I am looking for a Visio-like tool that would help me draw my information system at the component level.
The design will not fit on a single piece of paper and I would like a web tool with a sort of ‘infinite’ sheet of paper, and a proper navigation system.
An idea that crossed my mind for example is to use KML layers on Google Earth to draw the information system and navigate it. I don’t know though how easy it would be to do a Visio-like drag and drop editor inside Google Earth.
Have you ever found such a tool? How do you handle bird’s eye views of your information system?
Thanks for your help,
Jérôme Wagner
This question is very close to my heart. I spent years searching for a perfect way to visualize a system architecture. I can relate to a notion of ‘infinite’ sheet of paper as well.
I tried to utilize “Second Life” as an infinite surface on which to depict the system. As you fly over the area, you see the big picture – big structures representing the main modules and infrastructure connecting them. You can then descend and walk into the structure to see more low level design elements. Sounds crazy? Believe me, it was.
I was also writing my own visualization software where a system was represented by something remotely resembling water towers connected by multitude of pipes. I went too far but didn’t get even close to satisfactory results.
As luck had it, I came across “Views and Beyond” approach some time ago http://www.amazon.com/Documenting-Software-Architectures-Views-Beyond/dp/0321552687/. This book fixed me. Instead of dreaming of some magical interactive solutions, I now have a solid and sound approach at my disposal. I simply cannot recommend this book highly enough.