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Landscape reports

A landscape report shows nested groups of related entities. For example:

  • Business capability > application.
  • Capability > application > data object.
  • Value stream > process > application.
  • Vendor > application > capability.

Choose a root layer, then add one or more connected layers. Caplo follows repository relations to place matching entities in the report.

Use landscape reports when the shape of the architecture matters more than a total or ranking. If you need totals or comparisons, use bar charts.

Building layers​

Pick a root layer that matches the viewpoint you want to organize around, then add one or more connected child layers. Each non-root layer defines both the entity type and the direction from its parent.

Landscape reports use the shared relation-path, direction, and hop-count model described in Reports overview. The landscape-specific part is the nested structure: every added layer becomes another level in the map.

Each layer also has an Auto nest children option. When enabled, Caplo follows downstream ParentChild relations from that layer and renders those descendants as extra nested cards before the next configured layer. This helps when the hierarchy is meaningful, but you do not want to model every intermediate level as a separate configured layer.

Validate the path first

If a custom report feels empty or wrong, the usual cause is relation direction, path choice, or filters rather than the chart itself. Start with one clear question and a small slice of data, then save a shared report once the path behaves the way you expect. Use the graph preview functionality in the Relations tab to investigate how entities are interconnected.

PACE coloring and legends​

Landscape reports can color items by a selected field, such as PACE category or lifecycle stage. Use coloring to highlight decisions, not decoration.

A good legend should make the report easier to interpret at a glance.

Timeline sliders​

Timeline sliders filter report results based on date fields. This is useful for showing what is active today, what appears in a future roadmap, or what disappears after a retirement date.

Saving landscape reports​

Save a landscape report when it answers a recurring question. Shared reports should have clear names and stable filters so teammates can trust them.