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Invariant Dynamics Library

Structural Observability: A Working Definition (v0.1.0)

Zachary C. Nickens
paper version:0.1.0 observability systems-theory control

Abstract

Structural observability is framed as representational sufficiency under intervention. The objective is not only to collect signals, but to preserve the system structure needed for control and diagnosis.

Suggested Citation

Nickens, Zachary C. “Structural Observability: A Working Definition.” Invariant Dynamics Research Library, version 0.1.0, February 22, 2026. https://invariantdynamics.org/blogs/2026-02/structural-observability-a-working-definition-v0-1-0

Version

  • Version: 0.1.0
  • Status: working
  • Canonical version URL: /blogs/2026-02/structural-observability-a-working-definition-v0-1-0

Core Claims

  1. Observability is structural adequacy relative to control objectives, not instrumentation volume.
  2. Operational representations must preserve constraint interactions, not just local metrics.
  3. Intervention quality depends on longitudinal inferential stability.

Method Sketch

  • Define candidate state variables with explicit invariants.
  • Evaluate detectability under intervention paths.
  • Measure representational collapse boundaries.

Changelog

  • v0.1.0 (2026-02-22): Initial working publication.