Set boundaries
Choose period, sector, territory and relevant relationship types. Exclude personal data unrelated to the question.
GUIDE / PROTOCOL
Map actors using public sources
An actor map is useful when relationships are sourced, dated and bounded.
Direct answer
How do you map an ecosystem without inventing connections?
Define the decision the map supports. Include only relevant entities, resolve identities and tie every edge to a dated source. Separate declared, observed and supposed relationships; check namesakes and role changes.
01 / Review method
Review method
Resolve identities
Compare official names, domains, stated profiles, dates and affiliations. Keep namesakes and former names separate until continuity is evidenced.
Source each edge
For every link record origin, date, role, direction and type: ownership, partnership, citation, mandate or mere co-occurrence.
Verify and deliver
Seek conflicting evidence, mark uncertain links and attach a readable dated table to the visual map.
02 / Evidence to keep
Evidence to keep
Entity list
Reference name, variants, type, period and identification source.
Relationship table
Two entities, link type, direction, period and supporting URL.
Resolution log
Excluded namesakes, justified merges, name and affiliation changes.
Map version
Question, scope, date, confidence legend and decisions it can support.
PRACTICAL CHECK
Before reaching a conclusion
A frequent misreading and the check that helps avoid it.
Premature conclusion
Two similarly named entities are not necessarily connected; a shared address or officer alone may not establish control.
Decisive check
Separate legal identity, declared role, documented relationship and hypothesis. Check effective dates in registers and note what the register does not cover.
AFTER THE REVIEW
Decide from the evidence
Two organizations share an address
Record a dated, sourced address relation without concluding common control. Seek another relevant relation.
The same name appears in two registers
Check public identifiers and context; keep separate entities until identity is established.
OSINT / Official references
When connecting actors
Every link needs a type, source and date. Co-occurrence alone does not establish control or influence.
DATA INPI
Why start hereCheck a French registration or intellectual-property record.
Limit to rememberRead each registration or filing with its status, date and protection scope.
Read source entryEU Transparency Register
Why start hereReview a European interest-representation declaration.
Limit to rememberRegistrants provide their own data; absence and accuracy both require caution.
Read source entrySEC EDGAR
Why start hereRead a US securities filing and identify its filer.
Limit to rememberRead a filing with its period, form type and any amendments.
Read source entry03 / FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Does a social link prove partnership?
No. At most it shows a visible connection; relationship type requires more evidence.
How handle namesakes?
Keep separate records and seek matching public attributes before merging.
Map every person?
No. Include only actors needed for the decision and minimize personal detail.
When update?
After a documented change in role, control, domain or important source.
04 / Official references