From 79a9f9dbfcbb0c5503cb3df722e6d18c52a9abdc Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001
From: Codex <codex@geointel.local>
Date: Sat, 18 Jul 2026 07:59:38 +0200
Subject: [PATCH] Prepare GeoIntel 1.0.0 release candidate

---
 AGENTS.md                                     |   6 +-
 CHANGELOG.md                                  |  11 +
 README.md                                     |  25 +-
 VERSION                                       |   1 +
 backend/README.md                             |   9 +
 backend/app/core/config.py                    |   5 +-
 backend/pyproject.toml                        |   4 +-
 backend/tests/test_rc11_release_package.py    | 132 ++++++++
 backend/tests/test_rc_release_evidence.py     |   2 +
 .../tests/test_sprint177_mol_primary_focus.py |   9 +-
 deploy/unraid/Dockerfile.all-in-one           |   5 +-
 deploy/unraid/README.md                       |   5 +
 deploy/unraid/deploy-release.sh               |  19 +-
 docs/00-start/START_HERE.md                   |  44 +--
 docs/API_CONTRACTS.md                         |   6 +-
 docs/API_EXAMPLE_RESPONSES.md                 |   2 +-
 docs/CODEX_BOOTSTRAP_PROMPT.md                |   7 +-
 docs/HEALTHCHECK_CONTRACTS.md                 |   2 +-
 docs/PRODUCT_VISION.md                        |  19 +-
 docs/RC_ROADMAP_BELGIUM_NORTH_SEA.md          |   2 +
 docs/README.md                                |  16 +-
 docs/RELEASE_RUNBOOK.md                       | 182 +++++++++++
 frontend/package-lock.json                    |   4 +-
 frontend/package.json                         |   2 +-
 scripts/build_release_package.py              | 290 ++++++++++++++++++
 scripts/capture_release_evidence.py           |   3 +
 scripts/run_readiness_check.sh                |   1 +
 scripts/validate_m14_launch_assets.py         |  15 +-
 28 files changed, 764 insertions(+), 64 deletions(-)
 create mode 100644 VERSION
 create mode 100644 backend/tests/test_rc11_release_package.py
 create mode 100644 docs/RELEASE_RUNBOOK.md
 create mode 100644 scripts/build_release_package.py

diff --git a/AGENTS.md b/AGENTS.md
index 72c9ff4e..d9450a2a 100644
--- a/AGENTS.md
+++ b/AGENTS.md
@@ -2,12 +2,14 @@
 
 ## Project identity
 
-GeoIntel Kempen is a GeoAI Workbench, not a generic CRUD app and not a generic dashboard.
+GeoIntel is a GeoAI Workbench for Belgium and the Belgian North Sea, not a
+generic CRUD app and not a generic dashboard. Mol and the Kempen remain golden
+regression areas, not the product boundary.
 
 ## Required behavior
 
 - Read `docs/CODEX_BOOTSTRAP_PROMPT.md` first.
-- Respect `docs/V1_SCOPE_FREEZE.md`.
+- Respect `docs/RC_SCOPE_FREEZE_BELGIUM_NORTH_SEA.md`.
 - Use `docs/API_CONTRACTS.md` as source of truth for endpoints.
 - Use `docs/DATABASE_IMPLEMENTATION_PLAN.md` as source of truth for persistence.
 - Use `docs/DEFINITION_OF_DONE.md` to decide whether work is complete.
diff --git a/CHANGELOG.md b/CHANGELOG.md
index 249cb4ca..42ee4a5c 100644
--- a/CHANGELOG.md
+++ b/CHANGELOG.md
@@ -87,6 +87,17 @@
 - Classified fixed NGI and RBINS national/maritime editions explicitly. The
   live source-freshness report now records three current sources, zero due
   sources and zero integrity issues.
+- Assigned semantic release version `1.0.0-rc.1` consistently to backend
+  health, frontend package metadata and the OCI image version label.
+- Added a fail-closed release-package builder that requires a clean tagged
+  revision, exact image revision, evidence inventory, SHA-256 checksums and a
+  verified detached SSH signature.
+- Replaced stale Mol/Kempen product-boundary navigation with the active
+  Belgium/North Sea scope while retaining Mol and the Kempen as golden
+  regression areas.
+- Added the final release runbook for immutable deployment, fresh install,
+  backup, isolated restore/upgrade, rollback, browser journeys, SBOM,
+  vulnerability policy, signed manifest and safe shutdown.
 - Added a read-only release-evidence manifest command with Git, migration,
   dependency, configuration checksum and optional live endpoint evidence.
 - Replaced the obsolete pre-build status with the current implemented
diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
index b2004496..c5893704 100644
--- a/README.md
+++ b/README.md
@@ -1,8 +1,12 @@
-# GeoIntel Kempen
+# GeoIntel Belgium and the Belgian North Sea
 
-GeoIntel Kempen is a GeoAI Workbench for the Belgian Kempen. It is designed as a portfolio-grade project combining GIS, remote sensing, raster/vector processing, computer vision, QA/QC and geospatial exports.
+GeoIntel is a map-first GeoAI Workbench for Belgium and the Belgian North Sea.
+It combines governed official-source coverage, raster/vector processing,
+historical comparison, computer vision, QA/QC and geospatial exports.
 
-The primary operating focus is Mol. New workbench contexts, AOIs and operator samples start there, while the broader Kempen remains fully supported for cross-area validation and regional interoperability. The live operator environment can provision a complete `Mol Municipality Workbench` with the official NIS `13025` municipality boundary and every intersecting GRB GBG building; smaller Mol zones remain analysis and validation contexts instead of the default municipal map.
+Mol and the Kempen remain deep regression and model-validation references. The
+release scope is all of Belgium plus legally labelled Belgian maritime zones;
+source coverage remains explicit per theme and jurisdiction.
 
 GeoIntel is not a generic dashboard or chatbot. The core product is:
 
@@ -10,17 +14,18 @@ GeoIntel is not a generic dashboard or chatbot. The core product is:
 
 ## Current milestone
 
-**M14 — Build Launch Package**
+**v1.0.0-rc.1 - Belgium/North Sea release candidate**
 
-The canonical start point is now:
+The canonical release controls are:
 
-- `CODEX_START.md`
 - `docs/00-start/START_HERE.md`
-- `docs/40-build-launch/SPRINT_1_SCOPE_FREEZE.md`
-- `docs/40-build-launch/BUILD_SUCCESS_DEFINITION.md`
-- `docs/40-build-launch/BUILD_ORDER_GRAPH.md`
+- `docs/RC_SCOPE_FREEZE_BELGIUM_NORTH_SEA.md`
+- `docs/RC_ROADMAP_BELGIUM_NORTH_SEA.md`
+- `docs/RELEASE_RUNBOOK.md`
+- `docs/DEFINITION_OF_DONE.md`
 
-Older M0-M13 handoff files are retained as historical preparation artifacts. The M14 build launch docs, M13 optimization docs, M12 final run-readiness docs, M11 governance docs and canonical specs take precedence.
+Older milestone and sprint handoff files remain historical evidence. They do
+not override the active national/maritime scope freeze or RC roadmap.
 
