Secure Cartography Help Guide

Getting Started

Secure Cartography is a network discovery and mapping tool that uses SSH to safely explore and document your network topology.

Main Features

  • Secure SSH-based network discovery
  • Support for multiple vendor platforms
  • Real-time discovery progress monitoring
  • Dark and light theme support
  • Multiple visualization layouts
  • Professional map enhancement options
graph TD A[Start Discovery] --> B[Enter Seed IP] B --> C[Configure Credentials] C --> D[Set Discovery Parameters] D --> E[Begin Mapping] E --> F[Generate Network Map] F --> G[Enhance Visualization]

Configuration

Basic Settings

Seed IP
The starting point IP address for network discovery
Username/Password
SSH credentials for device access
Timeout
Maximum wait time for device responses (in seconds)
Max Devices
Upper limit for discovered devices

Output Settings

Map Name
Name for the generated network map file
Output Directory
Location for discovery results and maps
Exclude Pattern
Patterns to exclude specific devices or networks

Network Discovery

Discovery Algorithm

Secure Cartography uses Breadth-First Search (BFS) to systematically explore your network:

graph TB subgraph "Layer 1" A[Seed Device] end subgraph "Layer 2" B[Switch 1] C[Switch 2] D[Switch 3] end subgraph "Layer 3" E[Device A] F[Device B] G[Device C] H[Device D] end A --> B A --> C A --> D B --> E B --> F C --> G D --> H style A fill:#f96 style B fill:#9cf style C fill:#9cf style D fill:#9cf style E fill:#9c6 style F fill:#9c6 style G fill:#9c6 style H fill:#9c6
Discovery Process
  1. Starts at the seed device
  2. Discovers immediate neighbors
  3. Processes each layer completely
  4. Prevents loops by tracking visited devices
  5. Applies exclusion patterns

Map Visualization

Choose from multiple layout algorithms:

Kamada-Kawai (kk)

Optimal for general network topologies

Reingold-Tilford (rt)

Hierarchical tree-like layouts

Circular

Radial arrangement of devices

Map Enhancement

Professional Visualization Options

Layout Options
  • Grid: Organized, structured layout
  • Tree: Hierarchical representation
  • Balloon: Radial arrangement from core
Export Formats
  • DrawIO (.drawio): Edit in draw.io
  • GraphML (.graphml): Universal format
Key Enhancement Features
  • Professional network device icons
  • Optional endpoint device filtering
  • Customizable layout algorithms
  • Industry-standard export formats

Using the Enhancement Tool

  1. Click the "Enhance" button in the main interface
  2. Select your input topology file (.json)
  3. Choose desired layout algorithm
  4. Configure visualization options:
    • Enable/disable endpoint devices
    • Toggle professional device icons
  5. Export to DrawIO and GraphML formats

Troubleshooting

  • Verify SSH credentials are correct
  • Check network connectivity to target devices
  • Ensure firewall rules allow SSH access
  • Verify device SSH service is enabled