Structural Layers Index

A map of structural layers within the Governance Substrate Model (GSM)

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.