In this article, we’ll take a quick look at how it works and what it does, as well as provide links to detailed documentation and additional resources to help you make the most of your Apache webserver geoip data.

Using the Map Panel

Since the Logstash Geoip plugin and a GeoIP Filter are now loaded in Log Server by default, setup is as simple as creating a new Map panel in any custom Dashboards you’d like to visualize geoip data in. Full setup details to help you get it up and running in minutes can be found in this document:

Using the Map Panel in Nagios Log Server

Here’s a look at a custom Apache dashboard that incorporates the panel, along with several other useful panels to help you dig into your webserver data:

This article provides an overview of other valuable options you can incorporate to create an ultimate Apache Dashboard like the one above:

Create a Great Apache Dashboard in Nagios Log Server R2

Customizing the Look of Your Maps

The default MapLibre demotiles style is a great starting point, but many other options are available online. As long as the styles you wish to use meet the MapLibre style specifications, they should work. Here’s an example of four custom styles from maptiler.com:

Simply enter the style’s URL in the Tile API URL field, and (if it’s not part of the URL, which in the case of the above examples it is), then enter the API key in the Tile API Key field to leverage other options.

Getting Started

If you’re not already using Nagios Log Server, a great starting point would be to use the free 30-day, fully functional trial version:

Free Trial Download

We’d also be happy to offer you a custom Demo session to provide you with a guided tour of Log Server, or a Quickstart remote session with one of our support techs if you’d like some hands-on help with your trial setup.

If there’s any way we can be of help, please feel free to email us at sales@nagios.com so we can assist you further!

Why Use Automaps in NagVis?

Automaps provide several key benefits:

• Dynamic Network Visualization – Automatically generate and update network topology maps based on Nagios host dependencies.
• Reduced Manual Effort – Eliminates the need for manually placing and configuring network elements.
• Accurate Topology Representation – Ensures that network dependencies are properly visualized and reflect actual relationships.
• Improved Troubleshooting – Helps administrators quickly identify and resolve connectivity or dependency issues.

Prerequisites

Before configuring Automaps, ensure the following requirements are met:

• NagVis is pre-installed and configured in Nagios XI, eliminating the need for separate installation steps.
• Host dependencies are properly defined in Nagios.
• User has administrative access to NagVis settings.

Setting Up Automaps in NagVis

1. Navigating to Automaps Configuration

1. Log in to Nagios XI.
2. Navigate to Home > Maps > NagVis.

2. Configuring Automaps Settings

1. Click your map and then click Edit Map to open Automap configuration settings.
2. Adjust the following settings:
   • Hostgroup Selection – Choose which host groups to include in the Automap.
   • Layout Mode – Select from available layout styles (e.g., hierarchical, circular, force-directed).
   • Display Settings – Customize icons, background, and status indicators.
3. Click Save to apply changes.

3. Customizing Automap Appearance

Automaps allow customization to enhance visualization clarity:

• Node Size and Spacing – Adjust parameters to improve readability.
• Color Themes – Use status-based color coding to indicate host and service health.
• Labels and Annotations – Display essential network information on nodes.

4. Enabling Real-Time Updates

To ensure the Automap stays up to date:

1. Go to Edit Map > Map Options.
2. Enable Auto-Refresh to periodically update network topology.
3. Set a refresh interval (e.g., 60 seconds) to reflect changes dynamically.

Configuring Host Dependencies

For Automaps to generate accurate network representations, ensure that parent-child relationships between hosts are defined in Nagios XI:

1. Navigate to Configure > Core Config Manager > Monitoring > Hosts.
2. Select a host and assign appropriate parent hosts.
3. Apply configuration changes to update dependency relationships.

Best Practices for Automaps

• Define Clear Host Dependencies – Ensure host relationships are properly configured in Nagios to generate accurate maps.
• Optimize Layouts for Readability – Choose a layout mode that best represents your network structure.
• Use Status Indicators – Leverage color-coded status updates for quick issue identification.
• Regularly Review Automap Settings – Adjust settings as the network evolves to maintain accurate representations.

Automap Features in NagVis

Automaps dynamically render dependency structures using Nagios data. Advanced features may require tweaking settings in the NagVis configuration file (e.g., /usr/local/nagvis/etc/nagvis.ini.php). Note that very large networks may need optimization to avoid cluttered visuals.

