Time-location chart
A time-location chart is a graphical representation of a construction program against axes of time and location (distance). It is a communication tool for project management that is used to inform a team about what needs to be done and when, as clearly and efficiently as possible.
Most construction planning and scheduling is carried out using bar charts, also known as Gantt charts. These charts plot activities against time, making them useful for knowing what to do at a specific time, however, they do not show where the work is being carried out. For civil engineering projects such as pipelines, railways, tunnels and roads, or repetitive projects such as housebuilding or high-rise building, it can be beneficial to chart activities against time and location.
A Gantt chart plots time on the horizontal axis and activities on the vertical axis. In contrast, a time-location chart is much less fixed. Location (distance) is often plotted on the horizontal axis and time on the vertical, although it varies as to whether it runs from the earliest down to the latest date or vice versa. Typically, charts for road and tunnel projects start at the top and progress downwards; whereas projects for buildings and pipelines start at the bottom and progress upwards.
Activities are shown as a line or shape (boxes or symbols) in the main body of the chart, making it possible to view the activities that will be taking place in which location at any particular time. The geometrical shapes show the occupation of the site over time, and ensure that conflicting access can be detected visually. Different types of activity are identified by specific colours, fill patterns, line types or special symbols. A key is used to clarify what the different symbols represent.
The advantage of a time-location chart is that it illustrates all visible activities along a construction site on a single chart. However, care must be taken not to include too much detail, as clarity can be lost in place of complexity, moving away from the purpose of the chart which is to make the construction programme easily understandable.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- Activity schedule.
- Construction management.
- Contractor’s master programme.
- Critical path method.
- Design web.
- Gantt chart.
- Key performance indicators.
- Line of balance (LOB).
- Milestones.
- Pareto analysis.
- Programme float.
- Programme for building design and construction.
- Project programme.
- Resource management.
- Scheduling construction activities.
- Time management of construction projects.
Featured articles and news
Future Homes Standard Essentials launched
Future Homes Hub launches new campaign to help the homebuilding sector prepare for the implementation of new building standards.
Building Safety recap February, 2026
Our regular run-down of key building safety related events of the month.
Planning reform: draft NPPF and industry responses.
Last chance to comment on proposed changes to the NPPF.
A Regency palace of colour and sensation. Book review.
Delayed, derailed and devalued
How the UK’s planning crisis is undermining British manufacturing.
How much does it cost to build a house?
A brief run down of key considerations from a London based practice.
The need for a National construction careers campaign
Highlighted by CIOB to cut unemployment, reduce skills gap and deliver on housing and infrastructure ambitions.
AI-Driven automation; reducing time, enhancing compliance
Sustainability; not just compliance but rethinking design, material selection, and the supply chains to support them.
Climate Resilience and Adaptation In the Built Environment
New CIOB Technical Information Sheet by Colin Booth, Professor of Smart and Sustainable Infrastructure.
Turning Enquiries into Profitable Construction Projects
Founder of Develop Coaching and author of Building Your Future; Greg Wilkes shares his insights.
IHBC Signpost: Poetry from concrete
Scotland’s fascinating historic concrete and brutalist architecture with the Engine Shed.
Demonstrating that apprenticeships work for business, people and Scotland’s economy.
Scottish parents prioritise construction and apprenticeships
CIOB data released for Scottish Apprenticeship Week shows construction as top potential career path.
From a Green to a White Paper and the proposal of a General Safety Requirement for construction products.
Creativity, conservation and craft at Barley Studio. Book review.
The challenge as PFI agreements come to an end
How construction deals with inherited assets built under long-term contracts.
Skills plan for engineering and building services
Comprehensive industry report highlights persistent skills challenges across the sector.
Choosing the right design team for a D&B Contract
An architect explains the nature and needs of working within this common procurement route.
Statement from the Interim Chief Construction Advisor
Thouria Istephan; Architect and inquiry panel member outlines ongoing work, priorities and next steps.