> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://terrabits.gitbook.io/terrabits-explained/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://terrabits.gitbook.io/terrabits-explained/nat-nas-and-nab.md).

# NAT, NAS & NAB

## Non-Arbitrary Tokens

Non-Arbitrary Tokens (NATs) represent an innovation within the Digital Matter Theory (DMT) that TerraBits adopted. As a new class of token, NATs are intrinsically connected to specific patterns identifiable within blockchain data.

{% hint style="info" %}
These tokens are distinct in that their creation depends on the occurrence of a predefined pattern or "element" within a block. For example, a NAT associated with element 4 and the pattern "42" can only be minted if "42" appears in the block number.
{% endhint %}

<figure><img src="https://3331842811-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FTgjwH64VyerBMHSJNR5C%2Fuploads%2FQtXzSc3U1prTEzQ9bmwg%2Fimage%20(3).avif?alt=media&amp;token=7e7aa11b-5faf-4f34-b0d6-f304c66311a1" alt=""><figcaption><p>Graph showcasing the divergence from arbitrary collectibles into non-arbitrary ones. Source: <a href="https://digital-matter-theory.gitbook.io/digital-matter-theory">DMT GitBook</a></p></figcaption></figure>

For TerraBits, it seemed ideal to use a pattern containing the string '3D' within the bits element of the block (reflecting the mining difficulty for 2016 consecutive blocks). However, this led to a supply exceeding 12k since many blocks contained this '3D' string. To manage this, the '**a3D1' pattern was chosen, which resulted in the creation of the 2016 TerraBits i**n existence today, while keeping the 3D idea front and center.&#x20;

## Non-Arbitrary Spaces

Non-Arbitrary Spaces take the concept of Non-Arbitrary Tokens (NATs) further, proposing that elements within block data can be utilized for more than just influencing a collection's supply. Non-Arbitrary Spaces (NAS) suggest that the entirety of the data in Bitcoin blocks can be leveraged to create complex mappings. **Each distinct element in a Bitcoin block can be associated with a specific attribute in these mappings**. While the technology proposed is not fully developed, we used the concept as the main source of inspiration for our collection.

<figure><img src="https://3331842811-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FTgjwH64VyerBMHSJNR5C%2Fuploads%2FMQ9l7seYzKEM6KPEJxaU%2Fimage%20(2).png?alt=media&amp;token=95ad34f9-e327-4ba0-9a0d-2ad54cbc48a2" alt=""><figcaption><p>Render showcasing an example on applying block data to map a mountain range with gold mines. Credit to @NASFinders on their <a href="https://nas-2.gitbook.io/nonarbitraryspaces">NAS GitBook</a></p></figcaption></figure>

## Non-Arbitrary Benefits

TerraBits not only embraces but also expands upon these concepts by employing block data to generate what we, definitely not as a joke, called Non-Arbitrary Benefits. With TerraBits’ inception, **collectors have been geared to mine Runes using their lands**, a process intrinsically linked to the block inscribed via the NAT token. The attributes of the block are utilized to craft a unique NAS map, the generation of which influences the quantity of tokens mined. These are then part of these Non-Arbitrary Benefits, or NABs. Confused? Let’s visualize these concepts with a simple diagram:

<figure><img src="https://3331842811-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FTgjwH64VyerBMHSJNR5C%2Fuploads%2FU41x2Bw4DAQizjsTOmJ4%2FNAT%20NAS%20NAB%20Scheme.jpg?alt=media&amp;token=e9f6a0ef-39a3-48e5-973a-7907af01901f" alt=""><figcaption><p>Diagram showing how NATs regulate the token supply, the attributes that are used for the NAS and how these translate into NABs</p></figcaption></figure>

In the next section, we'll delve further into the mapping process and explain the specific advantages of these benefits.