Layers

Reference page for defining and maintaining logical layers in AnalyticsCreator.

Overview

The Layers feature in AnalyticsCreator defines the logical and sequential structure in which metadata objects are grouped and generated. Each object in a project is assigned to a layer, which determines its build order and visibility during solution generation.

Function

Layers represent vertical slices in a project's architecture, such as Source, Staging, Persisted Staging, Transformation, Data Warehouse - Core, or Datamart. One layer can have one or more schemas associated with it. They are used to control:

Object assignment and isolation

Layers define where objects belong and keep architectural responsibilities clearly separated.

Deployment sequencing

Layers control the order in which structures are generated and deployed across environments.

Selective generation

Specific parts of the solution can be included or excluded based on layer configuration.

Dependency resolution

Layer order influences build-time logic and helps resolve dependencies between generated objects.

Layer configuration impacts how AnalyticsCreator generates the SQL database schema, Azure Data Factory pipelines, and semantic models.

Access

Layers are accessible from the DWH section. A dedicated Layers panel displays all defined layers, their order, and their assignment status.

How to access

Navigation tree

Layers → LAYER → Edit layer

Toolbar

DWH → Layers

Diagram

Not applicable

Visual element

Not applicable

Properties

ID Property Description
1 Name Name of the layer used to identify it within the project structure.
2 SeqNr Defines the sequence number of the layer and controls its display order in the lineage.
3 Description Optional field used to provide a more detailed description of the layer.

Screen overview

The image below shows the List Layers interface with columns labeled for easy identification.

Layers List

Behavior

Execution order

Layers are executed in the defined top-down order.

Generation scope

Disabling a layer excludes its objects from generation.

Object assignment

Each object must belong to one and only one layer.

Build influence

Layers influence SQL build context and pipeline generation.

Usage context

Layers are typically aligned with logical data architecture phases. Common usage includes separating ingestion, transformation, modeling, and reporting responsibilities.

Notes

Layer configurations are stored within the project metadata.

Changes to layer order or status require regeneration of the solution.

Layer visibility and behavior apply across all deployment targets.

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