Author Topic: Layers  (Read 6876 times)

SteveHufnael

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Layers
« 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.

mrf

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Re: Layers
« Reply #1 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.
Best Regards,

Michael

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"It is more complicated than you think." - RFC 1925, Section 2.8

Thelonius

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Re: Layers
« Reply #2 on: December 31, 2009, 09:56:42 am »
Looking forward to it!

Paolo F Cantoni

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Re: Layers
« Reply #3 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
Inconsistently correct systems DON'T EXIST!
... Therefore, aim for consistency; in the expectation of achieving correctness....
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mrf

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Re: Layers
« Reply #4 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.
Best Regards,

Michael

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"It is more complicated than you think." - RFC 1925, Section 2.8

Thelonius

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Re: Layers
« Reply #5 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.

SteveHufnael

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Re: Layers
« Reply #6 on: January 01, 2010, 06:26:05 am »
Michael,

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

Thanks,

Steve   :)

Dima

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Re: Layers
« Reply #7 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.

Geert Bellekens

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Re: Layers
« Reply #8 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