marcoeh / atlas

the atlas of networks

The Atlas of Networks

A collection of networked systems found in nature and everyday living.

Classification

All networks are classified the same way and stored in a flat-file database.

Section definition

• name: The specific name of the network, which should be pluralizable.
• nodes: A list of 1 to ∞ node names that appear as "things" in the network.
• edges: A list of 1 to ∞ edge names that interconnect the nodes in the network.
• mediums: A list of 1 to ∞ medium names that are used by the network to serve its purpose.

Section attributes

• topology: Either centralized, decentralized or distributed. Networks with a distinct center are centralized, networks with multiple centers are decentralized and networks with no centers are distributed.
• scale: Either local or global. Global networks tend to be by themselves, while local networks can be found in multiple places.
• kind: Either natural or artificial. A natural network has no artificial - man made parts, while artificial networks are fully created by mankind.
• origin: Either evolved or designed. Evolved networks became their layout throughout time in contrast to designed networks that have been set in place once without further changes.
• visibility: Either visible or hidden. A visible network can be consciously perceived and located in spaces.
• usage: Either communication, transportation or organisation. In a communication network, the medium serves as the carrier for messages that are sent between the nodes, in a transportation network, the medium itself is provided and consumed by nodes and in an organisation network the medium serves as a virtual matter or unit.
• arrangement: Either static or dynamic. Dynamic networks tend to change connections while static networks stay the same.
• perception: Either entirely, partially or separately. A network is perceived entirely if it acts as one entity and hides its structures. A partially perceived might only expose the main nodes and a separately perceived network discloses its complete structure.
• stability: Either ephemeral or durable. Ephemeral networks may last for only a fraction of time and vanish, while durable networks last long and slowly decay.
• reactivity: Either adaptive or limited. Adaptive networks have the ability to change their structure in response to their goal and usage. Limited networks will keep their structure.

Section meta

• abstract: Free-text describing the network.
• image: Photograph of the whole or partial network.

Section graph

• nodes: A list of nodes for the graph visualization.
• edges: A list of edges that connect the nodes.

The graphs is configured in the following format:

graph:
  nodes:
    n1: Node 1
    n2: Node 2
    n3: Node 3
  edges:
    - n1:n2 n2:n3
    - n3:n1