bird's-eye view

noun

1. The view from directly or high above.

   “Looking down from the seventh floor balcony gave them a bird's-eye view of the street below.”

   ““What makes you think there is a mouse in this room?” “The evidence points that way.” [...] “And why were you standing on a chair?” “Sort of just trying to get a bird's-eye view, as it were.” “Do you often go looking for mice in other people's rooms?””

2. A general overview or summary of a topic.