Repository cartography · 2026 · Solo — popularity-led research, deterministic ranking and layout, test-first implementation, editorial interaction design, production verification
Chorus Map
A browser-only repository cartographer that selects high-signal files from a live GitHub tree and creates an editable architecture SVG.
The problem
Engineers inheriting an unfamiliar public repository need a concise shared picture before a review or handoff. Chorus Map reads live GitHub repository metadata and its recursive tree, excludes generated, binary, hidden, and oversized files, then chooses a bounded mix of manifests, entry points, modules, tests, and documentation. It lays those files onto a printable architecture poster and creates a downloadable SVG without asking for a token, cloning the repository, or executing repository code. The product came from secure Star Radar run 20260812T223442-0700-github-star-radar-inline (JSON SHA-256 8632aacb60206ba708fbf9a9cf9fe9bd328311093b38baad43fa6033bdba36e7): daily rank #1 cathrynlavery/diagram-design gained 2,855 stars that day and had 11,446 API-verified total stars during selection. Chorus Map translates demand for non-generic diagrams into a live repository workflow without copying the source skill, templates, code, brand, or assets.
Architecture
Key decisions
Map structure, never execute code
The product consumes public metadata and file paths only. It does not fetch source bodies, clone repositories, run package scripts, or accept credentials, keeping an unfamiliar repository outside the execution boundary.
Cap manifest dominance
A red visual review against Vite exposed a technically ranked but useless wall of package manifests. A new failing test required a diverse selection; the ranker now keeps at most three manifests and spends remaining space on entry points, source, tests, and guides.
Create a portable outcome
The map is serialized as accessible, XML-escaped SVG rather than trapped in a canvas. The output can move into documentation, design tools, or a review without a screenshot workflow.
Use an editorial drafting studio
The Decide/Learn surface pairs a sea-paper brief with a ruled white drafting board, Newsreader display type, navy ink, rust signal color, and one live-poster transformation. Final anti-slop audit: 0/10.