Lineage Charts¶
Alation Cloud Service Applies to Alation Cloud Service instances of Alation
Customer Managed Applies to customer-managed instances of Alation
When Alation has enough metadata to calculate lineage for a catalog object, such as a table, view, or BI report, the Lineage tab of the object’s catalog page displays a lineage chart.
Note
If there is no lineage data from MDE, QLI, or Compose, the Lineage tab can be used to manually create lineage. Another option is to create and upload lineage information via the Lineage API or via bulk-uploading from an Excel file (beta feature).
Lineage charts are visual representations of the data flow between source and target objects. They are intended to help users trace the origin, transformations, and ultimate usage of data. Lineage charts visually map out the paths data takes from the initial source, through any intermediate transformations, and finally to the end target, like a BI dashboard or report. Each source or target on the lineage chart is represented as a node, with arrows illustrating the paths between them and dataflows storing the data transformation details.
Chart Views¶
There are two views of the lineage chart: Classic and Compound Layout.
Classic—A linear, sequential display of the data journey, showing the paths from sources to targets through connected nodes and arrows. An example of the classic view is shown below (version 2024.1).
Compound layout—A lineage visualization that groups related nodes by their respective data sources into clusters. This view provides a more focused representation of sources, as they are interconnected with lineage, with the intention to help users navigate complex data relationships with multiple sources and targets and isolate particular areas of interest.
Note
Starting in version 2024.1, the Compound Layout view is a recommended view of the lineage chart. In versions 2023.1 - 2023.3.5, it’s a beta feature.
The screenshot below shows the Compound Layout view in version 2024.1:
Switch Between Chart Views¶
When you initially open the Lineage tab for a catalog object, Classic is the view you see by default. To activate the Compound Layout view, click on the Use Compound Layout toggle above the lineage chart area. To deactivate it and go back to Classic, click the toggle again.
Learn more in: