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✓ 15 results · all verified · 14 also independently AI-judged
Every result on this page is machine-checked by a proof checker and read in full and owner-audited; the judge is an additional, independent cross-model AI review of the proofs. The 1 not AI-judged were verified by owner audit (typically over a confirmed judge false positive), not failures.

Presheaves Sheaves Stalks and Sheafification

1 · Prerequisites

2 · Summary

This page fixes the standard sheaf vocabulary on a topological space and keeps the route deliberately concrete. Opens form the indexing category, presheaves and sheaves are written in restriction notation, stalks are built from actual neighbourhood sections, and the first local tests are phrased in germs.

The second half keeps sheafification explicit rather than hiding it behind an abstract adjoint. The plus construction separates uniqueness from existence, double-plus gives the sheaf, stalks survive unchanged, and the universal property explains why image presheaves have to be sheafified before they become image sheaves.

3 · Logical flowchart

4 · Definitions, theorems and proofs

DefinitionDefinition: Literature-sourcedProof: Not applicablejudge pass (gpt-5.6-terra)audited 2026-09-04Open item page →

The category of open subsets of a topological space

Definition

Let X be a topological space (Topology on a set, open and closed sets, clopen sets, the closed-set axiomatisation, and the coarser/finer comparison).

The open-set category Open⁡(X) has:

  • objects: the open subsets U⊆X;
  • morphisms: for opens V,U, a unique morphism V→U when V⊆U, and no morphism otherwise.

Composition is forced by transitivity of inclusion, and identity morphisms are the inclusions U⊆U. Thus Open⁡(X) is a category (Category, object, morphism, domain, codomain, identity, composition, and hom-collection).

The arrows point in the same direction as inclusion. Therefore a contravariant functor on Open⁡(X) sends an inclusion V⊆U to a restriction map from the larger open set to the smaller one.

DefinitionDefinition: Literature-sourcedProof: Not applicablejudge pass (gpt-5.6-terra)audited 2026-09-04Open item page →

A presheaf on a topological space

Definition

Let X be a topological space. A presheaf of sets on X is a contravariant functor F:Open⁡(X)⟶Set (Covariant functor, identity functor, composite functor, and contravariant functor, Sets and functions form the large locally small category Set).

Equivalently, a presheaf of sets on X consists of:

  • a set F(U) for every open set U⊆X;
  • for every inclusion V⊆U, a restriction map ρVU:F(U)⟶F(V),

such that ρUU=id⁡F(U) and, whenever W⊆V⊆U, ρWU=ρWV∘ρVU.

Because the arrows of Open⁡(X) are the inclusions V→U with V⊆U, contravariance is exactly the rule that sections over a larger open set restrict to sections over a smaller one.

DefinitionDefinition: Literature-sourcedProof: Not applicablejudge pass (gpt-5.6-terra)audited 2026-09-04Open item page →

Sections, restrictions, and global sections of a presheaf

Definition

Let F be a presheaf on a topological space X.

An element of F(U) is called a section of F over U. We also write Γ(U,F):=F(U).

If V⊆U and s∈F(U), its restriction to V is s∣V:=ρVU(s)∈F(V).

A global section of F is a section over the whole space: Γ(X,F)=F(X).

The presheaf identities imply s∣U=s,(s∣V)∣W=s∣Wfor W⊆V⊆U.

DefinitionDefinition: Literature-sourcedProof: Not applicablejudge pass (gpt-5.6-terra)audited 2026-09-04Open item page →

Morphisms of presheaves

Definition

Let F and G be presheaves on a topological space X. A morphism of presheaves φ:F⟶G is a natural transformation (Natural transformation and its components) between the two contravariant functors on Open⁡(X).

Equivalently, it is a family of maps φU:F(U)⟶G(U) for every open U⊆X, such that for every inclusion V⊆U the square F(U)→ φU G(U)↓↓F(V)→ φV G(V) commutes, that is, φV(s∣V)=φU(s)∣Vfor all s∈F(U).

Composition and identities are taken componentwise.

DefinitionDefinition: Literature-sourcedProof: Not applicablejudge pass (gpt-5.6-terra)audited 2026-09-04Open item page →

Separated presheaves

Definition

Let F be a presheaf on a topological space X.

The presheaf F is separated when uniqueness of gluing holds: for every open set U⊆X, every open cover U=⋃i∈IUi, and every pair of sections s,t∈F(U), s∣Ui=t∣Ui for all i∈I⟹s=t.

Thus a separated presheaf has the locality part of the sheaf axiom, but it may still fail existence of gluing.

DefinitionDefinition: Literature-sourcedProof: Not applicablejudge pass (gpt-5.6-terra)audited 2026-09-04Open item page →

A sheaf on a topological space

Definition

Let F be a presheaf on a topological space X. We say that F is a sheaf if for every open set U⊆X and every open cover U=⋃i∈IUi, including the empty cover of ∅, the following two conditions hold.

Locality. If s,t∈F(U) satisfy s∣Ui=t∣Uifor all i∈I, then s=t.

Gluing. If sections si∈F(Ui) satisfy si∣Ui∩Uj=sj∣Ui∩Ujfor all i,j∈I, then there exists s∈F(U) such that s∣Ui=sifor all i∈I.

By locality, such a section s is automatically unique. Thus a sheaf is exactly a presheaf whose compatible local sections glue uniquely.

LemmaStatement: Literature-sourcedProof: AI-adaptedprecheck passjudge pass (gpt-5.6-terra)audited 2026-09-04Open item page →

A set-valued sheaf has a unique section over the empty open set

Statement

Let F be a sheaf of sets on a topological space X. Then F(∅) is a singleton.

Facts & Assumptions

Given: A sheaf F on X.

[L1]

A sheaf satisfies locality and gluing for every open cover, including the empty cover of ∅ (A sheaf on a topological space).

Proof

technique · direct
1.1L1given

Apply [L1] to the empty cover of ∅. The empty family of local sections is vacuously compatible, so gluing produces at least one section s∈F(∅).

2.1L1step 1.1∎

Let t∈F(∅). Then t also restricts to the same empty family on the empty cover. By the uniqueness part of [L1], one has t=s. Therefore F(∅)={s}.

TheoremStatement: Literature-sourcedProof: AI-adaptedprecheck passjudge pass (gpt-5.6-terra)audited 2026-09-04Open item page →

The sheaf axiom is the equalizer condition on a cover

Statement

Let F be a presheaf of sets on a topological space X. Then F is a sheaf if and only if, for every open set U⊆X and every open cover U=⋃i∈IUi, the restriction map e:F(U)⟶∏i∈IF(Ui),e(s)=(s∣Ui)i∈I, is an equalizer of the two maps d0,d1:∏i∈IF(Ui)⇉∏(i,j)∈I×IF(Ui∩Uj), defined by d0((si))=(si∣Ui∩Uj)i,j,d1((si))=(sj∣Ui∩Uj)i,j.

Facts & Assumptions

Given: A presheaf F, an open set U, and an open cover U=⋃i∈IUi.

[L1]

A sheaf is exactly a presheaf satisfying locality and unique gluing for every open cover (A sheaf on a topological space).

[F1]

The notation s∣Ui and si∣Ui∩Uj is the presheaf restriction notation (Sections, restrictions, and global sections of a presheaf).

[L2]

An equalizer of parallel maps f,g:A⇉B is a morphism e:E→A with fe=ge such that any h:T→A with fh=gh factors uniquely through e (Equalizers and coequalizers as limits and colimits of a parallel pair).

Proof

technique · direct
1.1L1F1

Assume F is a sheaf. For any s∈F(U), the two families d0(e(s)) and d1(e(s)) are equal because both entries on Ui∩Uj are the common restriction s∣Ui∩Uj by [F1]. Thus d0e=d1e.

1.2L1L2F1

Let (si)i∈I∈∏iF(Ui) satisfy d0((si))=d1((si)). Unwinding the definitions, this says exactly that si∣Ui∩Uj=sj∣Ui∩Uj for all i,j. By the gluing clause of [L1], there exists a unique s∈F(U) with s∣Ui=si for all i. Hence every equalizing family factors uniquely through e, so [L2] shows that e is an equalizer.

2.1L1L2F1∎

Conversely, assume e is an equalizer for every open set and cover. If s,t∈F(U) satisfy s∣Ui=t∣Ui for all i, then e(s)=e(t). Let ∗ be a singleton and define h:{∗}→∏iF(Ui) by h(∗)=e(s)=e(t). Then d0h=d1h, so [L2] gives a unique u:{∗}→F(U) with eu=h. The two maps sending ∗ to s and to t both satisfy this condition, hence are equal and therefore s=t. So locality holds. If (si) is a compatible family on the cover, then d0((si))=d1((si)), so [L2] yields a unique s∈F(U) with e(s)=(si). That is exactly unique gluing. Therefore [L1] implies that F is a sheaf.

LemmaStatement: Literature-sourcedProof: AI-adaptedprecheck passjudge pass (gpt-5.6-terra)audited 2026-09-07Open item page →

The sheaf condition can be checked on a basis with basis-refinable intersections

Statement

Assume the Axiom of Choice. Let X be a topological space and let B be a basis for its topology such that whenever B,B′∈B and x∈B∩B′, there exists C∈B with x∈C⊆B∩B′. Let F be a presheaf on X. Then F is a sheaf if and only if the following condition holds:

for every open set U⊆X, every cover U=⋃i∈IBi by basis elements Bi∈B, and every family si∈F(Bi) such that si∣C=sj∣C for every basis element C∈B with C⊆Bi∩Bj, there exists a unique section s∈F(U) with s∣Bi=si for all i.

Facts & Assumptions

Given: The Axiom of Choice, a basis B as in the statement, and a presheaf F on X.

[L1]

A basis means that every open set and every point of it admit a containing basis element inside that open set (Basis and subbasis for a topology, and the topology generated by a family of sets).

[L2]

A sheaf is a presheaf with locality and unique gluing on every open cover (A sheaf on a topological space).

Proof

technique · direct
1.1L1L2

Assume F is a sheaf. Let U=⋃iBi be a basis cover and let (si) satisfy the basis-overlap hypothesis. Fix i,j. The sets C∈B with C⊆Bi∩Bj cover Bi∩Bj by [L1] and the intersection hypothesis on B. On each such C the restrictions of si and sj agree, so locality from [L2] gives si∣Bi∩Bj=sj∣Bi∩Bj. Gluing in [L2] then produces a unique s∈F(U) with s∣Bi=si.

1.2L1givenchoose

Assume the displayed basis condition. Let U=⋃α∈AUα be an arbitrary open cover and let tα∈F(Uα) be compatible on overlaps. For each x∈U, choose α(x) with x∈Uα(x), and then choose Bx∈B with x∈Bx⊆Uα(x) by [L1]. Put rx:=tα(x)∣Bx.

2.1step 1.2given

Let C∈B satisfy C⊆Bx∩By. Then C⊆Uα(x)∩Uα(y), so compatibility of the original family gives rx∣C=tα(x)∣C=tα(y)∣C=ry∣C. Therefore the family (rx)x∈U satisfies the displayed basis condition for the basis cover U=⋃x∈UBx.

3.1step 2.1given

By the assumed basis condition applied to the compatible family from step 2.1, there is a unique s∈F(U) with s∣Bx=rx for every x∈U.

4.1L1L2step 2.1step 3.1givenchoose∎

Fix α∈A. For each y∈Uα, choose Cy∈B with y∈Cy⊆By∩Uα by [L1] and the basis-refinement hypothesis. Then the Cy form a basis cover of Uα. Since Cy⊆Uα(y)∩Uα, step 2.1 gives ry∣Cy=tα(y)∣Cy=tα∣Cy. Because s∣Cy=ry∣Cy by step 3.1, the two sections s∣Uα and tα restrict to the same family on the basis cover {Cy}y∈Uα. By the uniqueness part of the assumed basis condition, s∣Uα=tα. Since this holds for every α, the arbitrary compatible family glues uniquely, so [L2] implies that F is a sheaf.

DefinitionDefinition: Literature-sourcedProof: Not applicablejudge pass (gpt-5.6-terra)audited 2026-09-04Open item page →

Presheaves and sheaves of groups, rings, and modules

Definition

Let X be a topological space. Fix a ring R when modules are under discussion.

A presheaf of groups on X is a presheaf F such that every F(U) is a group and every restriction map ρVU:F(U)→F(V) is a group homomorphism (Groups and group homomorphisms form the large locally small category Grp).

A presheaf of rings on X is defined the same way with rings and ring homomorphisms (Unital rings and unit-preserving ring homomorphisms form the large locally small category Ring).

A presheaf of left R-modules on X is defined the same way with left R-modules and R-linear maps (Left modules over a fixed ring and module homomorphisms form the large locally small category R-Mod).

A sheaf of groups, sheaf of rings, or sheaf of left R-modules is such a presheaf whose underlying set-valued presheaf is a sheaf.

In particular, each sheaf of groups has a distinguished identity section on every open set; in additive notation this section is written 0, and all restrictions preserve the algebraic operations.

LemmaStatement: Literature-sourcedProof: AI-adaptedprecheck passjudge pass (gpt-5.6-terra)audited 2026-09-04Open item page →

Sheafhood of algebraic-structure valued presheaves is detected on underlying sets

Statement

Let R be a ring, and let F be a presheaf of groups, rings, or left R-modules on a topological space X. Then F is a sheaf in the corresponding algebraic category if and only if its underlying presheaf of sets is a sheaf.

Facts & Assumptions

Given: A ring R and a presheaf F of groups, rings, or left R-modules on X.

[F1]

Such a presheaf is, by definition, a set-valued presheaf together with objectwise algebraic operations preserved by restriction maps; it is called a sheaf exactly when the underlying set-valued presheaf is a sheaf (Presheaves and sheaves of groups, rings, and modules).

[L1]

The sheaf condition itself is the locality and unique-gluing condition for the underlying sets of sections (A sheaf on a topological space).

Proof

technique · direct
1.1F1

If F is a sheaf of groups, rings, or left R-modules, then [F1] already says that its underlying set-valued presheaf is a sheaf.

2.1F1L1∎

Conversely, assume the underlying set-valued presheaf is a sheaf. The sets F(U) already carry the given group, ring, or left R-module structures, and the restriction maps already preserve those structures by [F1]. Since [L1] tests only locality and gluing of the underlying sections, the assumed setwise sheaf condition is exactly the required algebra-valued sheaf condition.

DefinitionDefinition: Literature-sourcedProof: Not applicablejudge pass (gpt-5.6-terra)audited 2026-09-04Open item page →

The stalk of a presheaf at a point

Definition

Let F be a presheaf on a topological space X, and let x∈X.

The neighbourhood category of x is the full subcategory Nx⊆Open⁡(X) whose objects are the open neighbourhoods of x. Its opposite category is filtered in the sense of Filtered categories and filtered colimits: it is nonempty because X itself is a neighbourhood of x, and for neighbourhoods U,V the intersection U∩V is again a neighbourhood of x with arrows U⟶U∩V,V⟶U∩V in the opposite category.

Because F is contravariant, its restriction to the neighbourhood category determines a covariant diagram on that opposite category. The stalk of F at x is the filtered colimit Fx:=lim→⁡Nxop⁡F(U).

Concretely, Fx may be described as equivalence classes of pairs (U,s) with U an open neighbourhood of x and s∈F(U), where (U,s)∼(V,t) when s and t agree on some smaller open neighbourhood of x. The next lemma verifies that this is an equivalence relation.

LemmaStatement: Literature-sourcedProof: AI-adaptedprecheck passjudge pass (gpt-5.6-terra)audited 2026-09-04Open item page →

Equality on a smaller neighbourhood defines the germ equivalence relation

Statement

Let F be a presheaf on a topological space X and let x∈X. For open neighbourhoods U,V of x and sections s∈F(U), t∈F(V), define (U,s)∼x(V,t) when there exists an open neighbourhood W of x with W⊆U∩V and s∣W=t∣W. Then ∼x is an equivalence relation.

Facts & Assumptions

Given: A presheaf F on X and a point x∈X.

