Surface tile

The Surface tile shows health state, performance metrics and other information on top of an image, such as a map.

How does the Surface tile work?

The Surface tile works by using a row perspective to show a row of data for each of the resources returned by the scope. (The Matrix tile also uses a row perspective to show data, but in a single table, see How to use the Matrix tile).

A row perspective can display health state, performance metrics and other information for each resource. They work in a similar way to dashboard perspectives in that they are stored in dashboard packs, they use a match criteria that defines which resource they apply to, and they have a rank that specifies which row perspective should be displayed when multiple row perspectives match. A row perspective is made up of 'cell tiles' of various types, such as Status, Sparkline, Bar, Health State History etc.

Resources shown on the Surface tile can use different row perspectives. (The Matrix tile uses the same row perspective for all the resources returned by the scope).

The Surface tile supports a maximum of 25 resources per tile, so only the first 25 objects of a scope are shown. Configure the scope carefully to show the 25 resources you need.

Can I change what information is shown?

You can change the row perspective used by each individual resource, and you can untick any cell tiles you don't want to show.

Can I create new row perspectives?

When cell tiles are unticked, the data is still returned, but it is hidden from view. To make the tile more efficient or for more customization you can create a new row perspective: How to create and modify row perspectives.

How to configure a Surface tile

  1. Add a new tile to a dashboard or perspective and choose Resources > Surface tile.
  2. Image

    Here you can choose one of the provided images or upload your own.
    Tip: If you want a different selection of maps, you can download more at https://freevectormaps.com/

    Supported image formats: png, jpg, jpeg, gif, tif, tiff. svg, bmp
    Tip: SVG images resize best since they are vector images.

    File size limit: 10MB

    Image size: Images fill the size of the tile, which means you can resize the image by adjusting the tile's size. The size of the tile also depends on the screen the dashboard is being viewed on.

  3. Scope:
    Configure the scope to define the resources you want to show, Scoped resources will appear straight away and can be dragged into position.
    The Surface tile supports multiple resources types. The Surface tile can show a different row perspective for each resources (whereas the Matrix tile can only display rows of data for resources of the same type with a common row perspective). The row perspective used by each object can be changed, see Display information below.

    The Surface tile supports a maximum of 25 resources per tile, so only the first 25 objects of a scope are shown. Configure the scope carefully to show the 25 resources you need.

  4. Display
    Once the resources appear on the image you can drag them into location, and customize the way the panels look.
    Hide metrics - tick boxes allow you to hide/show individual metrics.
    Change row perspective - the drop down arrow at the bottom of the panel allows you to change the row perspective being used. The drop down list shows all the row perspectives that match the individual resource, and you can choose a different row perspective to see different metrics. For more information about creating new row perspectives see How to create and modify row perspectives.
    Show preview - allows you to view the tile without the editing controls, so you can see what it will look like in normal use.
    Settings in the tile display panel:
    Object size
    Change size of the panels. From the initial size set, the panels will scale with the image, as the tile or dashboard size changes.
    Object opacity
    Change how transparent the panels are.
    Label
    Change how the metric labels are shown in relation to the metric graph.
    Hide object name
    Tick this option if you wish to remove the resource name, if for example it's already shown on the image.
    Collapse mode
    The metrics from the row perspective are hidden by default. Clicking on the resource name (if shown) reveals the metrics, therefore clicking on the resource name to drilldown is disabled.
  5. Click done to save the tile.

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