Project planning and scheduling professionals use a variety of project scheduling methods depending on the type, size, and nature of projects. Linear scheduling methods (LSM) are typically used on projects wherein the majority of the scope is made up of highly repetitive work elements along a horizontal or vertical alignment. Examples of these projects include pipeline, tunnel, airport runway, highway, transmission line, road resurfacing, railroad, or high-rise construction projects. An LSM schedule (also known as a linear schedule, march chart, or time chainage diagram) is the graphical output of the LSM. Linear schedules use velocity diagrams, which are described below, to represent each activity and the progress rate to be achieved (or the progress actually achieved) over time. The schedule format typically provides planned and/or actual production rates on a time-scaled, linear format.

This recommended practice (RP) is intended to serve as a guideline, not a standard. As a recommended practice of AACE International, the main objectives of this recommended practice (RP) are to increase LSM usage and enhance project management practices by:

The AACE International Recommended Practices (RPs) are a series of documents that contain valuable reference information that has been subject to a rigorous review process and recommended for use by the Technical Board. RPs are intended to be the main technical foundation of AACE educational, and certification products and services. All RPs are available to AACE members free of charge.