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.

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.

Graph showcasing the divergence from arbitrary collectibles into non-arbitrary ones. Source: DMT GitBook

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 in existence today, while keeping the 3D idea front and center.

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.

Render showcasing an example on applying block data to map a mountain range with gold mines. Credit to @NASFinders on their NAS GitBook

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:

Diagram showing how NATs regulate the token supply, the attributes that are used for the NAS and how these translate into NABs

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