The Operations Center Layout view provides a visual analysis of critical relationships and conditions across multiple branches of an element hierarchy. The dynamic linking feature binds graphics in a drawing to element conditions and attributes, thus enabling automatic updates of the drawing when elements change. The Layout view also provides a set of drawing tools for adding shapes, colors, text, and many other features found in standard drawing products.
Planning a Layout view requires consideration of its purpose and usage. Typically, administrators create and edit Layout view drawings for various types of users. Before creating a drawing, consider the drawing’s audience and the information they need. For example, a Layout view for executives is likely to contain a diagram of a service model’s health and compliance. In contrast, an operations department is interested in a network diagram identifying critical performance areas.
Read this guide to plan a Layout view and learn to use features that make the Layout drawing dynamic and how to customize the drawing with logos, clipart, and more. Examples are provided in Section 8.0, Layout View Examples to help you get started.
Of note:
New users of the Layout view should first read Section 2.0, Getting Started with the Layout View for an introduction to commonly used features.
Basic editing information, such as how to import clipart or a use the drawing tools, is found in:
Advanced features, such as binding elements to a drawing are explained in Section 5.0, Adding Elements and Updating Drawing Components Using Element Properties.
Experienced users wanting to understand how to apply templates and node styles at different levels should read:
For step-by-step instructions in creating example applications using various Layout view features, see Section 8.0, Layout View Examples.
For step-by-step instructions in creating more advanced node styles and element containers, and understanding the Bind language: