---
entity_slug: canal_communication
evaluator: null
evaluated_at: '2026-02-23T04:39:50.366560'
overall_score: 4.6
scores:
- name: definition_precision
  value: 4.0
  max_value: 5.0
  rationale: The definition clearly distinguishes canal communication as artificial
    waterways that create extended networks, with specific emphasis on connecting
    previously isolated regions and reducing transportation costs. It avoids circularity
    and captures a distinct infrastructural concept rather than being vague.
- name: source_grounding
  value: 5.0
  max_value: 5.0
  rationale: The entity is directly grounded in Smith's specific examples of the Nile's
    canals in Lower Egypt, the Ganges, and Chinese river systems. The connection to
    market extent and division of labour reflects Smith's actual analysis of how these
    waterway networks enable economic development.
- name: domain_placement
  value: 5.0
  max_value: 5.0
  rationale: Placement in the "Exchange" domain is highly appropriate since canal
    communication directly facilitates the movement and exchange of goods between
    markets. This infrastructural element is fundamental to Smith's analysis of how
    exchange networks expand and operate.
- name: vsm_relevance
  value: 4.0
  max_value: 5.0
  rationale: Canal communication maps well to S1 (primary operations) as essential
    infrastructure enabling economic activity, and to S4 (intelligence/environmental
    adaptation) as it represents how societies adapt to geographical constraints to
    expand markets. It has clear operational relevance to viable economic systems.
- name: explanatory_value
  value: 5.0
  max_value: 5.0
  rationale: "This entity illuminates a crucial mechanism in Smith's theory\u2014\
    how physical infrastructure enables the expansion of markets and division of labour\
    \ by overcoming geographical barriers. It explains the structural relationship\
    \ between transportation networks and economic development rather than merely\
    \ naming a surface phenomenon."
---

# Evaluation: Canal Communication

## definition_precision — 4.0 / 5.0

The definition clearly distinguishes canal communication as artificial waterways that create extended networks, with specific emphasis on connecting previously isolated regions and reducing transportation costs. It avoids circularity and captures a distinct infrastructural concept rather than being vague.

## source_grounding — 5.0 / 5.0

The entity is directly grounded in Smith's specific examples of the Nile's canals in Lower Egypt, the Ganges, and Chinese river systems. The connection to market extent and division of labour reflects Smith's actual analysis of how these waterway networks enable economic development.

## domain_placement — 5.0 / 5.0

Placement in the "Exchange" domain is highly appropriate since canal communication directly facilitates the movement and exchange of goods between markets. This infrastructural element is fundamental to Smith's analysis of how exchange networks expand and operate.

## vsm_relevance — 4.0 / 5.0

Canal communication maps well to S1 (primary operations) as essential infrastructure enabling economic activity, and to S4 (intelligence/environmental adaptation) as it represents how societies adapt to geographical constraints to expand markets. It has clear operational relevance to viable economic systems.

## explanatory_value — 5.0 / 5.0

This entity illuminates a crucial mechanism in Smith's theory—how physical infrastructure enables the expansion of markets and division of labour by overcoming geographical barriers. It explains the structural relationship between transportation networks and economic development rather than merely naming a surface phenomenon.