My Experience with Automaps in NagVis

By implementing Automaps in my NagVis setup, I was able to create a dynamic visualization of my network infrastructure with minimal manual intervention. The ability to visualize real-time host dependencies and status updates has significantly improved my troubleshooting process and overall network awareness.

Conclusion

Automaps in NagVis provide a powerful way to automate network visualization by leveraging host dependencies in Nagios. By reducing manual effort and ensuring accurate topology representation, Automaps help IT administrators maintain clear and up-to-date network diagrams. Following best practices and leveraging customization options can further enhance the usability and effectiveness of NagVis Automaps in your monitoring environment.

NagVis is a powerful visualization tool for Nagios that allows IT administrators to create network maps and diagrams, providing an intuitive way to monitor system status. While NagVis comes with standard visualization options, adding custom images and backgrounds enhances clarity, improves recognition, and makes network diagrams more informative and visually appealing.

Why Add Images and Backgrounds to NagVis?

Using images and backgrounds in NagVis provides several advantages:

• Improved Readability – Icons and background maps make it easier to distinguish between different network components.
• Better Representation – A custom floor plan, rack diagram, or geographic map helps in visualizing device locations accurately.
• Faster Troubleshooting – Intuitive layouts allow administrators to spot issues quickly.
• Branding and Customization – Personalized themes align with an organization’s unique IT environment.

Prerequisites

This document assumes you already have NagVis installed. You can see documentation on starting out on NagVis here.

How to Add Custom Images to NagVis

NagVis allows you to use custom icons and images for hosts, services, and backgrounds. Follow these steps to integrate them:

1. Prepare Your Image Files

• Supported formats: PNG, JPG, and GIF.
• Ensure icons are appropriately sized (e.g., 32×32 pixels for small elements, larger for backgrounds).
• Save images with clear filenames.

2. Upload Images to NagVis

Click on Options and Manage Shapes to add icons or Manage Backgrounds to add a new background. Then, attach a file of your choosing.

Using your Custom Icons

Now that you have added some custom icons or backgrounds, you can add them to your map! On a map of your choosing Click Edit Map > Add Special > Shape.

Click on which ever part of the map you would like the icon to appear, and then select the image you uploaded as the Icon and click Save.

Using Custom Backgrounds

To add your custom background Navigate to Edit Map > Map Options.

Then, Click Appearance and select the map image that you uploaded.

Best Practices for Effective Visualizations

• Use Consistent Icon Sizes: Helps maintain uniformity.
• Choose High-Resolution Backgrounds: Avoid pixelation.
• Keep Maps Uncluttered: Use layers or multiple views if necessary.
• Leverage Status Colors: Ensure hosts/services change colors based on state.

Using these steps, I created my own custom NagVis background with unique icons to visualize my network. I started by designing a background image that represents my network topology, then uploaded custom icons for each key device. By carefully placing each element, I ensured my map was both functional and visually appealing.

Creating a personalized NagVis diagram allows you to tailor your network view to your exact needs. Get creative with icons and backgrounds to make your monitoring setup both efficient and visually engaging!

Conclusion

Enhancing NagVis with custom images and backgrounds makes network monitoring more intuitive and efficient. By personalizing your visualizations, you create a unique, clear, and easy-to-read network topology that aids in quick decision-making and faster troubleshooting. With these steps, your NagVis dashboards will be both functional and visually engaging, helping you manage your IT environment more effectively.

Prerequisites

Before installing NagVis, ensure that your Nagios XI instance is up-to-date and meets the following requirements:

• A fully operational Nagios XI instance
• NagVis installed and configured within Nagios XI
• Hosts and services actively monitored in Nagios XI
• Admin-level access to Nagios XI

Creating and Customizing Network Maps in NagVis

Types of Maps in NagVis

NagVis offers several types of maps for different visualization needs:

• Regular Maps: Custom-created maps where users manually place objects.
• Automaps: Automatically generated maps based on parent-child relationships in Nagios.
• Geomaps: Maps that integrate with geographic location data to visualize network components geographically.

