A computer aided network engineering (CANE) system provides an integrated network management platform that not only decodes a user's network but also provides an interactive environment, based on data-driven maps, to allow users to define and automate network tasks. Among other things, the CANE system allows users to drive automation via self-contained interactive model-driven maps (referred to as Q-maps). Some of the tasks that can be automated include, without limitation: a) network diagramming and documentation; b) performance troubleshooting; and c) design analysis.