Architecture
This document gives a high-level view of how DriftMapper works, so that non‑technical users understand which parts of the system do what.
Three layers of the system
Surface
The Surface is everything you interact with: the web application where you create projects, configure gates, review audit logs, and invite users. It includes both the marketing pages you saw before signing up and the admin/developer consoles once you're logged in.
Platform
The Platform sits behind the scenes and makes your actions possible. When you click a button or submit a form, the Platform handles the request, applies business rules (e.g. who can approve a gate), and records what happened. Think of it as the "brain" that orchestrates workflows and keeps the system consistent.
Substrate
The Substrate is the plumbing – the secure environment and durable storage where all your data lives. It ensures that information is saved reliably, can be queried quickly when you open the audit logs, and is protected according to enterprise security standards. As an administrator you rarely need to think about this layer, but it's what gives DriftMapper its compliance guarantees.
Key concepts for end users
Audit trail: Every action you take is automatically captured and presented in the Audit Logs page. You can search, filter, and export these records without worrying about how or where they are stored.
Security & roles: Users have roles that determine what they can do in the UI. Higher‑level roles can manage other users and configure system settings. The platform prevents anyone from granting permissions they themselves don't have.
Reliability & observability: The system continuously monitors itself and notifies administrators of errors. When incidents occur, the Incident Response guide walks you through viewing logs and resolving issues using the admin interface.
Diagrams and visual aids will be added later if desired, but the overarching idea is:
the Surface is what you see, the Platform makes it work, and the Substrate keeps your data safe.
