Survey Visuals (timeline + figure specs; NO PROSE)
This skill creates non-prose artifacts that make the writing stage less template-y:
- •timeline / evolution bullets
- •figure specs (what to draw, why it matters, what papers support it)
Tables are handled by dedicated table skills:
- •
table-schema->outline/table_schema.md - •
table-filler->outline/tables_index.md(internal index) - •
appendix-table-writer->outline/tables_appendix.md(reader-facing Appendix tables)
Inputs
- •
outline/outline.yml - •
outline/claim_evidence_matrix.md - •
papers/paper_notes.jsonl - •
citations/ref.bib
Outputs
- •
outline/timeline.md - •
outline/figures.md
Workflow inputs (explicit)
- •Use
outline/outline.yml+outline/claim_evidence_matrix.mdto decide what to visualize. - •Use
papers/paper_notes.jsonlfor year/milestone candidates. - •Use only citation keys from
citations/ref.bib.
Workflow (heuristic)
- •Read the outline + claim-evidence matrix and pick recurring comparison axes.
- •Timeline (
outline/timeline.md):- •Write year -> key milestone bullets (aim for breadth and citations).
- •Figures (
outline/figures.md):- •Write 2-4 figure specs that a human could draw:
- •purpose (what insight this figure communicates)
- •required elements (boxes/arrows/axes)
- •what papers support each element (cite keys)
- •Write 2-4 figure specs that a human could draw:
- •Use only citation keys present in
citations/ref.bib.
Quality checklist
- • No
TODOand no<!-- SCAFFOLD ... -->markers remain in the outputs. - •
outline/timeline.mdcontains >=8 year bullets and each bullet has >=1 citation marker[@...]. - •
outline/figures.mdcontains >=2 figure specs and each mentions at least one supporting citation.
Helper script (optional)
Quick Start
- •
python .codex/skills/survey-visuals/scripts/run.py --help - •
python .codex/skills/survey-visuals/scripts/run.py --workspace <workspace_dir>
All Options
- •
--workspace <workspace_dir>(required) - •
--unit-id <id>(optional; used only for runner bookkeeping) - •
--inputs <a;b;c>(optional; defaults to the four Inputs listed above) - •
--outputs <timeline_rel;figures_rel>(optional; defaults tooutline/timeline.md;outline/figures.md) - •
--checkpoint <C#>(optional; ignored by the helper)
Examples
- •
Generate timeline + figures with defaults:
python .codex/skills/survey-visuals/scripts/run.py --workspace workspaces/<ws> - •
Generate to custom output paths:
python .codex/skills/survey-visuals/scripts/run.py --workspace workspaces/<ws> --outputs outline/timeline.md;outline/figures.md
Notes
- •The helper is intentionally minimal and never overwrites non-placeholder artifacts.
- •In strict mode it blocks only if placeholder markers remain (and if minimum timeline/figure requirements are not met).
Troubleshooting
Issue: timeline is thin or citation-free
Fix:
- •Prefer fewer, higher-signal milestones, but ensure each bullet has >=1
[@...]. - •Route upstream if notes are thin: strengthen
paper-notes/evidence-draftrather than padding.
Issue: figure specs read like prose
Fix:
- •Keep specs as draw-instructions: purpose + elements + what each element is supported by (cite keys).
- •Move narrative explanation into the main text; this file should stay non-prose.