[F1]

The stalk is built from pairs (U,s) modulo equality on a smaller neighbourhood of x (The stalk of a presheaf at a point).

[F2]

An equivalence relation is one that is reflexive, symmetric, and transitive (Equivalence relation, equivalence class, and the quotient set A/∼).

Proof

technique · direct
1.1F1F2

Reflexivity holds because if (U,s) is any pair, then s∣U=s∣U, so (U,s)∼x(U,s). Symmetry holds because s∣W=t∣W implies t∣W=s∣W on the same neighbourhood W.

1.2F1given

Suppose (U,s)∼x(V,t) and (V,t)∼x(Z,r). Choose neighbourhoods W1⊆U∩V and W2⊆V∩Z with s∣W1=t∣W1 and t∣W2=r∣W2. Then W:=W1∩W2 is an open neighbourhood of x contained in U∩Z, and on W one has s∣W=t∣W=r∣W. Hence (U,s)∼x(Z,r).

2.1F2step 1.1step 1.2∎

Steps 1.1 and 1.2 show that ∼x is reflexive, symmetric, and transitive. By [F2], it is an equivalence relation.

DefinitionDefinition: Literature-sourcedProof: Not applicablejudge pass (gpt-5.6-terra)audited 2026-09-04Open item page →

Germs of sections

Definition

Let F be a presheaf on X, let x∈X, and let s∈F(U) for some open set U containing x.

The class of the pair (U,s) in the stalk Fx is called the germ of s at x, and it is denoted by sx∈Fx.

For every open set U containing x, this gives a canonical map F(U)⟶Fx,s⟼sx.

If V⊆U is open and also contains x, then (s∣V)x=sx, because the two pairs (U,s) and (V,s∣V) agree on the smaller open neighbourhood V.

LemmaStatement: Literature-sourcedProof: AI-adaptedprecheck passaudited 2026-09-04Open item page →

A section of a sheaf of groups is zero exactly when all of its germs are zero

Statement

Let F be a sheaf of groups on a topological space X, let U⊆X be open, and let s∈F(U). Then s=0 in F(U)⟺sx=0 in Fx for every x∈U.

Facts & Assumptions

Given: A sheaf of groups F, an open set U, and a section s∈F(U).

[F1]

A sheaf of groups has an identity section on every open set; when the group law is written additively, this section is denoted by 0, and all restrictions preserve it (Presheaves and sheaves of groups, rings, and modules).

[L1]

A sheaf is determined by local agreement of sections on an open cover (A sheaf on a topological space).

[F2]

The germ sx is the class of s in the stalk at x (Germs of sections). Here 0x (also written 0 in Fx) denotes the germ of an identity section. This is independent of the neighbourhood used: any two identity sections restrict to the identity on their intersection by [F1], and so have the same germ. No group operation on the stalk is needed for this notation.

Proof

technique · direct
1.1F1F2

If s=0 in F(U), then for every x∈U the induced germ is sx=0x by the definition of 0x in [F2].

1.2F2given

Assume sx=0 for every x∈U. Fix x∈U. By lem-germ-equivalence-relation, equality of the two germ classes means that their representatives agree on some open neighbourhood Vx⊆U of x, so s∣Vx=0∣Vx. The sets Vx cover U.

2.1L1step 1.1step 1.2∎

On the open cover {Vx}x∈U, the sections s and 0 have the same restriction by step 1.2. Locality in [L1] therefore gives s=0 in F(U). For U=∅, this uses the empty cover, which is included in [L1]. Together with step 1.1, this proves both directions.

LemmaStatement: Literature-sourcedProof: AI-adaptedprecheck passjudge pass (gpt-5.6-terra)audited 2026-09-04Open item page →

Morphisms of sheaves are determined by their maps on stalks

Statement

Let φ,ψ:F→G be morphisms of sheaves of sets on a topological space X. If the induced maps on stalks φx,ψx:Fx⟶Gx are equal for every x∈X, then φ=ψ.

Facts & Assumptions

Given: Two morphisms of sheaves φ,ψ:F→G.

[F1]

A morphism of presheaves is given by component maps compatible with restriction (Morphisms of presheaves).