 ## Core V1 vertical slice
 
diff --git a/VERSION b/VERSION
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..9c218192
--- /dev/null
+++ b/VERSION
@@ -0,0 +1 @@
+1.0.0-rc.1
diff --git a/backend/README.md b/backend/README.md
index 5c76d8a8..e7ce614b 100644
--- a/backend/README.md
+++ b/backend/README.md
@@ -1934,3 +1934,12 @@ evidence are protected by default. Apply mode requires an exact confirmation,
 an explicit candidate ceiling and a recent checksum-verified database plus
 SHA-256 storage backup mounted read-only under `/app/backups`. See
 `docs/DATA_OPERATIONS_RUNBOOK.md`.
+
+## Release candidate operations
+
+The semantic release version is stored in the repository `VERSION` file and
+is exposed by health responses plus the OCI image version label. Fresh
+install, checksum-verified backup, isolated restore/upgrade, rollback,
+Belgium/North Sea browser journeys, SBOM, vulnerability evidence, SSH-signed
+release manifest and final verification commands are defined in
+`docs/RELEASE_RUNBOOK.md`.
diff --git a/backend/app/core/config.py b/backend/app/core/config.py
index b5c1d6e6..5ead79c2 100644
--- a/backend/app/core/config.py
+++ b/backend/app/core/config.py
@@ -11,7 +11,10 @@ class Settings(BaseSettings):
     )
 
     app_env: str = Field(default="development", validation_alias="GEOINTEL_ENV")
-    app_version: str = Field(default="0.1.0")
+    app_version: str = Field(
+        default="1.0.0-rc.1",
+        validation_alias="GEOINTEL_APP_VERSION",
+    )
     build_sha: str | None = Field(default=None, validation_alias="GEOINTEL_BUILD_SHA")
     build_time: str | None = Field(default=None, validation_alias="GEOINTEL_BUILD_TIME")
     api_prefix: str = Field(default="/api/v1", validation_alias="GEOINTEL_API_PREFIX")
diff --git a/backend/pyproject.toml b/backend/pyproject.toml
index db926864..6290d01d 100644
--- a/backend/pyproject.toml
+++ b/backend/pyproject.toml
@@ -1,7 +1,7 @@
 [project]
 name = "geointel-backend"
-version = "0.1.0"
-description = "GeoIntel Kempen backend"
+version = "1.0.0rc1"
+description = "GeoIntel Belgium and Belgian North Sea backend"
 readme = "README.md"
 requires-python = ">=3.11"
 dependencies = [
diff --git a/backend/tests/test_rc11_release_package.py b/backend/tests/test_rc11_release_package.py
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..fdab4c75
--- /dev/null
+++ b/backend/tests/test_rc11_release_package.py
@@ -0,0 +1,132 @@
+from __future__ import annotations
+
+import importlib.util
+import json
+import shutil
+import subprocess
+from pathlib import Path
+
+import pytest
+
+
+ROOT = Path(__file__).resolve().parents[2]
+SCRIPT = ROOT / "scripts" / "build_release_package.py"
+
+
+def load_script():
+    spec = importlib.util.spec_from_file_location("build_release_package", SCRIPT)
+    assert spec is not None and spec.loader is not None
+    module = importlib.util.module_from_spec(spec)
+    spec.loader.exec_module(module)
+    return module
+
+
+def test_release_version_is_consistent_across_runtime_packages() -> None:
+    version = (ROOT / "VERSION").read_text(encoding="utf-8").strip()
+    config = (ROOT / "backend" / "app" / "core" / "config.py").read_text(
+        encoding="utf-8"
+    )
+    pyproject = (ROOT / "backend" / "pyproject.toml").read_text(encoding="utf-8")
+    frontend = json.loads(
+        (ROOT / "frontend" / "package.json").read_text(encoding="utf-8")
+    )
+    package_lock = json.loads(
+        (ROOT / "frontend" / "package-lock.json").read_text(encoding="utf-8")
+    )
+
+    assert version == "1.0.0-rc.1"
+    assert f'default="{version}"' in config
+    assert "GEOINTEL_APP_VERSION" in config
+    assert 'version = "1.0.0rc1"' in pyproject
+    assert frontend["version"] == version
+    assert package_lock["version"] == version
+    assert package_lock["packages"][""]["version"] == version
+
+
+def test_release_image_carries_semantic_version_identity() -> None:
+    dockerfile = (ROOT / "deploy" / "unraid" / "Dockerfile.all-in-one").read_text(
+        encoding="utf-8"
+    )
+    deploy = (ROOT / "deploy" / "unraid" / "deploy-release.sh").read_text(
+        encoding="utf-8"
+    )
+
+    assert "ARG GEOINTEL_APP_VERSION=1.0.0-rc.1" in dockerfile
+    assert 'org.opencontainers.image.version="${GEOINTEL_APP_VERSION}"' in dockerfile
+    assert "GEOINTEL_APP_VERSION=\"$(tr -d '[:space:]' < VERSION)\"" in deploy
+    assert "--build-arg GEOINTEL_APP_VERSION=" in deploy
+    assert "stored_version" in deploy
+
+
+@pytest.mark.skipif(shutil.which("ssh-keygen") is None, reason="ssh-keygen unavailable")
+def test_release_package_signature_and_checksums_fail_closed(tmp_path: Path) -> None:
+    module = load_script()
+    key = tmp_path / "release-key"
+    result = subprocess.run(
+        ["ssh-keygen", "-q", "-t", "ed25519", "-N", "", "-f", str(key)],
+        capture_output=True,
+        text=True,
+        check=False,
+    )
+    assert result.returncode == 0, result.stderr
+
+    package = tmp_path / "package"
+    package.mkdir()
+    evidence = package / "readiness.txt"
+    evidence.write_text("passed\n", encoding="utf-8")
+    identity = "geointel-release"
+    namespace = "geointel-release"
+    (package / module.SIGNERS_NAME).write_text(
+        f"{identity} {module.public_key(key)}\n",
+        encoding="utf-8",
+    )
+    manifest = {
+        "schema_version": 1,
+        "release_id": "v1.0.0-rc.1",
+        "version": "1.0.0-rc.1",
+        "scope": "Belgium and the Belgian North Sea",
+        "signature": {"identity": identity, "namespace": namespace},
+        "evidence": [
+            {
+                "path": evidence.name,
+                "size_bytes": evidence.stat().st_size,
+                "sha256": module.sha256(evidence),
+            }
+        ],
+    }
+    manifest_path = package / module.MANIFEST_NAME
+    manifest_path.write_text(json.dumps(manifest) + "\n", encoding="utf-8")
+    module.run(
+        (
+            "ssh-keygen",
+            "-Y",
+            "sign",
+            "-f",
+            str(key),
+            "-n",
+            namespace,
+            str(manifest_path),
+        )
+    )
+    module.write_checksums(package)
+
+    verified = module.verify_package(package)
+    assert verified["release_id"] == "v1.0.0-rc.1"
+
+    evidence.write_text("tampered\n", encoding="utf-8")
+    with pytest.raises(RuntimeError, match="Checksum mismatch"):
+        module.verify_package(package)
+
+
+def test_release_package_cli_requires_tagged_clean_revision() -> None:
+    source = SCRIPT.read_text(encoding="utf-8")
+    readiness = (ROOT / "scripts" / "run_readiness_check.sh").read_text(
+        encoding="utf-8"
+    )
+
+    assert 'run(("git", "status", "--porcelain=v1"))' in source
+    assert 'run(("git", "rev-list", "-n", "1", release_id))' in source
+    assert "Image revision must equal the tagged Git commit" in source
+    assert "ssh-keygen" in source
+    assert "verify_checksums(package_dir)" in source
+    assert "py_compile scripts/build_release_package.py" in readiness
diff --git a/backend/tests/test_rc_release_evidence.py b/backend/tests/test_rc_release_evidence.py
index 28bc67c9..c9671de5 100644
--- a/backend/tests/test_rc_release_evidence.py
+++ b/backend/tests/test_rc_release_evidence.py
@@ -34,6 +34,7 @@ def test_release_evidence_manifest_is_secret_free_and_read_only(tmp_path: Path)
 
     assert manifest["schema_version"] == 1
     assert manifest["release_id"] == "test-rc"
+    assert manifest["version"] == "1.0.0-rc.1"
     assert manifest["read_only"] is True
     assert manifest["scope"] == "Belgium and the Belgian North Sea"
     assert "DATABASE_URL" not in json.dumps(manifest).replace(
@@ -72,6 +73,7 @@ def test_release_evidence_cli_writes_single_head_manifest(tmp_path: Path) -> Non
     assert payload["migrations"]["single_head"] is True
     assert payload["files"]["docs/RC_SCOPE_FREEZE_BELGIUM_NORTH_SEA.md"]["sha256"]
     assert payload["files"]["docs/RC_ROADMAP_BELGIUM_NORTH_SEA.md"]["sha256"]
+    assert payload["files"]["docs/RELEASE_RUNBOOK.md"]["sha256"]
 
 
 def test_readiness_gate_compiles_release_evidence_command() -> None:
diff --git a/backend/tests/test_sprint177_mol_primary_focus.py b/backend/tests/test_sprint177_mol_primary_focus.py
index f9c85e4c..7bff66e8 100644
--- a/backend/tests/test_sprint177_mol_primary_focus.py
+++ b/backend/tests/test_sprint177_mol_primary_focus.py
@@ -49,10 +49,11 @@ def test_operator_workflows_put_mol_first_and_name_future_projects() -> None:
     assert 'QUALITY_SAMPLE_SLUG="${sample_slug}"' in multi_matrix
 
 
-def test_product_docs_record_mol_primary_focus_without_dropping_kempen_scope() -> None:
+def test_product_docs_record_national_scope_and_mol_regression_focus() -> None:
     readme = (ROOT / "README.md").read_text(encoding="utf-8")
     vision = (ROOT / "docs" / "PRODUCT_VISION.md").read_text(encoding="utf-8")
 
-    assert "primary operating focus is Mol" in readme
-    assert "Mol is de primaire operationele focus" in vision
-    assert "broader Kempen" in readme
+    assert "Belgium and the Belgian North Sea" in readme
+    assert "Mol and the Kempen remain deep regression" in readme
+    assert "Belgie en de Belgische Noordzee" in vision
+    assert "Mol en de Kempen blijven gouden regressiegebieden" in vision
diff --git a/deploy/unraid/Dockerfile.all-in-one b/deploy/unraid/Dockerfile.all-in-one
index 2e1d022e..fbaa2f86 100644
--- a/deploy/unraid/Dockerfile.all-in-one
+++ b/deploy/unraid/Dockerfile.all-in-one
@@ -164,12 +164,15 @@ RUN chmod +x /usr/local/bin/geointel-all-in-one-start /usr/local/bin/gosu \
 
 ARG GEOINTEL_BUILD_SHA=unknown
 ARG GEOINTEL_BUILD_TIME=unknown
+ARG GEOINTEL_APP_VERSION=1.0.0-rc.1
 
 ENV GEOINTEL_BUILD_SHA="${GEOINTEL_BUILD_SHA}" \
-    GEOINTEL_BUILD_TIME="${GEOINTEL_BUILD_TIME}"
+    GEOINTEL_BUILD_TIME="${GEOINTEL_BUILD_TIME}" \
+    GEOINTEL_APP_VERSION="${GEOINTEL_APP_VERSION}"
 
 LABEL org.opencontainers.image.title="GeoIntel" \
       org.opencontainers.image.description="GeoIntel workbench for Belgium and the Belgian North Sea" \
+      org.opencontainers.image.version="${GEOINTEL_APP_VERSION}" \
       org.opencontainers.image.revision="${GEOINTEL_BUILD_SHA}" \
       org.opencontainers.image.created="${GEOINTEL_BUILD_TIME}" \
       io.geointel.ai.enabled="${GEOINTEL_INSTALL_AI}"
diff --git a/deploy/unraid/README.md b/deploy/unraid/README.md
index 59f46b0a..fc3d1140 100644
--- a/deploy/unraid/README.md
+++ b/deploy/unraid/README.md
@@ -247,6 +247,11 @@ bash deploy/unraid/run-dockerman-container.sh
 
