Trace Dependency   A trace dependency is an abstraction dependency between a supplier and a client that indicates that one or more elements in one model represent an analogous concept in another model. Its meaning depends on the relationship between the models.

Explanation

A model hierarchy divides a system or entity into a series of cohesive representations of the whole entity. Trace dependencies can be used to indicate the relationship between a set of elements in one model that relate to a set of elements in another model.
They have traditionally been used to trace elements in a requirements model to the elements that realize them in analysis and design models. They can however be used to "trace" sets of elements between any models signifying that the elements are analogous in some way. They could be used for example to "trace" a subsystem from the analysis model to a node instance in the deployment model.

Related Entries

Dependency  Type of A dependency is a related element because it is the base element for the abstraction relationship. The trace abstraction is a stereotyped abstraction which is a type of dependency. The abstraction stereotyped as trace adds more precision to the less specific or standard dependency relationship.

Abstraction  Base Type An abstraction is a related element because it is the base element for the trace abstraction which is a stereotyped abstraction and a type of dependency. The trace stereotype adds more precision to the less specific or standard abstraction relationship.