Direct answer: Plot a catalogue record only when you can name the observed item, the type of place, the source, and the relevant date. Use a qualified symbol when one field is uncertain, and withhold the point when place or identity cannot be tied to the source. A missing point means “no qualifying record in this dataset,” not “the item was absent.”
What counts as a catalogue observation?
A catalogue observation is one dated source entry or direct inspection that records an item in a stated context. It is a point of evidence, not a claim about an entire country. The minimum fields are: exact displayed name, source or object reference, source date, observation date, location level, market wording, and identity clues. Keep the source date—the date printed or published by the source—separate from the day an editor found it.
Choose the map treatment before interpreting the pattern
| Evidence state | Map treatment | Reader-facing label |
|---|---|---|
| Identity, place type, and date supported | Plot a solid point | Documented observation: place type and date |
| Identity supported; precise venue or subregion uncertain | Plot a qualified point | Location approximate; see record note |
| Country named, but no subnational location | Use a country-level symbol, not a city point | National-level source; local presence not established |
| Place or item identity cannot be connected to the source | Do not plot | Withheld: insufficient location or identity evidence |
Do not turn several points into a shaded national area unless the dataset has a separate, documented coverage rule. Point density often reflects where sources were collected rather than where an item existed.
Synthetic example: four records that need four treatments
All names, places, dates, and records in this example are invented. The fictional item “North Quill 20” appears in four unrelated teaching records.
| Record | What the source says | Treatment | Reason |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | A national catalogue for fictional Arbordale dated 12 March 2024 lists North Quill 20. | Country-level symbol | The source supports a national catalogue entry, not a shop or region. |
| B | A dated 18 April 2024 photograph from fictional Eastmere Airport duty-free area shows the exact name and quantity. | Airport/duty-free point | Duty-free is a distinct channel; it must not be merged with Eastmere domestic retail. |
| C | A 2 May 2024 regional circular names fictional Southbank Province and the item. | Regional point | The evidence is subnational, so the legend identifies the province. |
| D | An online listing captured 9 May 2024 names no delivery market. | No geographic point | A website’s availability cannot be assigned to the editor’s location or the site’s domain suffix. |
The resulting map has one national catalogue symbol, one duty-free point, one regional point, and no point for the online listing. It does not justify shading Arbordale, Eastmere, or Southbank as complete coverage.
Keep acquisition location and intended market apart
Where a pack was acquired belongs in an acquisition field. Warning language, tax markings, catalogue territory, and an authoritative market statement belong in separate intended-market evidence fields. Finding an object in one place does not prove it was designed for that market. If those clues disagree, preserve the conflict rather than choosing the most convenient geography.
How to describe gaps honestly
- “No qualifying observation was found in the sources reviewed through 16 July 2026” describes the dataset.
- “Not sold in this country” is not supported merely because the map has no point.
- “Observed in a duty-free context” should not be shortened to “available nationally.”
- “Location approximate” is preferable to placing a precise pin that the source cannot support.
A compact mapping worksheet
For each proposed point, record a stable observation ID, exact source wording, source type, source date, observation date, geographic level, named place, channel, identity evidence, map decision, confidence reason, and unresolved question. Another editor should be able to remove or qualify the point without deleting the underlying observation.
Adult and compliance notice
This geographic research method is neutral reference material for adults of legal age. It does not establish current stock, legality, origin, health, safety, or purchase suitability. Any jurisdiction-specific legal statement requires a current primary authority for the relevant place and date.