Virtual grouping of nodes in a Dependency Views map
Summarize
Summary of Virtual grouping of nodes in a Dependency Views map
In Dependency Views maps, virtual grouping helps manage map density by automatically grouping Configuration Items (CIs) of the same type and level when their count exceeds a set threshold. This grouping enhances map clarity by replacing many similar nodes with a single virtual group node, preventing overcrowding and improving usability.
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Key Features
- Automatic Grouping: When the number of similar CI type nodes at the same level surpasses the configured maximum, these nodes are collapsed into a virtual group node.
- Virtual Group Nodes: Represent a collection of similar CIs but are not actual CIs themselves and cannot have tasks assigned. They display the count of collapsed nodes.
- Child Nodes Display: By default, child nodes under virtual groups are hidden, but administrators can enable the option to show these children.
- Grouping Behavior Across Levels: Virtual grouping is not applied immediately underneath a virtual group even if criteria are met, but it can apply at subsequent levels. This behavior is fixed and not configurable.
- Menu Options: Users can expand or collapse virtual groups to toggle between viewing the grouped node or all individual nodes.
- Virtual Links: Virtual nodes connect to other nodes with virtual links, indicating connections between at least one CI in the virtual group and other map nodes.
- Filter Behavior: Predefined filters do not exclude virtual groups; however, when a virtual group is expanded, filters apply to individual CIs, potentially hiding some previously grouped nodes.
- Load More Behavior: When loading additional nodes via the menu, virtual grouping is not applied at the newly loaded level, regardless of node count.
Practical Implications for ServiceNow Customers
Virtual grouping streamlines Dependency Views maps by reducing visual clutter, making it easier to analyze relationships between CIs. Customers can expect improved map readability and control over node visibility, with intuitive options to manage grouped nodes. Understanding virtual grouping behaviors and configuration options enables customers to customize map density and navigation effectively, enhancing overall incident, change, or configuration management processes.
To reduce the density on a map, Dependency Views automatically groups CIs of a similar CI type from the same level.
A large number of nodes can cause a Dependency Views map to become too dense to be helpful. Therefore, if the number of nodes with a similar CI type from same level, exceeds the value of the Maximum number of nodes (of a similar CI type and at the same level) to display before applying virtual grouping property, then those nodes are automatically grouped into a virtual group. A single node, the virtual group node is displayed to represent the virtual group, while all actual nodes in the virtual group (that are of a similar CI type), are hidden. Virtual group nodes represent CIs of a similar CI type but are not CIs by themselves and cannot have tasks assigned to them. The number of actual collapsed nodes in the virtual group is noted on the virtual group node.
By default, child nodes of a virtual group are not displayed. You can enable the Show children of virtual groups property to display child nodes underneath virtual groups.
Virtual grouping is not applied at the level underneath a virtual group even if the criteria for virtual grouping is met (the number of nodes with a similar CI type from that level exceeds the preconfigured property value). However, virtual grouping can happen at the following level if that criteria is met. This behavior does not depend on any property settings, and you cannot change it.
Menu options for a virtual group include Expand and Collapse, which allow you to apply virtual grouping and display only the virtual group node, or to undo the virtual grouping and display all actual nodes.
Virtual links
A virtual node is connected to other nodes with a virtual link. A virtual link denotes that there such link between at least one CI in the virtual group, to another CI node on the map.
Also, when using the node menu option Load More, virtual grouping is not applied at the newly loaded level even the criteria for virtual grouping is met.