps [google.com]

[edited by: tedster at 8:29 pm (utc) on Nov 15, 2011]

[neildt]

Perfect thanks for your reply.