Calculating the time extent of your data

The time extent of temporal data is defined as the duration in time within which the data was collected. Basically, the time extent can be calculated using the minimum and maximum time stamp of the time values in the temporal dataset.

The time extent of the data is used by the time slider to define the time extent within which data will be displayed in the current map, globe, or scene. Calculating the time extent on the layer can also be used to find any errors in the time values of your data.

1. Double-click the temporal dataset in the table of contents to open the Layer Properties dialog box.
2. Click the Time tab.
3. Click the Calculate button.

   The time extent of your data is calculated and displayed.

   Caution:

   On clicking the Calculate button, a suggested time step interval is set. Based on the granularity of your temporal data, you can specify a desired time step interval.

   Learn about setting a time step interval

   Tip:

   • If your data changes frequently because of constant edits or updates, check Data changes frequently so automatically calculate time extent. If checked, the time extent of your data will be recalculated on the fly to the most current time extent. This information is used when setting the full time extent of the time slider. If checked, the time extent of your layer is recalculated based on the current extent of the time values in your data. Each time you click the Full time extent button on the Time Slider window, the full time extent will be calculated based on the most current time extent of the layer.
   • If you want the layer time extent to honor the definition query set on your data, you should first apply the definition query on the Definition Query tab on the Layer Properties dialog box. After, you have applied the definition query, if you set the time properties on the Time tab and click the Calculate button, the layer's time extent will be based on the features that fall within the definition query you set earlier.
   • For historic data that does not change, you can leave Data changes frequently so automatically calculate time extent unchecked. If unchecked, the time extent of your data will be stored with the layer.