CONTEXT DIAGRAM

Context Diagram
A DFD that summarizes all processing activity
within the system in single process symbol.
Describes highest level view of a system
All external agents and all data flows into and out
of a system are shown in the diagram
The whole system is represented as one process
The data flows that pass between the external
entities and the system.

Data Flow Diagram

A graphical system model that shows all of
the main requirements for an information
system: inputs, outputs, processes and data
storage
They are primarily used in the systems
development process.
A data flow diagram is often the diagram of
choice for modern entities.

Purpose
To identify and examine the interface between the external
entities and the system.

For Example
A Context Data Flow Diagram for Payroll Processing
shows a context diagram for a Payroll Processing that
interacts with 5 agents: Employee, Management,
Government Agencies, Human Resources, Time
keeping.

Symbols used in Context

Diagram
A square represents an external data
source or data destination.

A Vowel indicates a internal entity or

transformation process.

A line with an arrow indicates the

direction of the flow of data.

Guidelines for drawing a Context

Diagram
List potential external entities (people,
places). Look for entities that
Give data to the system without explaining the
process that creates that data
Take data from the system without explaining what
it does with that data
Establish what flows are sent to and from the
system from the external entities
Draw the context diagram