The TimeMap methodology allows diverse data resources to be integrated into a unified structure and interrogated together by defining a conceptual mapping (materialised as a metadata table) between an explicit spatio-temporal data model (the Snapshot-Transition model) and the data actually recorded by any particular project (in whatever format). The project thereby tackles the isolation of cultural data and barriers to greater understanding which result from the often great differences, in terms of space, time and technique, between cultural research projects.

The methodological approach is complemented by the development of pragmatic data storage, indexing, access and display methods. The project has developed a time-enabled viewer application (TMWin) which will display both local and Internet-accessible datasets together in an interactive time-aware map window. Along with normal GIS functionality, the viewer uses time-based filtering to display time slices on demand and can also represent the passing of time by generating simple map animations. A Java map viewer for Internet-accessible datasets has also been developed.

Specific components of the TimeMap methodology include:

• ECAI/TimeMap metadata clearinghouse: A centralised database server which indexes and describes cultural datasets, allowing the identification of resources relevant to a particular place, time or thematic interest.
• TimeMap connection metadata: Information for each dataset which allows software to connect to its data server across the Internet (or to local files), drill down into the data and integrate results from different datasets (heterogeneous distributed database query).
• TimeMap Interface: A software front-end which uses the clearinghouse and metadata to find, query and display cultural datasets in a map-based environment. The maps integrate data from datasets which may never have been collected with integration in mind. The maps also allow interactive modification, querying and web-style navigation to linked resources (such as web pages, images and multimedia).
• Methods for handling time: We are continually researching methods for recording, analysing and displaying the time component in cultural data. These include data recording and storage (implemented), conceptual mapping of existing datasets (implemented), dynamic time-based queries (implemented), temporal interpolation of features (prototyped), pre-generated map animations (prototyped) and on-demand animation (under development). Future research will investigate the use of the third (z) dimension and solid modelling.
• Specific projects: The flexibility of the methodology allows rapid customisation of the TimeMap interface to address a specific topic, theme or educational requirement. Data prepared locally or downloaded from the Internet through the standard TimeMap interface is simply copied to CD or hard drive, along with the customised version of the interface. This approach allows low-cost creation of educational and general-interest products, such as museum display kiosks or CD-ROMs, from existing resource.