# Visuals for Azure Governance

I've been working with the [Azure Cloud Adoption Framework (CAF)](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/cloud-adoption-framework/) and the [Azure Well-Architected Framework (WAF)](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/architecture/framework/) quite a bit recently - and while the content is excellent and comprehensive, I found it hard to navigate quickly or explain clearly in practice.

I'm a visual learner. The sheer volume of documentation can feel overwhelming, and I needed a better way to understand the structure, flow, and relationships between the key parts. So I built a couple of interactive mind maps using a tool called [Markmap](https://markmap.js.org/). They’ve helped me get to grips with the frameworks more easily, and I’m sharing them here in case they help others too.

Let’s take a look:

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# Azure CAF

![overview.jpg](https://github.com/CloudDevDan/azure-caf-markmap/blob/main/img/overview.jpg?raw=true align="left")

This project visualises the structure of the Cloud Adoption Framework in a single, explorable map. From strategy and planning to governance and management, the layout is designed to help you grasp how the different stages fit together.

📦 [GitHub Repository](https://github.com/CloudDevDan/azure-caf-markmap)  
🗺 [Launch Interactive Map](https://azure-caf.daniel.mcloughlin.cloud/)

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# Azure WAF

![Tracker Screenshot](https://github.com/CloudDevDan/azure-waf-markmap/raw/main/img/overview.jpg align="left")

The WAF map breaks down the five pillars of the Well-Architected Framework, along with key principles and design considerations. It’s a handy way to refer to the framework during architecture sessions or to anchor discussions around best practices.

📦 [GitHub Repository](https://github.com/CloudDevDan/azure-waf-markmap)  
🗺 [Launch Interactive Map](https://azure-waf.daniel.mcloughlin.cloud/)

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# Microsoft AI Adoption

![](https://cdn.hashnode.com/res/hashnode/image/upload/v1753950959206/8af2800a-d647-4a94-ad3c-f832fe04b5c2.png align="center")

The Microsoft AI Adoption framework is an official CAF adoption scenario designed to help organisations adopt AI responsibly and effectively – with tailored guidance for both startups and enterprises, plus checklists, best practices, and platform recommendations.

📦 [GitHub Repository](https://github.com/CloudDevDan/ai-adoption-markmap)  
🗺 [Launch Interactive Map](https://ai-adoption.daniel.mcloughlin.cloud/)

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# Why and How

I built these maps because I learn best when I can *see* how things connect.

Working through long-form documentation is necessary - but sometimes, especially when preparing for reviews or walking through a framework with a team, I need a more structured, visual approach. That’s where [Markmap](https://markmap.js.org/) comes in.

Markmap turns Markdown into an interactive mind map. It’s:

* Lightweight and open source
    
* Easy to maintain in GitHub
    
* Perfect for creating skimmable, navigable versions of dense content
    

Each map starts with a plain Markdown file, structured using bullet points. Markmap does the rest.

If you're a visual thinker, or just looking for a more approachable way to engage with CAF and WAF, these tools might be helpful.

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Both projects are open source and available to fork, adapt, or build upon. Feedback and contributions welcome.

Thanks for checking them out.

Dan