Time lines are any type of record which uses time to distinguish between events. They can take the form of photos, maps, documents, charts (horizontal and vertical), graphs, audio, artifacts and physical objects, people and posters.

As long as there is a time frame supplied and the 'events' are 'shown' in time order you have a time line. In some instances you will need to think about the division of the time period being used. Such a case is where you provide a chart time line as the spaces would have to be carefully laid out. On the other hand where you are doing a time line as a document you must make sure that you write everything down in its correct order. Maps need to be laid out carefully to show the order of time but do not necessarily have to be in time order. You must put a number or name on the map for the event and then supply a correct time order in a separate box on the side of the map.