TimeMap software allows the association of a thumbnail image to your dataset. You can create a thumbnail image of your dataset by using the screen capture function of a conventional graphics program like PaintShop Pro. The thumbnail image will be displayed to remote users searching the ECAI Clearinghouse (example below from TimeMapViewer).
This function currently supports .gif and .jpg images. The image should be relatively small, and by convention should be located in the same directory as your dataset.
Hint: It is useful to those browsing the ECAI Clearinghouse if your thumbnail image has a scale bar included -- GIS software such as MapInfo and ArcExplorer/ArcGIS all have Scale Bar functions.
To associate your thumbnail with your dataset, open the dataset's .tmm metadata file in the Metadata Editor. In the TM Metadata Worksheet, use the tm.Documentation.OverviewScreenShot element to specify the location of the image. In the registration process, the Metadata Editor will automatically drag the thumbnail image to the ECAI Clearinghouse along with the .tmm metadata file.
