Methods

Methodology for the atlas itself, not just one dataset.

The ATC methods surface explains how the atlas is organised by knowledge layer, scale, release logic, comparability, and validation.

The current implementation is still seeded by green-innovation data, but the public site is now structured so additional modules can slot into the same atlas system without redesigning the experience each time.

Current interpretation frame

What stays visible

Release logic

Explicitly tied to each public module

Scale

Country, region, city, and site handled separately

Entity view

Inventor, applicant, or both

Derived layers

Complexity, relatedness, and comparison stay interpretable

Atlas structure

The method is how the atlas stays legible as it grows.

Knowledge layers

The atlas needs to describe multiple kinds of knowledge outputs, including patents, publications, firms, taxonomies, and complexity indicators. Each layer should keep its release label, scale, and entity perspective visible.

Spatial scales

Country, region, city, and site are not interchangeable views of the same object. The atlas should state whether a geometry is analytical, visual, or simply a join layer for records.

Module-specific logic

The current public release still relies on geocoded patent logic from the seeded green module. The broader ATC frame keeps that explicit so each release can be interpreted on its own terms.

Downloads and API alignment

The public catalogue is organised around machine-readable metadata so the website and the long-run production API can eventually expose the same filters, release labels, and sorting rules.

Comparability

Cross-place comparison only works when definitions stay visible. Metrics, actor perspectives, thresholds, and taxonomy choices should be part of the atlas state rather than hidden implementation details.

Validation

Coverage, completeness, and classification notes should sit next to the atlas experience. Users need to see where a layer is strong, where it is thin, and what caveats apply at each scale.

Preparing the atlas

Atlas of Technological Complexity

Loading the map-first atlas surface, linked profiles, access notes, and the current public technology and collaboration views.

Loading explorer, methods, and access and pricing surfaces.

Relationship view

Technological relatedness at atlas scale

Micro-level geocoded patent signal

Why it matters

Daily refresh

Continuously updating inventor, applicant, and co-inventor relationships.

Granular structure

Raw IPC and CPC classifications kept visible rather than flattened into headline counts.

Interpretability

Designed for readable visualisation and direct access to the underlying raw records.