# Authoritative Source of Truth **Domain:** Digital engineering / Data governance **Doc Type:** Developed Wiki Node **Maturity:** Developing **Collection:** [[collections/Gamification|Gamification Collection]] ## Definition An **authoritative source of truth** is the governed collection of models, data, and technical information treated as the trusted reference for a system across organizations and life-cycle stages. Authority concerns institutional reliance, not metaphysical infallibility. ## Significance When engineering and operations synchronize around one source, inconsistency can fall and coordinated action can accelerate. The same concentration magnifies error. Provenance, versioning, uncertainty, access control, audit, and correction are therefore constitutive features rather than administrative extras. ## Routes [[wiki/Digital Engineering Strategy|Digital Engineering Strategy]] · [[wiki/Operational Doppelgänger|Operational Doppelgänger]] · [[wiki/Epistemic Sovereignty|Epistemic Sovereignty]] · [[wiki/Map-Deprivation|Map-Deprivation]] ## Sources - [[articles/gamification/America Loves Games and the Home Court Advantage|America Loves Games and the Home Court Advantage]] - [U.S. Department of Defense, Digital Engineering Strategy](https://www.cto.mil/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/2018-DES.pdf)