Methodology

Observation-intake checklist

What every live or sample figure must carry before it enters the dataset — a value and unit, a live/sample mode, a sourceId, a confidence level, as-of and last-reviewed dates for live values, and a subject link. The bar for inclusion. A process description, not real-time status.

static reference · data June 5, 2026

Before a figure enters the dataset it must carry 7 things: a value and unit, a live or sample mode, a sourceId, a confidence level, as-of and last-reviewed dates for live values, and a link to the subject it describes. Sample figures are always labeled illustrative and never presented as current data.

  • 7 required fields per figure.
  • Live vs sample is explicit; sample is never shown as current.
  • Live values carry as-of and last-reviewed dates, not real-time.

Required fields

FieldRequirementWhy
value + unitThe numeric value with an explicit unit.A bare number is not interpretable or comparable.
dataModeEither live (genuinely sourced) or sample (illustrative).Sample figures must never be presented as current data.
sourceIdA reference to a registered source.Every number is traceable to a cited source.
confidencehigh, medium, or low.Signals how much weight a consumer should give the figure.
asOfThe date the value refers to (live only).States the as-of date instead of implying real-time.
lastReviewedThe date the value was last re-checked (live only).Freshness is a re-check signal against the source cadence.
subject linkageThe country, commodity, conflict, or chokepoint it describes.Connects the figure to the entity graph for navigation.

Related

Add an observation: /methodology/add-observation · source intake: /methodology/source-intake · fact intake: /methodology/fact-intake · refresh harness: /methodology/refresh-harness.

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