Choose a visualization
Choose a visualization according to the question you want to answer. A filtered list, an aggregate and a manually arranged diagram do not provide the same reading of your information system.
Most visualizations save a definition or composition that uses the knowledge base. They do not create an independent copy of every asset they display.
Match the tool to the question
| Your question | Use | What it provides |
|---|---|---|
| Which applications match these criteria? | Inventory view | A saved selection, columns, sorting and grouping. |
| How many assets, or how much cost, does each category represent? | Chart | Counts, sums, averages or distinct values over a defined population. |
| How are these assets organized through their relationships? | Nested map | A hierarchy built from a root type and relationship paths. |
| How can I explain this architecture on a canvas? | Diagram | A composition of assets, drafts, shapes, text, images and arrows. |
| What happens next, and what decisions are possible? | Process | A flow described in an asset, with steps, choices and references. |
| How can I bring several readings together? | Dashboard | Text and widgets gathering visualizations, assets, relationships and other content. |
| What could be reached if these assets change? | Impact analysis | An exploration from sources through selected relationship types and directions. |
A diagram's arrows explain its composition; an impact analysis follows configured relationships to calculate a result. Use the latter when you need to reason about propagation.
A process is part of an asset's content. It is not simply a separate diagram with task-shaped boxes. A draft placed in a diagram is not automatically an inventory asset either.
Start a useful representation
- Write the question and identify the population or source assets.
- Choose the tool above and open its section, or the asset's process editor.
- Check whether you are working in real data or a scenario.
- Configure the selection and representation using the tool's procedure.
- Save it in the appropriate personal or shared space when offered.
- Reopen it from its list, folder, search or favorites and check that the result answers your question.
Creation depends on the entry point. From the chart list, choose the name and location first, then configure the created chart. Follow the tool's own procedure.
Understand access and persistence
Creating a saved visualization requires at least an Editor account and an available plan allowance. Updating a shared item also requires permission to edit that item.
Access to a visualization does not grant access to all referenced assets, properties or relationships. Two people may see different data in the same saved representation. Its personal or shared location does not override data permissions.
Saving a representation and changing an asset are distinct actions. Editing an asset through a visualization changes the underlying asset according to your rights and current context.
A saved version preserves a visualization's definition or composition. It does not generally freeze all the underlying values. Use sharing controls to choose who can access the result, and check the represented data before presenting it.