Sparx EA provides several methods for finding things within the EA Repository.
Finding an Element in the Project Browser
To find a diagram element in the Project Browser, highlight the element and then press CONTROL-G. To highlight a diagram in the Project Browser, press CONTROL-SHIFT-G.
Finding an Element in Diagrams
To see a list of diagrams on which an element appears, highlight the element in the Project Browser or on a diagram and press CONTROL-U. If the element appears on just one diagram, that diagram will be opened and the element will be highlighted. If the element appears on more than one diagram, you will be presented with a list of the diagrams for your selection. Once you have selected a diagram, it will be opened and the element will be highlighted.
Search Function
The search function can be initiated by hitting Control-F. This brings up a dialog in which you can enter a search term to find. It also includes a drop down list of pre-defined searches which can be managed by clicking on the Manage Searches button. You can find out more about the search function in the Sparx EA Help system.
Model Views
Sparx EA Model Views builds on the search feature, allowing you to quickly find certain elements. You can find this under the View / Model Views menu selection. The EA team has created a number of views here for your convenience, which can be seen in the next diagram. Clicking on the plus sign for one of the views provides a list of elements of the given type. For example, the Database Schemas and ETL Jobs are visible in the diagram. You can click on them to find them in the Project Browser or find all of the diagrams in which they appear.
Protecting Diagrams and Diagram Elements from Change
A user may lock a diagram so that no one else may alter it. This means that a locked out user may not rearrange, remove from, or add elements to the diagram. The user can still bring up element properties and drill down into element diagrams in the normal manner. Selecting Diagram | Lock Diagram from the main menu brings up the following dialog.
Access can be limited to the user that locks the diagram or the group whose ID is provided.
Another way to prevent users from rearranging individual elements while allowing full access to others is to mark elements as unselectable. You do this by right clicking on the element and de-selecting Selectable from the context menu.
