Add TimelineSvg

TimelineSvg.md

@@ -0,0 +1,83 @@
+# TimelineSvg
+
+**TimelineSvg** is a lightweight, browser-based system for automatically generating timeline diagrams in SVG format.
+It visualizes project data, roadmaps, or other time-based information directly from CSV files — with no server, no installation, and fully offline operation.
+
+---
+
+## How TimelineSvg Works
+
+### 1) Project file controls configuration and assets
+
+A `project.json` defines:
+
+* which CSV file to load
+* how fields are mapped (title, date, lane/group, ID, etc.)
+* which stylesheet to apply
+* which SVG template with macros to use
+* how many months the timeline should span
+
+This makes each project fully customizable and portable.
+
+---
+
+### 2) CSV data is parsed into timeline items
+
+TimelineSvg reads the CSV and extracts:
+
+* **title**
+* **date**
+* **lane/group** (e.g., team, category, workstream)
+* **ID** (used for internal/external view modes)
+
+Invalid or incomplete rows are ignored automatically.
+
+---
+
+### 3) The timeline layout is computed automatically
+
+Based on the dataset, TimelineSvg determines:
+
+* the earliest month to display
+* the number of months to render
+* horizontal position relative to the date
+* vertical position based on lane/group
+
+This produces a clean, multi-lane time axis.
+
+---
+
+### 4) Rendering through SVG templates with macros
+
+Templates define the visual appearance using placeholders:
+
+* `{{MONTHS}}` → month grid + labels
+* `{{LANES}}` → lane backgrounds, labels, and timeline items
+
+TimelineSvg replaces these macros with generated SVG fragments, allowing full freedom in visual design — including branding, custom layouts, or graphical elements.
+
+---
+
+### 5) Interactive in the browser with SVG export
+
+Through a simple HTML interface, users can:
+
+* load a project
+* replace CSV, CSS, or template files
+* switch between internal/external views
+* download the rendered timeline as a standalone SVG
+
+The exported view always hides internal IDs.
+
+---
+
+## What makes TimelineSvg unique
+
+* **Entirely offline** in any modern browser
+* **No backend** or build system required
+* **Fully customizable** visuals via CSS + SVG templates
+* **Local data privacy** (all data stays on the device)
+* **Flexible data input** with user-defined mappings
+* **Ideal for** roadmaps, portfolios, release plans, organizational timelines, and multi-lane schedules
+
+xxx