> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.truedat.io/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.truedat.io/v8.7/userguide/lineage.md).

# Data Lineage

This module allows you to visualize the information life cycle, as well as the interconnections between each system in the organization. This provides complete data traceability, as well as impact analysis in the event of changes to data structures or processes.

When entering the lineage module, you can select the resources you want to analyze, as well as the type of analysis you want to perform:

* **Traceability:** Shows the origin of the data. Where does the data come from?
* **Impact**: Shows how the data is used. Who are the consumers of the data, and to what extent are they impacted?
* **Levels:** Defines the number of levels displayed on the screen for navigation. This is especially useful for complex graphs, where viewing the entire graph makes understanding difficult.

![](/files/-MKAunFwSCvMcMA1J9G6)

Once you choose the analysis, a graph is displayed showing the consumers of the data and the flow they follow.

![](/files/-MKAunFxgC_Qg3QpDfgW)

If you choose a traceability analysis, the arrows point in the opposite direction. This is because the arrows always show the direction in which the data moves.

If an object name is cut off because it is too long, hover over the name to view it in full.

![](/files/-MKAunFylWGirwLkRCTI)

Once you request the graph, you can download the lineage information as a CSV file to open in MS Excel. This CSV includes all groups displayed in the lineage graph and the relationships between them. The relationships between resources in the graph, represented by arrows, are also included as lines in the file.

![](/files/-MKAunFz97ZQ5pGN0Gml)

Additionally, clicking the different objects represented in the graph shows different options:

* Traceability: Navigates to the traceability analysis of the selected object.
* Impact: Navigates to the impact analysis of the selected object.
* Exclude: Removes the selected node and any links it may have from the graph, then recalculates the display based on the current selection.
* View Data Catalog: This option only appears for elements available in the data catalog. Selecting it navigates to the catalog to view the details of the selected item.

If the lineage connector provides information about the process, you can view it by clicking the arrow that connects the objects.

### Data Lineage background process

Some lineage graphs might be very complex and require a long time to calculate. When installing Truedat, you can decide the maximum time allowed for a lineage calculation.

When requesting such a graph, you will see on the screen that the lineage is being calculated.

![](/files/123cf8S4iVSmH1FsxtAo)

You do not need to stay on this screen to wait for the result. You can leave the process running and return later to check the status from the **My Graphs** option in the lineage menu.

![](/files/ih734JKDYgSU122gIWgd)

{% hint style="success" %}
Once a graph has been calculated, the next time someone requests the graph with the same parameters, cached information is used to display it at a very low cost.
{% endhint %}