Critical infrastructure guide
Infrastructure Dependency Mapping
A practical framework for documenting what a critical service needs in order to operate.
Systems note: infrastructure classifications, standards and responsibilities vary by country and operator. Use current local requirements for real decisions.
Why this matters
A practical framework for documenting what a critical service needs in order to operate.
Core system ideas
Begin with the service, then identify supporting assets, external suppliers, utilities, data systems and people.
Document the direction of dependence: who needs whom, under what operating condition and for how long.
Prioritize dependencies whose loss quickly affects essential output and those with few realistic alternatives.
What to review
Useful reviews usually combine service criticality, dependencies, condition, capacity, maintenance, alternate arrangements, restoration time and clear ownership rather than relying on one isolated metric.