Synthesize across multiple sources
Use this guide to ask Atlas a question that compares and combines evidence from several sources in one cited answer.
Before you start
- The relevant sources must be in the same project and must have finished processing.
- You should have a specific comparison in mind, not just a general topic.
A project with five focused sources is easier to synthesize than one with thirty loosely related documents.
Choose a synthesis angle
A specific angle produces more useful results than a broad summary request.
Good synthesis angles:
- Where do the sources agree and disagree?
- What methods does each source use, and how do they differ?
- Which source provides the strongest evidence for a claim?
- What limitations recur across the sources?
- What definitions does each source offer for this term?
- What open questions do the sources raise?
Ask the question
Open chat in the project. Write a question that names the comparison you want to make.
Examples:
- Which sources agree that retrieval reduces hallucination?
- Compare the evaluation methods used in these papers.
- What limitations do the authors share across these sources?
- Which source gives the best evidence for the claim that fine-tuning helps?
If the project contains more material than you want included, mention the specific sources using @.
Ask for source separation
A synthesis answer is most useful when it is clear which source supports which point. If the answer blends sources together without attribution, ask for a table:
Compare these sources in a table with columns for claim, supporting evidence, limitation, and citation.
Verify before saving
Before saving a synthesis finding, open citations for the claims that matter most. For a quick reading pass, check one citation per major source. For work that will appear in writing or decisions, verify every important claim.
Save the synthesis
Turn a verified synthesis into a note that includes:
- The question you asked.
- Key points of agreement across sources.
- Disagreements or gaps.
- Which citations you verified.
- Follow-up questions or reading.