You can optionally view the hierarchy of the reference models, each in its entirety or parts of it. A hierarchical diagram can automatically be created for each reference model by dragging-and-dropping all definitions of a reference model on a diagram – the hierarchical view is automatically created based on the definition data. You can create your needed view – the full reference model or a subset.
The reasons why you might visualize the full reference model, or parts of it are:
•Visualizing a reference model can help you to gain a full understanding of it, as you categorize your assets against it.
•Also, the Consolidated Reference Models (CRM) are often utilized as reference models by non-US-government organizations and commercial companies. These organizations and companies make use of the reference models but tailor them – adding or removing elements from it to match their organization. Visualizing the reference models can help with this effort.
Altering the Reference Models
If you make changes to the reference model structure, it is recorded in the underlying definition data and reflected throughout the architecture. Changes in the underlying definition data reflected in the views. You can opt to use System Architect’s workspaces or “Freeze” access control command (by administrators) to freeze the reference models for further usage.
Visualizing the Reference Models
Steps to visualize the specific reference models are in these topics: