1. A method for layered overview visualization of an IT environment having nodes and links related to the nodes, comprising steps of: initializing, using a CPU, the layered overview visualization, comprising steps of: establishing a number of hierarchical levels; based on one of function and type, combining the nodes and the links related to the nodes into a plurality of elements; for each hierarchical level: assigning one or more of the plurality of elements to the level in accordance with one of the function and the type; and determining overlap of the assigned elements; and navigating the layered overview visualization, comprising steps of: selecting a view; selecting a level of the hierarchical levels within the selected view; choosing the overlap of one or more of the assigned elements in the selected level and highlighting the chosen elements; and displaying on a screen the selected level and the highlighted chosen elements in the selected level.