Tool for mapping complex information systems

Question

I am looking for a tool like Visio to help me draw my component-level information system.

The design will not fit on one sheet of paper, and I would like the web tool to have a kind of “endless” sheet of paper and the right navigation system.

The idea that came to my mind, for example, is to use KML layers in Google Earth to draw and navigate an information system. I don’t know how easy it would be to make a drag editor like Visio in Google Earth.

Have you ever found such a tool? How do you handle the bird's eye view of your information system?

Thank you for your help,

Jerome Wagner

Answer 1

This question is very close to my heart. I spent years looking for the perfect way to visualize the system architecture. I can refer to the concept of an "infinite" sheet of paper.

I tried to use "Second Life" as an endless surface on which to depict the system. When you fly over an area, you see a big picture — large structures representing the basic modules and infrastructure that connect them. You can then go down and enter the structure to see lower level design elements. Does it sound crazy? Believe me, it was like that.

I also wrote my own visualization software, where the system was represented by something remotely resembling water towers connected by multiple pipes. I went too far, but could not get close to satisfactory results.

How lucky, I came upon an approach "Views and Beyond" some time ago http://www.amazon.com/Documenting-Software-Architectures type-Beyond / dp / 0321552687 / . This book corrected me. Instead of dreaming about some magical interactive solutions, I now have a solid and sensible approach. I just can't recommend this book highly enough.

Answer 2

Perforce had something like that a couple of years ago. I remember some ads in the Dr Dobb Journal.

A quick google search finds this .