Flow-derived and open interest maps
Æther's default maps are flow-derived, built from what actually traded. Traditional maps are based on open interest, and they are always labelled.
A different lens
Traditional (open interest) maps read the open-interest book, the convention most exposure tools use. Open interest is counted once a day, so these maps change slowly during the session.
They are always labelled "Traditional (open interest)" on the map, and keep their own teal and purple so you can tell them apart at a glance. Æther maps are the default; use Traditional as a second opinion.
- OI GEX, OI VEX, OI DEX, OI Charm and Vega read the open-interest book: a slower, widely watched lens.
- Only OI GEX and OI VEX show a Flip: where open-interest gamma changes sign nearest spot.
- Vega shows where the open-interest book is most sensitive to implied volatility.
The OI GEX map
The classic gamma map, read from open interest, in GEX dollars: roughly how much stock dealers would need to buy or sell as price moves through that area, the way most exposure tools draw it.
- Positive means
- Standing positive size at that strike. It marks location.
- Negative means
- Standing negative size at that strike, which is normal on this book. It is not fuel. Read behaviour from the flow map.
- Useful when
- You want the widely watched view, and the Flip.
When the two disagree
When the two disagree at a strike, check which family each screen shows before drawing a conclusion.
- Read the sign, not the option type.
- Check the family label before comparing two screens.
- Size near the same strike in both is context, not confirmation.
- A strong level is a place to watch, not a prediction.