Spectrum – would be light shining through a prism, and giving the full spectrum of its colors. Continuum – would be a coherent beam of light emerging from a laser that is continuous in its monochromal color, never deviating from its original color, and is non-divergent.

Continuum theories or models explain variation as involving gradual quantitative transitions without abrupt changes or discontinuities. In contrast, categorical theories or models explain variation using qualitatively different states.

The antonym of ‘continuous’ is ‘discrete’. There is no immediate single word antonym of the noun ‘continuum’ meaning a set of discrete items (and that would be recognized as such).

A spectral continuum occurs when the interactions of a large number of atoms, ions or molecules spread out all of the discrete emission lines of an object, so they can no longer be distinguished.

Continuum or timeline diagrams are a type of graphic organizer that are used to represent a continuum of data that occur in chronological (time) order or in sequential order. If the topic has a definite beginning and/or ending points, and the data points in between are not discrete, use a continuum/timeline.

Instructions for creating an Excel timeline

1. List your key events or dates in an Excel table.
2. Make a timeline in Excel by setting it up as a Scatter chart.
3. Add Milestone data to your timeline.
4. Turn you Scatter chart into a timeline.
5. Now format it so that it looks like a timeline.
6. Add titles to your timeline’s milestones.

Create a timeline

1. On the Insert tab, click SmartArt > Process.
2. Click Basic Timeline or one of the other process-related graphics.
3. Click the [Text] placeholders and enter the details of your events. Tip: You can also open the Text Pane and enter your text there. On the SmartArt Design tab, click Text Pane.

Download Our Free Timeline Template in Word Enter your own project information in the text boxes, change the colors, or even choose a different timeline layout. To learn how to customize this timeline template, scroll down to the “How to Customize Your Timeline in Word” section.

If you want to create your own Google timeline template, you have a couple of options: First, you can create a visual timeline using Google Drawings. Then, use the tools provided to add lines, text, and color to create the timeline you envision.

Microsoft also offers a few timeline templates in Excel designed to give you a broad overview of your conference planning timeline. The Excel timelines aren’t tied to Gantt chart data, so you’ll be manually inputting your own data in the pre-defined template fields.

Creating a Timeline in Excel

1. In the “Insert” tab on the ribbon, select “Smart Art” from the “Illustrations” section.
2. In the left pane of the new window, select the “Process” option, then double-click one of the timeline options, or select an option and select “OK.”
3. Your timeline will appear on the spreadsheet.

Steps to Create Milestone Chart in Excel

1. Get the data in place.
2. Go to Insert –> Charts –> Line Chart with Markers.
3. Go to Design –> Select Data.
4. In the Select Data Source dialogue box, click on Edit in Horizontal (Category) Axis Labels and select dates in Column E.
5. In Select Data Source dialogue box, click on Add.

A milestone chart is used to depict key events along a timescale graphically. Gantt charts are used to project the relation between the task and the time associated with it. When creating your gantt chart, milestones provide a very easy way to see important dates at a glance.

Preparing a Milestones Report for a Project. Before you can fill in the information into the template, you’ll need to identify the milestones for your project, and write down the deliverables and the expected date for each of them. Once this information is in place, you’re ready to prepare the milestones report.