 ## Release identity, fresh install and rollback
 
+The complete final-release order, including backup/restore, browser journeys,
+SBOM, vulnerability policy, SSH-signed manifest and checksums, is in
+`docs/RELEASE_RUNBOOK.md`. `VERSION` is the canonical semantic version and is
+also written to the image's `org.opencontainers.image.version` label.
+
 Inspect the running immutable revision and retained images:
 
 ```bash
diff --git a/deploy/unraid/deploy-release.sh b/deploy/unraid/deploy-release.sh
index b8fd436c..ed17cb7a 100644
--- a/deploy/unraid/deploy-release.sh
+++ b/deploy/unraid/deploy-release.sh
@@ -16,6 +16,11 @@ if [ -n "${DEPLOY_GEOINTEL_INSTALL_AI:-}" ]; then
 fi
 
 GEOINTEL_INSTALL_AI="${GEOINTEL_INSTALL_AI:-false}"
+GEOINTEL_APP_VERSION="$(tr -d '[:space:]' < VERSION)"
+if ! [[ "$GEOINTEL_APP_VERSION" =~ ^[0-9]+\.[0-9]+\.[0-9]+(-[0-9A-Za-z.-]+)?$ ]]; then
+  echo "Invalid semantic version in VERSION: ${GEOINTEL_APP_VERSION}" >&2
+  exit 2
+fi
 GEOINTEL_BUILD_SHA="$(git rev-parse HEAD)"
 GEOINTEL_BUILD_TIME="$(date -u +%Y-%m-%dT%H:%M:%SZ)"
 GEOINTEL_IMAGE_REPOSITORY="${GEOINTEL_IMAGE_REPOSITORY:-geointel-all-in-one}"
@@ -90,7 +95,16 @@ if docker image inspect "$GEOINTEL_RELEASE_IMAGE" >/dev/null 2>&1; then
       --format '{{index .Config.Labels "io.geointel.ai.enabled"}}' \
       "$GEOINTEL_RELEASE_IMAGE"
   )"
-  if [ "$stored_revision" != "$GEOINTEL_BUILD_SHA" ] || [ "$stored_ai" != "$GEOINTEL_INSTALL_AI" ]; then
+  stored_version="$(
+    docker image inspect \
+      --format '{{index .Config.Labels "org.opencontainers.image.version"}}' \
+      "$GEOINTEL_RELEASE_IMAGE"
+  )"
+  if (
+    [ "$stored_revision" != "$GEOINTEL_BUILD_SHA" ] ||
+    [ "$stored_ai" != "$GEOINTEL_INSTALL_AI" ] ||
+    [ "$stored_version" != "$GEOINTEL_APP_VERSION" ]
+  ); then
     echo "Immutable release tag has conflicting metadata: ${GEOINTEL_RELEASE_IMAGE}" >&2
     exit 2
   fi
@@ -101,6 +115,7 @@ else
     --build-arg GEOINTEL_INSTALL_AI="$GEOINTEL_INSTALL_AI" \
     --build-arg GEOINTEL_BUILD_SHA="$GEOINTEL_BUILD_SHA" \
     --build-arg GEOINTEL_BUILD_TIME="$GEOINTEL_BUILD_TIME" \
+    --build-arg GEOINTEL_APP_VERSION="$GEOINTEL_APP_VERSION" \
     -f deploy/unraid/Dockerfile.all-in-one \
     -t "$GEOINTEL_RELEASE_IMAGE" \
     -t "${GEOINTEL_IMAGE_REPOSITORY}:latest" \
@@ -128,5 +143,5 @@ fi
 
 echo "Deployed immutable image ${GEOINTEL_RELEASE_IMAGE}."
 docker image inspect \
-  --format 'revision={{index .Config.Labels "org.opencontainers.image.revision"}} created={{index .Config.Labels "org.opencontainers.image.created"}}' \
+  --format 'version={{index .Config.Labels "org.opencontainers.image.version"}} revision={{index .Config.Labels "org.opencontainers.image.revision"}} created={{index .Config.Labels "org.opencontainers.image.created"}}' \
   "$GEOINTEL_RELEASE_IMAGE"
diff --git a/docs/00-start/START_HERE.md b/docs/00-start/START_HERE.md
index 6603df23..1e98e4fc 100644
--- a/docs/00-start/START_HERE.md
+++ b/docs/00-start/START_HERE.md
@@ -5,13 +5,18 @@ Older handoff files are historical. If documents conflict, follow the precedence
 
 ## Current milestone
 
-**M14 — Build Launch Package**
+**v1.0.0-rc.1 - Belgium/North Sea release candidate**
 
-The repository is no longer only a documentation bundle. It is now a specification-controlled engineering repo for building GeoIntel Kempen as a GeoAI Workbench.
+The implementation is in final release-candidate acceptance for Belgium and
+the Belgian North Sea. Mol and the Kempen remain golden regression areas, not
+the product boundary.
 
 ## Product one-liner
 
-GeoIntel Kempen is a GeoAI Workbench for the Belgian Kempen that processes raster data, vector data and AI outputs into geospatially correct detections, segmentations, QA/QC metrics and exports.
+GeoIntel is a map-first GeoAI Workbench for Belgium and the Belgian North Sea
+that processes governed raster data, vector data and AI outputs into
+geospatially correct analysis, detections, segmentations, QA/QC metrics and
+exports.
 
 ## Non-negotiable product identity
 
@@ -35,21 +40,18 @@ GeoIntel is not primarily:
 Read these files in order before coding:
 
 1. `docs/00-start/START_HERE.md`
-2. `docs/governance/GEOINTEL_CONSTITUTION.md`
-3. `docs/governance/ARCHITECTURE_INVARIANTS.md`
-4. `docs/governance/FORBIDDEN_DECISIONS.md`
-5. `docs/governance/DECISION_PRECEDENCE.md`
-6. `docs/specs/CANONICAL_DOMAIN_MODELS.md`
-7. `docs/specs/GIS_STANDARDS.md`
-8. `docs/specs/RASTER_STANDARDS.md`
-9. `docs/specs/STATE_MACHINES.md`
-10. `docs/workflows/GOLDEN_PATHS.md`
-11. `docs/build/BUILD_ORDER_DEPENDENCY_GRAPH.md`
-12. `docs/build/CODEX_OPERATING_SYSTEM.md`
-13. `docs/40-build-launch/SPRINT_1_SCOPE_FREEZE.md`
-14. `docs/40-build-launch/BUILD_SUCCESS_DEFINITION.md`
-15. `docs/40-build-launch/CODEX_STOP_RULES.md`
-16. `prompts/codex/m14/CODEX_FIRST_DAY_MASTER_PROMPT.md`
+2. `docs/RC_SCOPE_FREEZE_BELGIUM_NORTH_SEA.md`
+3. `docs/RC_ROADMAP_BELGIUM_NORTH_SEA.md`
+4. `docs/governance/GEOINTEL_CONSTITUTION.md`
+5. `docs/governance/ARCHITECTURE_INVARIANTS.md`
+6. `docs/governance/FORBIDDEN_DECISIONS.md`
+7. `docs/API_CONTRACTS.md`
+8. `docs/DATABASE_IMPLEMENTATION_PLAN.md`
+9. `docs/DATA_SPECIFICATION.md`
+10. `docs/DATA_SOURCES.md`
+11. `docs/STORAGE_ARCHITECTURE.md`
+12. `docs/DEFINITION_OF_DONE.md`
+13. `docs/RELEASE_RUNBOOK.md`
 
 ## Canonical first implementation target
 
@@ -99,15 +101,15 @@ Codex may not change:
 
 ## Conflict resolution
 
-If any older document conflicts with this M14 launch layer, follow this order:
+If any older document conflicts with the active RC layer, follow this order:
 
 1. Constitution and architecture invariants.
 2. Forbidden decisions.
 3. State machines and canonical models.
 4. API/database contracts.
 5. Build order dependency graph.
-6. M14 build-launch docs for first-run scope and stop rules.
-7. Older milestone handoff documents.
+6. Belgium/North Sea scope freeze and RC roadmap.
+7. Older milestone and sprint handoff documents.
 
 ## Required pass ending
 
diff --git a/docs/API_CONTRACTS.md b/docs/API_CONTRACTS.md
index ac7d0be8..57b193ef 100644
--- a/docs/API_CONTRACTS.md
+++ b/docs/API_CONTRACTS.md
@@ -55,7 +55,7 @@ Returns process liveness only. It never queries PostgreSQL.
 {
   "status": "ok",
   "service": "geointel-backend",
-  "version": "0.1.0",
+  "version": "1.0.0-rc.1",
   "build_sha": null,
   "build_time": null
 }
@@ -75,7 +75,7 @@ degraded. Docker uses `/health/ready`.
 {
   "status": "ok",
   "service": "geointel-backend",
-  "version": "0.1.0",
+  "version": "1.0.0-rc.1",
   "database": "ok",
   "postgis": "ok:3.x",
   "migration": "ok:202607160001",
@@ -105,7 +105,7 @@ envelope. PostGIS and configured YOLO state are derived at runtime.
     "sam": false,
     "grb": "bounded",
     "sentinel": "planned",
-    "version": "0.1.0",
+    "version": "1.0.0-rc.1",
     "build_sha": null,
     "providers": []
   }
diff --git a/docs/API_EXAMPLE_RESPONSES.md b/docs/API_EXAMPLE_RESPONSES.md
index a71fe1a6..4b19ad2a 100644
--- a/docs/API_EXAMPLE_RESPONSES.md
+++ b/docs/API_EXAMPLE_RESPONSES.md
@@ -21,7 +21,7 @@
     "redis": "ok",
     "storage": "ok"
   },
-  "version": "0.1.0"
+  "version": "1.0.0-rc.1"
 }
 ```
 
diff --git a/docs/CODEX_BOOTSTRAP_PROMPT.md b/docs/CODEX_BOOTSTRAP_PROMPT.md
index 343cd1ef..d0fee4a6 100644
--- a/docs/CODEX_BOOTSTRAP_PROMPT.md
+++ b/docs/CODEX_BOOTSTRAP_PROMPT.md
@@ -1,6 +1,9 @@
-# Codex Bootstrap Prompt — GeoIntel Kempen
+# Codex Bootstrap Prompt - GeoIntel Belgium and the Belgian North Sea
 
-You are building GeoIntel Kempen, a GeoAI Workbench for the Belgian Kempen region. The repository already contains the specification set. Read these documents before editing code:
+You are building GeoIntel, a GeoAI Workbench for Belgium and the Belgian North
+Sea. Mol and the Kempen are golden regression areas, not the product boundary.
+The repository already contains the specification set. Read these documents
+before editing code:
 
 1. `docs/SPECIFICATION_FREEZE_M0.md`
 2. `docs/V1_SCOPE_FREEZE.md`
diff --git a/docs/HEALTHCHECK_CONTRACTS.md b/docs/HEALTHCHECK_CONTRACTS.md
index da33574d..f4a0461f 100644
--- a/docs/HEALTHCHECK_CONTRACTS.md
+++ b/docs/HEALTHCHECK_CONTRACTS.md
@@ -20,7 +20,7 @@ backward-compatible alias.
 {
   "status": "ok",
   "service": "geointel-backend",
-  "version": "0.1.0",
+  "version": "1.0.0-rc.1",
   "database": "ok",
   "postgis": "ok:3.x",
   "migration": "ok:202607160001",
diff --git a/docs/PRODUCT_VISION.md b/docs/PRODUCT_VISION.md
index 4f205017..2eeed3bf 100644
--- a/docs/PRODUCT_VISION.md
+++ b/docs/PRODUCT_VISION.md
@@ -1,6 +1,7 @@
 # Product Vision
 
-GeoIntel Kempen bestaat om open en lokale geospatiale data om te zetten in bruikbare, controleerbare GeoAI-resultaten.
+GeoIntel bestaat om open en officiele geospatiale data voor Belgie en de
+Belgische Noordzee om te zetten in bruikbare, controleerbare GeoAI-resultaten.
 
 ## Geen klassieke GIS-viewer
 
@@ -28,19 +29,27 @@ GeoIntel moet bewijzen dat de ontwikkelaar de volledige keten begrijpt:
 8. kwaliteit meten
 9. resultaten exporteren
 
-## Regionale identiteit
+## Geografische identiteit
 
-De Kempen vormen de afgebakende regio. Dit maakt het project concreet, realistisch en demo-baar. Voorbeelden:
+De productscope omvat heel Belgie en de juridisch correct gelabelde Belgische
+maritieme zones. De dekking is een federatie van nationale, Vlaamse, Waalse,
+Brusselse en maritieme broncontracten; ontbrekende of gedeeltelijke dekking
+blijft zichtbaar. Voorbeelden:
 
 - gebouwdetectie en infrastructuuranalyse in Mol
 - vergelijkende validatie in Geel
 - verstedelijking rond Turnhout
 - natuurfragmentatie rond Kasterlee of Retie
 
-Mol is de primaire operationele focus. De standaardkaart, nieuwe AOI-context en operator-volgorde vertrekken daarom vanuit Mol. De bredere Kempen blijft bewust onderdeel van de productscope voor onafhankelijke validatie, overdraagbaarheid en regionale vergelijking.
+Mol en de Kempen blijven gouden regressiegebieden voor diepgaande validatie,
+modelkwaliteit en historische vergelijkbaarheid. Ze zijn niet langer de
+productgrens. Nieuwe kaartselecties kunnen overal binnen Belgie en de
+Belgische Noordzee liggen en behouden hun eigen bronautoriteit en beperkingen.
 
 ## Richting
 
 De definitieve richting is:
 
-> GeoIntel Kempen is een GeoAI Workbench waarmee je open geodata, luchtfoto's en satellietbeelden verwerkt tot detecties, segmentaties, veranderingen en controleerbare GIS-lagen.
+> GeoIntel is een GeoAI Workbench voor Belgie en de Belgische Noordzee waarmee
+> je open geodata, luchtfoto's en satellietbeelden verwerkt tot analyse,
+> detecties, segmentaties, veranderingen en controleerbare GIS-lagen.
diff --git a/docs/RC_ROADMAP_BELGIUM_NORTH_SEA.md b/docs/RC_ROADMAP_BELGIUM_NORTH_SEA.md
index 2312bc7d..ef198a49 100644
--- a/docs/RC_ROADMAP_BELGIUM_NORTH_SEA.md
+++ b/docs/RC_ROADMAP_BELGIUM_NORTH_SEA.md
@@ -534,6 +534,8 @@ maritime freshness evidence classifies all three fixed official editions as
 
 ## RC-11 - Final release package
 
+**State: in progress.**
+
 ### Work
 
 - rerun fresh-install and upgrade proof using the release image;
diff --git a/docs/README.md b/docs/README.md
index 42d8fc93..b6feccca 100644
--- a/docs/README.md
+++ b/docs/README.md
@@ -1,6 +1,16 @@
 # GeoIntel Docs Index
 
-Start here when preparing an implementation pass.
+Start with these active release controls:
+
+- `00-start/START_HERE.md`
+- `RC_SCOPE_FREEZE_BELGIUM_NORTH_SEA.md`
+- `RC_ROADMAP_BELGIUM_NORTH_SEA.md`
+- `RELEASE_RUNBOOK.md`
+- `DEFINITION_OF_DONE.md`
+
+The milestone and sprint documents below are retained as historical design and
+implementation evidence. `TODO.md` is an implementation archive, not the
+active release board.
 
 ## Product foundation
 - PRODUCT_VISION.md
@@ -37,13 +47,13 @@ Start here when preparing an implementation pass.
 - UI_PAGE_SPECIFICATIONS.md
 - COMPONENT_BREAKDOWN.md
 
-## Execution
+## Historical execution
 - CODEX_MASTER_PROMPT.md
 - CODEX_EXECUTION_PLAN.md
 - CODEX_BUILD_PLAN.md
 - CODEX_EXECUTION_LOG.md
 - ACCEPTANCE_CRITERIA.md
-- TODO.md
+- TODO.md (historical implementation archive)
 - IMPLEMENTATION_BACKLOG.md
 - DEVELOPMENT_RULES.md
 - AGENTS.md
diff --git a/docs/RELEASE_RUNBOOK.md b/docs/RELEASE_RUNBOOK.md
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..edf4d3e7
--- /dev/null
+++ b/docs/RELEASE_RUNBOOK.md
@@ -0,0 +1,182 @@
+# GeoIntel Release Runbook
+
+## Scope
+
+This runbook releases GeoIntel for Belgium and the Belgian North Sea. Mol and
+the Kempen remain regression references. A successful release never implies
+that every theme is operational in every jurisdiction; the coverage API and
+source provenance remain authoritative.
+
+The repository version is stored in `VERSION`. The current release candidate
+is `v1.0.0-rc.1`.
+
+## Mandatory preconditions
+
+- clean `main` worktree at the commit being released;
+- secure non-default PostGIS password in the Tower `.env`;
+- existing local AI model only when the AI image is enabled;
+- recent checksum-verified backup with SHA-256 storage inventory;
+- Docker, `ssh-keygen`, Python 3.11, Node 20 and Bash available;
+- one Alembic head and no unsupported metric represented as successful.
+
+No command in this runbook downloads AI weights or implicitly deletes
+application data.
+
+## Repository gate
+
+```bash
+python -m compileall backend/app
+cd backend && python -m pytest
+cd ../frontend && npm run test:unit && npm run typecheck && npm run build
+cd ..
+bash scripts/run_readiness_check.sh
+cd backend && python -m alembic heads
+python -m alembic upgrade head --sql
+cd ..
+bash -n scripts/live_migration_smoke.sh
+docker compose config
+```
+
+## Immutable deployment
+
+On the Codex workstation:
+
+```powershell
+.\scripts\deploy_tower.ps1
+```
+
+On Tower:
+
+```bash
+cd /mnt/user/appdata/geointel
+docker inspect --format \
+  '{{index .Config.Labels "org.opencontainers.image.version"}} {{index .Config.Labels "org.opencontainers.image.revision"}}' \
+  geointel
+curl -fsS http://127.0.0.1:1202/health/ready
+bash scripts/live_migration_smoke.sh
+```
+
+## Backup and recovery proof
+
+Create an immutable backup. The SHA-256 inventory can take several minutes on
+large storage:
+
+```bash
+bash scripts/backup_release_state.sh \
+  --container geointel \
+  --output-root /mnt/user/appdata/geointel/backups \
+  --release-id v1.0.0-rc.1 \
+  --storage-path /mnt/user/appdata/geointel/storage \
+  --models-path /mnt/user/appdata/geointel/models \
+  --inventory-mode sha256
+```
+
+Verify and restore only into an automatically generated temporary database:
+
+```bash
+bash scripts/verify_release_backup.sh \
+  --backup-dir /mnt/user/appdata/geointel/backups/v1.0.0-rc.1 \
+  --container geointel
+bash scripts/restore_release_backup_smoke.sh \
+  --backup-dir /mnt/user/appdata/geointel/backups/v1.0.0-rc.1 \
+  --container geointel \
+  --confirm-isolated-restore
+bash scripts/verify_release_upgrade_smoke.sh \
+  --backup-dir /mnt/user/appdata/geointel/backups/v1.0.0-rc.1 \
+  --container geointel \
+  --confirm-isolated-upgrade
+```
+
+The restore and upgrade scripts refuse the production database name and remove
+their generated verification database.
+
+## Fresh install, browser and data operations
+
+```bash
+bash scripts/verify_release_fresh_install.sh \
+  geointel-all-in-one:<release-commit>-ai
+bash scripts/run_rc8_release_journeys.sh \
+  http://127.0.0.1:1202 artifacts/releases/v1.0.0-rc.1/rc8
+bash scripts/run_rc9_ux_audit.sh \
+  http://127.0.0.1:1202 artifacts/releases/v1.0.0-rc.1/rc9
+bash scripts/run_rc10_data_operations_audit.sh \
+  artifacts/releases/v1.0.0-rc.1/rc10
+```
+
+The RC10 command is read-only and runs cleanup in dry-run mode only.
+
+## Supply-chain evidence
+
+```bash
+bash scripts/audit_python_dependencies.sh
+cd frontend && npm audit --audit-level=high
+cd ..
+bash scripts/generate_container_sbom.sh \
+  geointel-all-in-one:<release-commit>-ai \
+  artifacts/releases/v1.0.0-rc.1/geointel-sbom.spdx.json
+bash scripts/scan_container_image.sh \
+  geointel-all-in-one:<release-commit>-ai \
+  artifacts/releases/v1.0.0-rc.1/container-vulnerabilities.json
+```
+
+The complete vulnerability report remains evidence. The executable policy
+gate fails on reachable fixed HIGH/CRITICAL findings.
+
+## Rollback proof
+
+The rollback command reuses persistent paths and never downgrades Alembic:
+
+```bash
+bash deploy/unraid/rollback-dockerman-container.sh
+curl -fsS http://127.0.0.1:1202/health/ready
+bash deploy/unraid/deploy-release.sh
+curl -fsS http://127.0.0.1:1202/health/ready
+```
+
+For a future backward-incompatible migration, restore the verified pre-release
+backup instead of running an older image against a newer schema.
+
+## Tag and signed package
+
+Create an SSH-signed Git tag at the accepted clean commit. Use a configured
+release key; never add the private key to the repository:
+
+```bash
+git -c gpg.format=ssh \
+  -c user.signingkey=/secure/path/release-key \
+  tag -s v1.0.0-rc.1 -m "GeoIntel v1.0.0-rc.1"
+git push origin v1.0.0-rc.1
+```
+
+Place the collected evidence files in an ignored package directory and create
+the detached SSH signature plus complete checksum inventory:
+
+```bash
+python scripts/build_release_package.py build \
+  --output-dir artifacts/releases/v1.0.0-rc.1 \
+  --release-id v1.0.0-rc.1 \
+  --image-name geointel-all-in-one:<release-commit>-ai \
+  --image-id sha256:<image-id> \
+  --image-revision <release-commit> \
+  --signing-key /secure/path/release-key
+python scripts/build_release_package.py verify \
+  --package-dir artifacts/releases/v1.0.0-rc.1
+```
+
+The builder refuses a dirty worktree, a tag not pointing at `HEAD`, a mismatched
+image revision, missing evidence, symlinks, checksum drift or an invalid
+signature.
+
+## Safe cleanup and shutdown
+
+Stop only the temporary smoke container by its generated name; normal scripts
+already clean it automatically. To stop GeoIntel without deleting persistent
+data:
+
+```bash
+docker stop geointel
+```
+
+Do not use broad Docker volume pruning. Application cleanup remains dry-run by
+default and requires the exact confirmation, recent backup and delete ceiling
+documented in `DATA_OPERATIONS_RUNBOOK.md`.
diff --git a/frontend/package-lock.json b/frontend/package-lock.json
index 808ea6fd..e1941a10 100644
--- a/frontend/package-lock.json
+++ b/frontend/package-lock.json
@@ -1,12 +1,12 @@
 {
   "name": "geointel-frontend",
-  "version": "0.1.0",
+  "version": "1.0.0-rc.1",
   "lockfileVersion": 3,
   "requires": true,
   "packages": {
     "": {
       "name": "geointel-frontend",
-      "version": "0.1.0",
+      "version": "1.0.0-rc.1",
       "dependencies": {
         "maplibre-gl": "^4.7.1",
         "react": "^18.2.0",
diff --git a/frontend/package.json b/frontend/package.json
index beca3ea5..ca8fa326 100644
--- a/frontend/package.json
+++ b/frontend/package.json
@@ -1,7 +1,7 @@
 {
   "name": "geointel-frontend",
   "private": true,
-  "version": "0.1.0",
+  "version": "1.0.0-rc.1",
   "type": "module",
   "scripts": {
     "start": "vite",
diff --git a/scripts/build_release_package.py b/scripts/build_release_package.py
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..fe6e3b30
--- /dev/null
+++ b/scripts/build_release_package.py
@@ -0,0 +1,290 @@
+#!/usr/bin/env python3
+"""Build or verify a checksummed and SSH-signed GeoIntel release package."""
+
+from __future__ import annotations
+
+import argparse
+import hashlib
+import json
+import os
+import re
+import subprocess
+import sys
+from datetime import datetime, timezone
+from pathlib import Path
+from typing import Sequence
+
+
+ROOT = Path(__file__).resolve().parents[1]
+MANIFEST_NAME = "release-manifest.json"
+SIGNATURE_NAME = f"{MANIFEST_NAME}.sig"
+SIGNERS_NAME = "allowed_signers"
+CHECKSUMS_NAME = "CHECKSUMS.sha256"
+GENERATED_NAMES = {MANIFEST_NAME, SIGNATURE_NAME, SIGNERS_NAME, CHECKSUMS_NAME}
+RELEASE_ID_RE = re.compile(r"^v[0-9]+\.[0-9]+\.[0-9]+(?:-[0-9A-Za-z.-]+)?$")
+
+
+def run(
+    command: Sequence[str],
+    *,
+    input_bytes: bytes | None = None,
+    cwd: Path = ROOT,
+) -> subprocess.CompletedProcess[bytes]:
+    result = subprocess.run(
+        list(command),
+        cwd=cwd,
+        input=input_bytes,
+        capture_output=True,
+        check=False,
+    )
+    if result.returncode != 0:
+        stderr = result.stderr.decode("utf-8", errors="replace").strip()
+        raise RuntimeError(f"{' '.join(command)} failed: {stderr}")
+    return result
+
+
+def sha256(path: Path) -> str:
+    digest = hashlib.sha256()
+    with path.open("rb") as handle:
+        for chunk in iter(lambda: handle.read(1024 * 1024), b""):
+            digest.update(chunk)
+    return digest.hexdigest()
+
+
+def package_files(package_dir: Path, *, include_generated: bool) -> list[Path]:
+    result: list[Path] = []
+    for path in sorted(package_dir.rglob("*"), key=lambda item: item.as_posix()):
+        if path.is_symlink():
+            raise RuntimeError(f"Release packages may not contain symlinks: {path}")
+        if not path.is_file():
+            continue
+        relative = path.relative_to(package_dir)
+        if not include_generated and relative.as_posix() in GENERATED_NAMES:
+            continue
+        result.append(path)
+    return result
+
+
+def public_key(signing_key: Path) -> str:
+    public_path = Path(f"{signing_key}.pub")
+    if public_path.is_file():
+        value = public_path.read_text(encoding="utf-8").strip()
+    else:
