Introduction

Dependency Map offers a wide range of customization options. However, reapplying these customizations for each new map can be time-consuming. This article introduces a ‘Template’ approach to streamline the creation of new maps.

Benefits of using Template maps

While Dependency Map offers useful default settings for features like field value coloring and sprint name grouping, there may be reasons to standardize map customizations at the project, team, or company level.

Instead of relying solely on documentation to describe customizations, you can create and use template maps. This approach ensures consistent application of customizations when creating new maps, reducing manual effort and minimizing the risk of errors.

Creating a Dependency map Template

To create a Dependency Map to be used as a template, do the following:

  1. Create a New Map: Start by creating a new Dependency Map.

  2. Apply a Filter: Select a filter that includes issues with the values you want to customize.

  3. Make Customizations:

    1. Customize colors for field values.

      1. Select a Field: Choose a field, such as “Status.”
      2. Customize Colors: Adjust the colors for the selected field.
      3. Repeat: Apply the same process to any other fields you wish to customize.

    2. Apply rules for custom grouping and sorting.

    3. Adjust advanced settings as needed.

  4. Save the template map:

    • Use a name that clearly indicate that this is a template map, such as “Template: Team Alpha”

    • Optional: Before saving, switch to a filter that pulls in few issues to make the template map load faster.

Creating a New Dependency Map from a Template

  1. Open a Template map: Choose from any of your existing template maps. Search for “Template” and select the desired template.

  2. Save As: Click “Save as” to create a new map.

    1. Note: Do not click “Save”, as that will update the template map itself.

  3. Configure Settings: Select the following options as you would when creating a new Dependency Map:

    • Issue filter

    • Column field

    • Row field

    • Issue Color field

    • Issue content

    • Issue Hover content

  4. Save: Click “Save” to finalize your new map.