Structural Layers Index
The GSM is organized into layered structural components that work together to represent, analyze, and interpret governance systems. This index provides a clear overview of each layer, its purpose, and the artifacts associated with it. It serves as a navigation guide for contributors and a conceptual map for students using the Analyzer.
Manifold Layer#
Defines the coordinate system for all structural analysis.
- governance_manifold.yaml — five‑axis structural space [C, M, O, A, T]
- governance_substrate_model.md — conceptual overview of the substrate model
This layer anchors all other layers in a shared structural geometry.
Invariant Layer#
Defines substrate‑level behavioral rules required for coherence.
- behavioral_invariants.yaml — alignment, tension, and violation conditions
- invariant_checker (within Analyzer) — evaluates invariants against vectors
Invariants determine when a system is stable, strained, or structurally incoherent.
Awareness Layer#
Describes how a system perceives and stabilizes its own structure.
- awareness_layers.yaml — structural, procedural, historical, anticipatory, relational
- Awareness metrics feed directly into drift, coherence, and transition analysis.
Awareness modulates resilience and drift behavior.
Physics Layer#
Defines cross‑axis forces that shape structural movement.
- governance_physics.yaml — C↔O, M↔A, O↔T force pairs
- Compensatory movement, tension accumulation, drift amplification
Physics governs how systems respond to imbalance.
Basin Layer#
Defines stable structural families within the manifold.
- equilibrium_basins.yaml — CPL, CPF, CTR, PCL, HCL
- Basin signatures, distances, stability gradients
Basins act as attractors and define transition boundaries.
Drift Layer#
Captures structural movement across time or between snapshots.
- drift_detection.yaml — drift vectors, magnitude, forces, categories
- Drift events feed coherence scoring and observer timelines.
Drift reveals whether a system is stable, shifting, or undergoing regime change.
Coherence Layer#
Evaluates structural integrity and stability.
- coherence_event_schema.yaml — alignment, tension, drift, transition events
- coherence_scoring.yaml — 0–100 coherence score
Coherence integrates invariants, awareness, physics, basins, and drift.
Adapter & Mapping Layer#
Translates external DSLs and structured inputs into GSM vectors.
- dsl_substrate_adapter.md — mapping rules and structural interpretation
- statement_mapping_rules.yaml (if present) — axis‑level mapping logic
This layer ensures external systems can interface with the GSM.
Dynamic Artifact Layer#
Defines reusable templates for Analyzer and Observer outputs.
- dynamic_artifact_templates.md — vectors, drift events, basin classifications, narratives
- dynamic_cards_spec.md — UI‑level card specifications
- governance_cards_spec.md — governance‑focused card framework
These templates ensure consistent representation across tools.
Observer Layer#
Provides temporal interpretation of structural behavior.
- historical_profile_template.yaml — encoding historical snapshots
- observer_lens_spec.md (if present) — history / now / future lenses
The Observer contextualizes structural movement across time.
Dashboard & Visualization Layer#
Presents Analyzer outputs in interpretable visual form.
- governance_alignment_dashboard.md — dashboard specification
This layer is the primary UI surface for structural governance analysis.
Transition & Simulation Layer#
Models movement across basins and structural states.
- transition_graph.yaml (if present) — basin‑to‑basin pathways
- simulator_spec.md (if present) — stepwise transition simulation
This layer supports scenario analysis and educational exploration.
Purpose of This Index#
This index provides:
- a clear map of all structural layers
- a contributor‑friendly navigation guide
- a conceptual overview for students and analysts
- a stable anchor for future extensions
It ensures the Analyzer remains coherent, discoverable, and structurally aligned.