+        value = run(("ssh-keygen", "-y", "-f", str(signing_key))).stdout.decode(
+            "utf-8"
+        ).strip()
+    if not value.startswith(("ssh-ed25519 ", "ssh-rsa ", "ecdsa-sha2-")):
+        raise RuntimeError("Unsupported or invalid SSH public signing key")
+    return " ".join(value.split()[:2])
+
+
+def write_checksums(package_dir: Path) -> None:
+    lines = []
+    for path in package_files(package_dir, include_generated=True):
+        relative = path.relative_to(package_dir).as_posix()
+        if relative == CHECKSUMS_NAME:
+            continue
+        lines.append(f"{sha256(path)}  {relative}")
+    (package_dir / CHECKSUMS_NAME).write_text(
+        "\n".join(lines) + "\n",
+        encoding="utf-8",
+        newline="\n",
+    )
+
+
+def verify_checksums(package_dir: Path) -> None:
+    checksum_path = package_dir / CHECKSUMS_NAME
+    if not checksum_path.is_file():
+        raise RuntimeError(f"Missing {CHECKSUMS_NAME}")
+    expected_paths: set[str] = set()
+    for line in checksum_path.read_text(encoding="utf-8").splitlines():
+        digest, separator, relative = line.partition("  ")
+        if not separator or not re.fullmatch(r"[0-9a-f]{64}", digest):
+            raise RuntimeError(f"Invalid checksum line: {line!r}")
+        candidate = (package_dir / relative).resolve()
+        try:
+            candidate.relative_to(package_dir)
+        except ValueError as exc:
+            raise RuntimeError(f"Checksum path escapes package: {relative}") from exc
+        if not candidate.is_file() or candidate.is_symlink():
+            raise RuntimeError(f"Checksummed release file is unavailable: {relative}")
+        if sha256(candidate) != digest:
+            raise RuntimeError(f"Checksum mismatch: {relative}")
+        expected_paths.add(relative)
+    actual_paths = {
+        path.relative_to(package_dir).as_posix()
+        for path in package_files(package_dir, include_generated=True)
+        if path.name != CHECKSUMS_NAME
+    }
+    if expected_paths != actual_paths:
+        raise RuntimeError(
+            "Checksum inventory differs from package contents: "
+            f"missing={sorted(actual_paths - expected_paths)}, "
+            f"unexpected={sorted(expected_paths - actual_paths)}"
+        )
+
+
+def verify_package(package_dir: Path) -> dict[str, object]:
+    package_dir = package_dir.expanduser().resolve()
+    verify_checksums(package_dir)
+    manifest_path = package_dir / MANIFEST_NAME
+    manifest = json.loads(manifest_path.read_text(encoding="utf-8"))
+    identity = str(manifest["signature"]["identity"])
+    namespace = str(manifest["signature"]["namespace"])
+    run(
+        (
+            "ssh-keygen",
+            "-Y",
+            "verify",
+            "-f",
+            str(package_dir / SIGNERS_NAME),
+            "-I",
+            identity,
+            "-n",
+            namespace,
+            "-s",
+            str(package_dir / SIGNATURE_NAME),
+        ),
+        input_bytes=manifest_path.read_bytes(),
+    )
+    if manifest.get("scope") != "Belgium and the Belgian North Sea":
+        raise RuntimeError("Unexpected release scope")
+    if manifest.get("release_id") != f"v{manifest.get('version')}":
+        raise RuntimeError("Release id and semantic version differ")
+    return manifest
+
+
+def build_package(args: argparse.Namespace) -> dict[str, object]:
+    package_dir = args.output_dir.expanduser().resolve()
+    package_dir.mkdir(parents=True, exist_ok=True)
+    version = (ROOT / "VERSION").read_text(encoding="utf-8").strip()
+    release_id = args.release_id or f"v{version}"
+    if not RELEASE_ID_RE.fullmatch(release_id) or release_id != f"v{version}":
+        raise RuntimeError("Release id must equal v<VERSION> and be valid SemVer")
+
+    commit = run(("git", "rev-parse", "HEAD")).stdout.decode().strip()
+    dirty = run(("git", "status", "--porcelain=v1")).stdout.decode().strip()
+    if dirty:
+        raise RuntimeError("Release package requires a clean Git worktree")
+    tag_commit = run(("git", "rev-list", "-n", "1", release_id)).stdout.decode().strip()
+    if tag_commit != commit:
+        raise RuntimeError(f"Tag {release_id} does not point to HEAD")
+    if args.image_revision != commit:
+        raise RuntimeError("Image revision must equal the tagged Git commit")
+
+    evidence = []
+    for path in package_files(package_dir, include_generated=False):
+        evidence.append(
+            {
+                "path": path.relative_to(package_dir).as_posix(),
+                "size_bytes": path.stat().st_size,
+                "sha256": sha256(path),
+            }
+        )
+    if not evidence:
+        raise RuntimeError("At least one release evidence file is required")
+
+    signing_key = args.signing_key.expanduser().resolve()
+    if not signing_key.is_file():
+        raise RuntimeError(f"SSH signing key is unavailable: {signing_key}")
+    identity = args.identity
+    namespace = "geointel-release"
+    (package_dir / SIGNERS_NAME).write_text(
+        f"{identity} {public_key(signing_key)}\n",
+        encoding="utf-8",
+        newline="\n",
+    )
+    manifest: dict[str, object] = {
+        "schema_version": 1,
+        "release_id": release_id,
+        "version": version,
+        "scope": "Belgium and the Belgian North Sea",
+        "created_at": datetime.now(timezone.utc).isoformat(),
+        "git": {
+            "commit": commit,
+            "tag": release_id,
+            "clean": True,
+        },
+        "image": {
+            "name": args.image_name,
+            "id": args.image_id,
+            "revision": args.image_revision,
+        },
+        "signature": {
+            "algorithm": "SSH",
+            "identity": identity,
+            "namespace": namespace,
+        },
+        "evidence": evidence,
+    }
+    manifest_path = package_dir / MANIFEST_NAME
+    manifest_path.write_text(
+        json.dumps(manifest, indent=2, sort_keys=True) + "\n",
+        encoding="utf-8",
+        newline="\n",
+    )
+    signature_path = package_dir / SIGNATURE_NAME
+    if signature_path.exists():
+        signature_path.unlink()
+    run(
+        (
+            "ssh-keygen",
+            "-Y",
+            "sign",
+            "-f",
+            str(signing_key),
+            "-n",
+            namespace,
+            str(manifest_path),
+        )
+    )
+    if not signature_path.is_file():
+        raise RuntimeError("ssh-keygen did not create the detached signature")
+    write_checksums(package_dir)
+    return verify_package(package_dir)
+
+
+def parse_args(argv: Sequence[str] | None = None) -> argparse.Namespace:
+    parser = argparse.ArgumentParser(description=__doc__)
+    subparsers = parser.add_subparsers(dest="command", required=True)
+    build = subparsers.add_parser("build")
+    build.add_argument("--output-dir", type=Path, required=True)
+    build.add_argument("--release-id")
+    build.add_argument("--image-name", required=True)
+    build.add_argument("--image-id", required=True)
+    build.add_argument("--image-revision", required=True)
+    build.add_argument(
+        "--signing-key",
+        type=Path,
+        default=os.environ.get("GEOINTEL_RELEASE_SIGNING_KEY"),
+        required=not bool(os.environ.get("GEOINTEL_RELEASE_SIGNING_KEY")),
+    )
+    build.add_argument("--identity", default="geointel-release")
+    verify = subparsers.add_parser("verify")
+    verify.add_argument("--package-dir", type=Path, required=True)
+    return parser.parse_args(argv)
+
+
+def main(argv: Sequence[str] | None = None) -> int:
+    args = parse_args(argv)
+    try:
+        if args.command == "build":
+            manifest = build_package(args)
+            print(
+                f"Built and verified signed release package "
+                f"{manifest['release_id']} at {args.output_dir.resolve()}"
+            )
+        else:
+            manifest = verify_package(args.package_dir)
+            print(
+                f"Verified signed release package "
+                f"{manifest['release_id']} at {args.package_dir.resolve()}"
+            )
+    except (OSError, KeyError, ValueError, RuntimeError, json.JSONDecodeError) as exc:
+        print(f"ERROR: {exc}", file=sys.stderr)
+        return 1
+    return 0
+
+
+if __name__ == "__main__":
+    raise SystemExit(main())
diff --git a/scripts/capture_release_evidence.py b/scripts/capture_release_evidence.py
index 44d81371..b7fca38e 100644
--- a/scripts/capture_release_evidence.py
+++ b/scripts/capture_release_evidence.py
@@ -21,6 +21,7 @@ from typing import Any, Sequence
 ROOT = Path(__file__).resolve().parents[1]
 BACKEND = ROOT / "backend"
 DEFAULT_HASHED_FILES = (
+    "VERSION",
     "AGENTS.md",
     "backend/pyproject.toml",
     "backend/alembic.ini",
@@ -31,6 +32,7 @@ DEFAULT_HASHED_FILES = (
     "deploy/unraid/Dockerfile.all-in-one",
     "docs/RC_SCOPE_FREEZE_BELGIUM_NORTH_SEA.md",
     "docs/RC_ROADMAP_BELGIUM_NORTH_SEA.md",
+    "docs/RELEASE_RUNBOOK.md",
 )
 DEPENDENCIES = (
     "alembic",
@@ -227,6 +229,7 @@ def build_manifest(args: argparse.Namespace) -> dict[str, Any]:
     return {
         "schema_version": 1,
         "release_id": args.release_id,
+        "version": (ROOT / "VERSION").read_text(encoding="utf-8").strip(),
         "captured_at": utc_now(),
         "read_only": True,
         "scope": "Belgium and the Belgian North Sea",
diff --git a/scripts/run_readiness_check.sh b/scripts/run_readiness_check.sh
index 842b656a..b5064582 100755
--- a/scripts/run_readiness_check.sh
+++ b/scripts/run_readiness_check.sh
@@ -40,6 +40,7 @@ fi
 echo "== GeoIntel run readiness check =="
 
