Glossary

A

API (Application Programming Interface) A set of protocols and tools for building software applications. TimeTiles provides a REST API for programmatic access to data import, query, and export functionality.

Audit Log A system that records user and admin actions for accountability and debugging. TimeTiles tracks 20 action types across 5 domains: account, admin, data, system, and import.

C

Catalog The top-level container for organizing related datasets. Each catalog represents a project or workspace with its own access control and branding.

Chronicle An interactive timeline that combines geospatial data with temporal visualization to tell a story or document events over time. The core concept behind TimeTiles.

Clustering The automatic grouping of nearby events or data points to improve visualization clarity and performance. TimeTiles clusters both spatially (by location) and temporally (by time).

CSV (Comma-Separated Values) A file format used to store tabular data. One of the primary import formats supported by TimeTiles.

D

Data Export A self-service feature allowing users to download all their data (catalogs, datasets, events, import history) as a ZIP archive from Account Settings.

Dataset A collection of related events within a catalog. Datasets share a common structure (schema) and represent a specific data source or time period.

Dynamic Filters Interactive controls that allow users to filter and explore data in real-time without page reloads. Includes time range, location, and custom field filters. State is synced to the URL via nuqs.

E

Event A single data point in TimeTiles representing something that happened at a specific time and place. Events are the basic building blocks of chronicles.

F

Feature Flag A toggle that enables or disables platform capabilities (e.g., public registration, scheduled imports, event creation). Configured in Settings (/dashboard/globals/settings).

G

Geocoding The process of converting addresses or place names into geographic coordinates (latitude and longitude).

GeoJSON A format for encoding geographic data structures using JavaScript Object Notation (JSON).

Geospatial Data Information that includes location data (coordinates, addresses, place names) along with other attributes.

Global (Payload) A site-wide singleton configuration in Payload CMS. TimeTiles uses four globals: Branding, Footer, MainMenu, and Settings.

I

Interactive Chronicle A dynamic, explorable timeline that allows users to navigate through time and space to understand how events unfold. The primary output of TimeTiles.

Import Pipeline The system that processes uploaded data files, validates coordinates, detects schemas, and converts data into the TimeTiles format.

J

JSON (JavaScript Object Notation) A lightweight data-interchange format that’s easy for humans to read and write.

M

Map Clustering The visual grouping of multiple events that are close together geographically to prevent overcrowding on the map interface. Uses PostGIS for server-side aggregation.

P

Payload CMS The content management system used by TimeTiles for managing data, users, and configurations. Version 3, integrated with Next.js.

PostGIS A spatial database extension for PostgreSQL that adds support for geographic objects and spatial queries.

PostgreSQL The open-source relational database system used by TimeTiles, enhanced with PostGIS for geospatial capabilities.

R

React Query A library for managing server state in React applications. Used by TimeTiles for efficient data fetching, caching, and synchronization.

S

Scheduled Import An automated URL-based import that runs on a cron schedule. TimeTiles fetches data from a URL at configured intervals and processes it through the import pipeline.

Schema Detection The automatic process of analyzing uploaded data to identify date fields, coordinate fields, and other important columns without manual configuration.

Site A multi-tenant configuration unit in TimeTiles. Each site can have its own branding, domain, and content settings. Managed via the Sites collection.

Spatial Query A database query that involves geographic locations and relationships between them.

T

Timeline Navigation The interface controls that allow users to move through time, including play/pause controls, time range selection, and temporal zoom.

Temporal Data Information that includes time-based attributes, showing when events occurred.

Trust Level A user permission tier (0–5) that controls rate limits, quotas, and access to platform features. Higher trust levels unlock greater API usage and import capacity.

Turbopack A fast bundler for JavaScript and TypeScript, used by Next.js 16 in TimeTiles for improved development performance.

U

URL Parameters Web address parameters that store filter and view states, allowing users to share specific views of their chronicles.

V

View A saved display configuration for exploring data. Views define which datasets are shown, map bounds, active filters, and layout preferences.

Visualization The graphical representation of data, including maps, timelines, charts, and interactive elements that help users understand patterns and relationships.

This glossary covers key terms specific to TimeTiles and geospatial data visualization. For general web development or database terms, consult external technical dictionaries.