====== Representation types ======

In a Time-Location schedule, each activity is represented using two
dimensions: time and position in space.

An activity is defined at minimum by four pieces of information:

  * a start date
  * an end date
  * a start chainage
  * an end chainage

These four parameters make it possible to draw the simplest form
of an activity: a line representing the progression of an operation
between two points in time and space.

In Tilos360, this basic representation can be enriched in order
to improve the readability of the schedule. Different geometric
shapes can therefore be associated with activities.

These shapes define the **representation types** of activities.

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===== Available shapes =====

Tilos360 provides several basic shapes to represent activities
in the Time-Location schedule:

  * **Line Form** : simple representation of the activity as a line.
  * **Rectangle Form** : representation of the activity with a rectangular envelope.
  * **Upper Triangle Form** : triangular envelope oriented upward.
  * **Lower Triangle Form** : triangular envelope oriented downward.
  * **Time Parallelogram Form** : parallelogram representing a variation over time.
  * **Distance Parallelogram Form** : parallelogram representing a variation in space.

These different shapes allow the representation of activities
to be adapted according to their nature and the needs of the
schedule analysis.

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===== Role of representation types =====

Representation types are **graphical templates** used to display
activities in the Time-Location schedule.

They help to:

  * improve the readability of the schedule
  * visually differentiate types of activities
  * represent certain operational constraints
  * enhance the understanding of construction progress

Each activity can then use one of these representation types
through its **Task style**.

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===== Where to define representation types =====

Representation types are defined in the Tilos360 settings.

They are configured in the section:

  *Time-Distance → Representation type

From this interface, it is possible to:

  * create a new representation type
  * modify an existing type
  * delete a representation type that is no longer needed

These types are then used as the basis for defining
**activity styles** and for displaying activities
in the Time-Location schedule.