Step 1: Setting Up a New Map

1. In the NagVis interface, go to Options > Manage Maps.
2. Click Add New Map and provide a meaningful name (e.g., Corporate_Network).
3. Choose the desired map background (grid, custom image, or blank canvas).

Step 2: Adding Elements to the Map

1. Click on Add Object and select Host, Service, or Group.

2. Search for the specific monitored host/service.

3. Place the element on the map and adjust its position.

4. Define visual properties such as icons, colors, and thresholds.

5. Save the map.

Step 3: Customizing Map Appearance

• Use custom icons to differentiate between servers, routers, and other network components.
• Configure status-dependent colors for quick identification of issues.
• Enable animations to highlight critical alerts dynamically.

Example Visualization

Below is an example of a NagVis-generated network map illustrating an organized infrastructure layout.

Best Practices

• Use hierarchical layouts: Organize components logically (e.g., core network at the top, branch offices below).
• Implement drill-down views: Link maps for in-depth navigation.
• Regularly update icons: Ensure clear representation of devices.
• Enable auto-refresh: Keep real-time monitoring active.

Conclusion

NagVis enhances Nagios XI by providing intuitive and highly customizable network visualizations. By following this guide, IT teams can effectively map their infrastructure, leading to improved monitoring and faster troubleshooting. Implementing best practices ensures that your network diagrams remain clear, up-to-date, and actionable.

Let’s explore the top 4 reasons you should use NagVis!

1. Seamless Integration with Nagios XI

NagVis is fully integrated into Nagios XI, meaning you don’t need to install or configure additional third-party tools to benefit from its features. To begin using NagVis, simply navigate to Home > Maps > NagVis:

The complete guide for using NagVis in Nagios XI can be found here.

2. Real-Time, Intuitive Network Visualization

NagVis transforms raw monitoring data into interactive visual representations, making it easier to understand the state of your network at a glance. Whether you’re managing servers, applications, or entire data centers, you can create custom maps that:

• Display live status updates for hosts and services
• Highlight problems with color-coded icons
• Show dependencies between network components with color-coded lines

By replacing text-heavy reports with visual maps, you can quickly diagnose issues and make informed decisions.

3. Customizable Displays for Better Monitoring

With NagVis, you can design personalized displays that suit your specific monitoring requirements. These dashboards allow you to:

• Combine multiple Nagios XI data sources into a single view
• Use background images like network topology diagrams, floor plans, global maps, and pictures of equipment
• Display performance data, statistics, and status information
• You can also put your displays on an automatic rotation

This high level of customizability ensures that your monitoring environment is tailored to your organization’s unique needs, reducing noise and focusing on what truly matters.

4. Enhanced Troubleshooting and Incident Response

NagVis plays a critical role in faster troubleshooting by providing visual alerts over custom-chosen and context-driven backgrounds. Features that improve incident response include:

• Automatic Status Updates: See real-time changes without refreshing
• Drill-Down Functionality: Click on problem areas for more details
• Dependency Views: Understand how issues in one system affect others
• Audio alerts: NagVis can even play a sound when warning or critical states occur.

By pinpointing root causes faster, IT teams can reduce downtime and improve overall system reliability.

Tips for Using NagVis

Here are a couple of helpful tips when using NagVis:

Creating New Maps and Adding Custom Background Images

This can be done in the Options menu:

Changing Your Map Background

To load your custom image as a map background, navigate to the Edit Map > Map Options > Appearance tab, then choose your map from the map_image dropdown:

How to Add Icons

Once your map is created, you can add icons to it via the Edit Map menu. In the process, choose the type and size of the icon to use, as well as the host, service, or other objects to tie the icon’s status:

My New Icon is Stuck Where I Dropped It!

After initial placement, your icon will be locked. Right-click the icon to unlock it so it can be moved and to see the variety of icon settings you can edit as needed.

Conclusion

NagVis is a powerful visualization tool that enhances Nagios XI by providing real-time status maps, custom dashboards, improved troubleshooting, and seamless integration out-of-the-box. If you’re managing complex IT environments, using NagVis can help you streamline operations, reduce downtime, and make better data-driven decisions.

Are you ready to take your network monitoring to the next level? Start using NagVis in Nagios XI today!