Precision Policies
Ensuring efficient, accurate representation of simulation data.
Every field in E.D.E.N. uses a precision policy that defines how its values are stored and how much resolution they retain.
Precision is critically important for performance, determinism, and storage requirements — especially at high planetary resolutions.
This page introduces the conceptual model behind precision policies.
Purpose
Precision policies balance the need for accuracy with memory efficiency.
They allow developers and subsystem designers to choose the correct numeric representation for each field without over-provisioning.
Core Principles
- Fit-for-Purpose Precision — different systems require different numeric granularity.
- Memory Efficiency — simulation scale remains manageable even at high resolution.
- Deterministic Representation — precision choices remain stable across sessions.
- Policy-Driven Design — subsystems only declare desired precision; implementation remains centralized.
- Future-Proofing — policies support potential GPU acceleration or compression.
System Model
Scalar Precision
Scalar fields may specify:
- low precision (compact storage)
- medium precision (balanced)
- high precision (fine detail)
This supports domains ranging from slow-changing geology to fast-changing atmosphere.
Categorical Precision
Enum-driven or category-based fields use efficient fixed-width storage — perfect for:
- biome maps
- land/water masks
- weather states
- discrete classifications
Boolean Precision
Bit-packed storage for high-density yes/no fields:
- mask layers
- flags
- subsystem switches
Vector-Like Representations
Directed-edge fields may specify:
- magnitude precision
- direction resolution
- storage format choices
This ensures flows remain stable.
How It Interacts With Other Systems
- Subsystems declare desired precision.
- Field System stores and manages numeric detail.
- Tick Engine preserves deterministic updates regardless of precision.
- Overlays interpret policy-correct values.
- Application Layer uses policies for inspector display.
What This Enables
- high-resolution planets without memory bloat
- clean deterministic evolution of scalar fields
- expressive categorical modeling
- efficient transfer and flow systems
- future GPU-enabled field operations
Visual Examples (Optional)
- same field visualized at different precision tiers
- comparison of categorical vs scalar map
Public Extensibility Notes
In the future SDK, developers may gain access to:
- custom precision tiers
- per-field resolution overrides
- precision-aware field export options
Precision policies ensure the engine scales gracefully.