Sparx Systems Forum

Enterprise Architect => Suggestions and Requests => Topic started by: SteveHufnael on December 31, 2009, 03:37:19 am

Title: Layers
Post by: SteveHufnael on December 31, 2009, 03:37:19 am

RECOMMENDED FEATURE: “Layers”

I use Enterprise Architect to do as-is and to-be healthcare IT Enterprise Architecture specifications; often with multiple analyses-of-alternatives to-be views. When I use Visio, I can use layers to allow viewing of a legacy baseline view plus each alternative layer added separately.  In Visio, baseline elements can be removed as a part of each to-be layer. When I show the new layer without the baseline layer, it shows the deltas, which can be the basis of an independent cost estimate.  

I realize that I can do multiple views with EA; but, it is very difficult to keep them consistent for complex views, having subtle differences. I consider EA a much better tool than Visio for IT Architecture; but, I am dismayed that EA lacks this essential feature. I have used other tools, which call my recommended “Layer” feature “element hiding” (Peter Coad’s Object Oriented Design tool now sold by Borland)

I submitted a similar suggestion several years ago; but, got no response from Sparx.

Title: Re: Layers
Post by: mrf on December 31, 2009, 08:48:06 am

Hi Steve,

I can confirm that functionality similar to what you describe is currently under development (and looking very useful!). We intend to include it in a future build of Enterprise Architect.

Title: Re: Layers
Post by: Thelonius on December 31, 2009, 09:56:42 am

Looking forward to it!

Title: Re: Layers
Post by: Paolo F Cantoni on December 31, 2009, 11:35:00 am

Quote

Hi Steve,

I can confirm that functionality similar to what you describe is currently under development (and looking very useful!). We intend to include it in a future build of Enterprise Architect.

Hi Michael,

Is this effectively laying one diagram on top of another?

Are you able to give any broad indication of functionality?

TIA,
Paolo

Title: Re: Layers
Post by: mrf on December 31, 2009, 12:09:52 pm

Quote

Is this effectively laying one diagram on top of another?

Not really, it's intended to provide filtered views of an existing diagram.

Quote

Are you able to give any broad indication of functionality?

Only what I've stated above. If, hypothetically, the beta were to become available early in the New Year you could possibly evaluate it then ;D.

Title: Re: Layers
Post by: Thelonius on December 31, 2009, 12:16:14 pm

Quote

Not really, it's intended to provide filtered views of an existing diagram.

That would just about do it for me, I think.

Title: Re: Layers
Post by: SteveHufnael on January 01, 2010, 06:26:05 am

Michael,

Thay will be fantastic!
I would be pleased to do a beta evaluation.

Thanks,

Steve   :)

Title: Re: Layers
Post by: Dima on January 27, 2010, 03:05:14 am

Guys,

any update on this? I suddenly :) have a need to hide some elements for presentation purposes. For example, various levels of details, notes (on|off), especially useful when building some sort of non-UML, mixed content diagrams, like Business Flows.

Right now I have to delete some elements - print diagram - undo.

It'd be great to have a filter by Tagged Value, Stereotype, etc

Right now the only way to do it is creating multiple version of the same diagram.

Title: Re: Layers
Post by: Geert Bellekens on January 27, 2010, 06:41:17 pm

Dima,

We are all still waiting for the 8.0 beta to be released.
I've tried several times, but the Sparxians keep their lips sealed about the scheduled release date  :-[

Geert