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Spans

May 6, 2026

Span-relationship filters in the query builder

A new Relation option in the Spans query builder lets you find spans based on their position within a trace. Choose from seven relation types — Root, Only root, Parent, Entry service, Child, Any, and Not any — and combine multiple filters with AND or OR. The builder generates the matching DataPrime relational query automatically, so you can switch to DataPrime at any time to inspect or refine the query. Learn more

May 5, 2026

Trace Drilldown quick actions and Dependencies controls

Quick actions on graph elements — Right-click a span in Flame or Gantt, or select the 3-dots icon on a node in Dependencies, to pivot between views, open Highlights, or jump to APM. Service-view nodes in Dependencies expose APM Service Catalog, APM Service Operation, APM Database, APM Database Operation, and APM Serverless depending on service type. Gantt quick actions also include Show Surrounding Spans for traces beyond the time range or span limits. Learn more

New Dependencies controls — A new Node detail toggle in the Dependencies more actions menu controls how much information each node shows (Compact / Standard, default Standard). The 20,000-span cap now also applies to Dependencies (Span view and Service view), matching Flame and Gantt. Learn more

Apr 16, 2026

Dependencies view in Trace Drilldown

New Dependencies view visualizes how a request flows through your architecture at the service or span level, with Color by, Group by, Aggregation, an on-graph toolbar, and a minimap. Clicking a service name in the span header opens a searchable dropdown of spans in that service. The Trace Drilldown now opens in Gantt view by default. Learn more

Apr 6, 2026

Span Related Data — Logs correlation update

Enhanced log-to-span correlation with a new three-field mapping (Logs, Span, Service) and a View by selector with four options: Custom, Span, Trace, and Service. Custom view correlates logs using your own field mappings, while Span, Trace, and Service views use standard OTel fields automatically. Learn more

Mar 26, 2026

Trace Drilldown enhancements

AI Session tab in Related Data — When a span represents a GenAI or LLM operation, the new AI Session tab displays the associated chat, highlights the specific span, and surfaces metadata fields, evaluation scores, and tool calls — all within the trace drilldown. Learn more

Time range picker — A new time range picker in the drilldown header controls the query window for all related data. Default times are dynamic based on trace size. Maximum trace time range is 3 days; maximum span display is 20,000 spans per view. Learn more

Small spans indication in Flame view — In traces with many short-duration spans, the Flame view groups consecutive small sibling spans into a single block with a count label. Zoom in to reveal merged spans, or select the block to browse individual spans in a filterable list. Learn more

Mar 17, 2026

Explore Tracing and Trace Drilldown

Navigate from RED Metrics to Span Drilldown — Select any data point in a RED Metrics graph in Explore Tracing to open the Span Drilldown with Group By context preserved. Aggregation type determines which span is auto-focused in the drilldown. Learn more

Investigate with the Trace Drilldown — New dedicated documentation covers the Trace Drilldown and its three main areas: trace view, Info Panel, and Related Data. Move from a selected span to correlated logs, infrastructure context, and profiling without leaving Explore Tracing. Learn more

Span Fields and Attributes — The Info Panel displays fields, tags, and metadata for the selected span or trace, including a span duration distribution heatmap to compare performance against similar spans. Learn more

Headers and Quick Actions — Use header menus to pivot to correlated logs, APM service context, or profiles, and refine your active query directly from the Trace Drilldown. Learn more

Visualize Spans and Traces — View the selected trace as a Gantt Chart, Flame Graph, or Service Dependency View to understand execution structure, timing, and service interactions. Learn more

View Related Data — Surface correlated telemetry for the selected span or trace, including logs, infrastructure context, profiling data, events, and AI insights. Learn more

Explore Tracing — New documentation for the Explore Tracing workspace, covering how to query, filter, and investigate traces and spans across distributed services. Learn more