Data Flow Diagrams
Create data flow diagrams (DFD) and data lineage diagrams to document how data moves through systems. Use process shapes, data stores, and directional connections.
Data flow diagrams document how data moves through a system. NeoArc Studio supports both traditional DFD notation and data lineage diagrams for tracking data from source to destination.
Data Flow Diagram (DFD)
A Data Flow Diagram shows how data moves through a system, including:
DFD Shape Mapping
Use these NeoArc shapes for DFD elements:
| DFD Element | NeoArc Shape |
|---|---|
| Process | Process (rectangle) shape |
| Data Store | Database (cylinder) shape |
| External Entity | Rectangle with colour coding or cloud shape |
| Data Flow | Directional arrows with labels |
Creating a DFD
DFD Levels
DFDs are typically created at multiple levels:
| Level | Description |
|---|---|
| Context Diagram (Level 0) | Single process representing the entire system |
| Level 1 | Major processes and data stores |
| Level 2+ | Decompose individual processes into sub-processes |
Data Lineage Diagrams
Data lineage diagrams track data from source systems to destination systems, showing transformations along the way. They answer the questions:
Source
Where does this data come from?
Transformation
What happens to the data along the way?
Destination
Where does this data go?
Creating a Data Lineage Diagram
Using Icons for Data Lineage
NeoArc includes icons for common data platforms:
Connection Properties for Data Flow
Configure connections to represent data flow:
| Property | Use Case |
|---|---|
| Path Type | Orthogonal for clean routing, curved for organic flow |
| Line Endings | Arrows to show direction |
| Labels | Data names, record counts, or transformation names |
| Line Style | Solid for primary flows, dashed for optional or batch |
Best Practices
Show Direction Clearly
Use arrow endings on all connections.
Label All Flows
Include data names on connections.
Colour Code by System
Sources in one colour, destinations in another.
Keep Diagrams Focused
One diagram per major data flow.
Version with Code
Data lineage changes as systems evolve.
Link to Documentation
Use lineage linking to connect to technical docs.