---
title: Canonical and duplicate document graph
code: G16
shelf: Graph systems
url: https://library.feedthejoe.com/graph-systems/g16-canonical-and-duplicate-document-graph/
markdown: https://library.feedthejoe.com/graph-systems/g16-canonical-and-duplicate-document-graph.md
author: Joseph W. Anady
publisher: THATDEVELOPERGUY LLC
status: "Researched: Not deployed"
summary: Which URLs describe duplicate documents, and what canonical signals are observed?
published: 2026-09-12
reviewed: 2026-09-12
modified: 2026-10-14
release: 2026.09.12-g40
edition: 2026.09.12-g40
words: 144
sources:
  - graph:S17
  - graph:S08
cites:
  - https://library.feedthejoe.com/graph-systems/primary-source-register/
rights: © 2026 THATDEVELOPERGUY LLC. All rights reserved.
---

# G16 Canonical and duplicate document graph

## Question

Which URLs describe duplicate documents, and what canonical signals are observed?

## Nodes

URL; Document version; Declared canonical; Observed engine canonical

## Relationship sketch

* URL → declared canonical
* inspection observation → selected canonical
* document → duplicate candidate

## Evidence inputs

Page headers/HTML, sitemaps, redirect signals, actual engine inspection when available.

## Implementation

Store publisher declared and engine observed canonicals separately. Review cross domain canonical proposals for real document duplication; do not canonicalize distinct services merely to connect brands.

## Acceptance checks

* Each observation distinguishes intent from engine behavior
* Canonical targets are valid intended documents
* Conflicting page/header signals are reported

## Do not infer

Canonicalizing a page does not merge people or organizations.

## Publication boundary

Page canonical signals public; inspection records private.

## Source basis

[S17](https://library.feedthejoe.com/graph-systems/primary-source-register/#S17), [S08](https://library.feedthejoe.com/graph-systems/primary-source-register/#S08). See Research/sources.json. Sources support the primitives or named technology. The organization, labels, actions, and acceptance contracts in this catalog are this library's design, not claimed provider requirements.