 "$PYTHON_BIN" -m py_compile scripts/capture_release_evidence.py
+"$PYTHON_BIN" -m py_compile scripts/build_release_package.py
 "$PYTHON_BIN" -m py_compile scripts/verify_python_lock.py
 "$PYTHON_BIN" scripts/verify_python_lock.py
 "$PYTHON_BIN" -m py_compile scripts/verify_security_exceptions.py
diff --git a/scripts/validate_m14_launch_assets.py b/scripts/validate_m14_launch_assets.py
index 8c7f005b..da2612f0 100644
--- a/scripts/validate_m14_launch_assets.py
+++ b/scripts/validate_m14_launch_assets.py
@@ -39,7 +39,16 @@ if 'prompts/codex/m14/CODEX_FIRST_DAY_MASTER_PROMPT.md' not in start:
     raise SystemExit('CODEX_START.md does not point to M14 first-day prompt')
 
 readme = (ROOT / 'README.md').read_text(encoding='utf-8')
-if 'M14 — Build Launch Package' not in readme:
-    raise SystemExit('README.md does not identify M14 as current milestone')
+active_terms = [
+    'v1.0.0-rc.1',
+    'docs/RC_SCOPE_FREEZE_BELGIUM_NORTH_SEA.md',
+    'docs/RC_ROADMAP_BELGIUM_NORTH_SEA.md',
+]
+missing_active_terms = [term for term in active_terms if term not in readme]
+if missing_active_terms:
+    raise SystemExit(
+        'README.md is missing active release controls: '
+        + ', '.join(missing_active_terms)
+    )
 
-print('M14 launch assets OK')
+print('Historical M14 assets and active RC controls OK')