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Tag propagation

Tag propagation is disabled by default in Atlan.

When tagging an asset, you can enable tag propagation to child assets.

To downstream assets​

Downstream assets are derived through the data transformations of an asset.

Atlan can propagate tags through lineage. For example:

  • You tag a column as PII.
  • That column has downstream columns (in lineage).
  • Atlan tags the downstream columns as PII, too, if propagation is enabled.

This is particularly useful when you want to tag data for protection reasons. When combined with purposes, Atlan protects all downstream copies of the data automatically.

To child assets​

Child assets are linked to parent assets through a parent-child hierarchical relationship.

Atlan can propagate tags from parent to child assets. For example:

  • You tag a database table as Marketing Analysis.
  • Atlan tags all the columns in that table as Marketing Analysis, too, if propagation is enabled.
  • You can also configure the propagation of your tags:
    • Hierarchy & lineage enables tag propagation to child and downstream assets.
    • Hierarchy only (no lineage) enables tag propagation to child assets only.
    • Lineage only (no hierarchy) enables tag propagation to downstream assets only.
    • No propagation disables any tag propagation.

This is particularly useful when you want to tag data for a business domain or project use. Atlan includes all assets under the level you tag in that business domain or project.

To linked assets​

Atlan can propagate tags to all linked assets for terms. For example:

  • You tag a glossary term as Public.
  • Atlan tags all the linked assets for that term as Public, too, if propagation is enabled.
  • You can also configure the propagation of your tags:
    • Hierarchy & lineage enables tag propagation to child and downstream assets.
    • Hierarchy only (no lineage) enables tag propogation to child assets only.
    • Lineage only (no hierarchy) enables tag propogation to downstream assets only.
    • No propagation disables any tag propagation.

This is particularly useful when you want to tag data en masse for use across all teams. If propagation is enabled, Atlan includes all linked assets for the tagged term.