Ancestor chart with vertical date axis?

[josey]

I have done a search but can't find a query about this - let's hope I can explain what I mean  .

I would like to be able to produce a direct ancestor chart where the box with an ancestor's name/dates is arranged vertically according to year of birth [as if the year of birth was plotted on a vertical axis]. If that doesn't quite make sense  it could be visualised as the boxes in one 'generation' not all being in horizontal straight lines. I could then overlay this on a background which has historical events listed on that axis.

Mr Josey suggested using Microsoft Publisher somehow as you can move boxes around, but I don't know how I would import the ancestor data and I would really like the chart to be produced automatically from any tree I choose. 

Are there any family history programmes that can produce an ancestor chart like this? At present I use Family Tree Maker 2010; I have as yet found no way to even put the dates in this chart - only the name appears.

Thanks for any help & advice, Josey

[KGarrad]

Do you mean a Timeline Chart?

The attached is one I have just done using RootsMagic..

[josey]

Yes, that's on the right lines, thank you very much.

But I hoped to have it linked together like an ancestor chart showing the relationship with the dates/historic events along the side. Thus these boxes would be spread out vertically.

[Berlin-Bob]

So it would look something like this ?

"Look to the left to see when they were born, etc"
and on the right, the events of those times ...

I've never seen or heard of a program that does it that way,
but ... early days .... maybe someone else knows just the program

regards,
Bob

[josey]

Spot on Bob  thanks for that. At the moment I can see me cutting out the boxes & sticking them on a background but now there is a picture of my 'fantasy' chart, as you say someone may know a suitable programme. Or even write one 

[Berlin-Bob]

Before you do a (literal) Cut&Paste, think about Power Point or the (free) OpenOffice equivalent.
Boxes and lines are then objects which you can move around the page as you wish.

Bob

[josey]

Ahh, thank you. I have Open Office.