Concept

Observation

The act of sensing, surveying, inspecting, or otherwise capturing signals from reality.

realityLevel 3/6

Position in the Trusted Data Framework

Observation

Living Graph View

Observation in the concept network

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Relationship Matrix

Observation as a network node

Connected concept
Relationship

Creates the source material from which digital representations are formed.

Records when, how, where, and under what assumptions an observation was made.

Supplies evidential signals that can support or challenge claims.

Concept Relationships

How Observation works with other concepts

Creates the source material from which digital representations are formed.

ProducesMetadata

Records when, how, where, and under what assumptions an observation was made.

Supplies evidential signals that can support or challenge claims.

Definition

Observation is the process through which reality becomes visible to a digital system.

Role in the Trusted Data Framework

Sits between Reality and Representation because reality never enters data directly; it is always observed first.

Practical Examples

  • Sensor
  • Survey
  • Drone
  • Satellite
  • Manual inspection
  • AI vision

Prototype Direction

  • metadata-discovery
  • sensor-to-evidence-linking

Consulting Questions

  • What problem does this concept help diagnose in the client environment?
  • Which upstream concepts must be in place before this concept becomes reliable?
  • What evidence would prove that this concept is working in practice?