[F2]

The stalk construction sends a morphism of presheaves to induced maps on stalks, and for every s∈F(U) and x∈U one has (φU(s))x=φx(sx) (Morphisms of presheaves, The stalk of a presheaf at a point, Germs of sections).

[F3]

Two germs at x are equal exactly when their representing sections agree on some smaller neighbourhood of x (The stalk of a presheaf at a point).

[L1]

Sections of a sheaf are equal once they agree on an open cover (A sheaf on a topological space).

Proof

technique · direct
1.1F2given

Fix an open set U⊆X and a section s∈F(U). For every x∈U, the hypothesis φx=ψx and [F2] give (φU(s))x=φx(sx)=ψx(sx)=(ψU(s))x.

2.1F3step 1.1

By [F3], equality of the germs in step 1.1 means that for each x∈U there exists an open neighbourhood Vx⊆U such that φU(s)∣Vx=ψU(s)∣Vx. The sets Vx cover U.

3.1F1L1step 2.1∎

By [L1], the two sections φU(s) and ψU(s) are equal on U. Since U and s were arbitrary, the component maps φU and ψU agree for every open U. Therefore φ=ψ by [F1].

TheoremStatement: Literature-sourcedProof: AI-adaptedprecheck passjudge pass (gpt-5.6-terra)audited 2026-09-04Open item page →

A morphism of sheaves is an isomorphism exactly when it is an isomorphism on every stalk

Statement

Let φ:F→G be a morphism of sheaves of sets on a topological space X. Then φ is an isomorphism if and only if, for every x∈X, the induced map on stalks φx:Fx⟶Gx is a bijection.

Facts & Assumptions

Given: A morphism of sheaves φ:F→G.

[F1]

A morphism of presheaves is an isomorphism when it has a two-sided inverse whose components commute with restriction (Morphisms of presheaves).

[F2]

The stalk construction sends morphisms of presheaves to induced stalk maps, and for every s∈F(U) and x∈U one has (φU(s))x=φx(sx) (Morphisms of presheaves, The stalk of a presheaf at a point, Germs of sections).

[F3]

Two germs at x are equal exactly when their representing sections agree on some smaller neighbourhood of x (The stalk of a presheaf at a point).

[L2]

A sheaf is glued from local sections that agree on overlaps (A sheaf on a topological space).

Proof

technique · direct
1.1F1F2

If φ is an isomorphism with inverse ψ, then for every x the induced maps φx and ψx are inverse because taking stalks preserves composition and identities by [F2]. Hence each φx is a bijection.

1.2F2F3givenchoose

Assume now that every φx is a bijection. Fix an open set U⊆X and a section t∈G(U). For each x∈U, choose ax∈Fx with φx(ax)=tx. Pick a representative sx∈F(Vx) of ax on some open neighbourhood Vx⊆U of x. Then (φVx(sx))x=tx, so [F3] lets us shrink Vx and assume φVx(sx)=t∣Vx.

1.3F2F3L2

If s,s′∈F(U) satisfy φU(s)=φU(s′), then for every x∈U one has φx(sx)=φx(sx′) by [F2]. Injectivity of φx gives sx=sx′. By [F3], for each x there exists an open neighbourhood Wx⊆U with s∣Wx=s′∣Wx. The sets Wx cover U, so [L2] gives s=s′. Thus each φU is injective.

2.1F2F3L2step 1.2

Let x,y∈U. For any z∈Vx∩Vy, the two sections sx∣Vx∩Vy and sy∣Vx∩Vy have images under φ whose germs at z both equal tz. Since φz is injective, the germs of sx and sy at z are equal. By [F3], there is a neighbourhood Wz⊆Vx∩Vy of z on which sx∣Wz=sy∣Wz. The sets Wz cover Vx∩Vy, so [L2] gives sx∣Vx∩Vy=sy∣Vx∩Vy. Therefore the family (sx) is compatible on the cover {Vx}x∈U of U.

3.1L2step 2.1construct

By [L2], the compatible family of step 2.1 glues to a unique section ψU(t)∈F(U) satisfying φU(ψU(t))=t. Thus φU is surjective for every U.

4.1F1step 3.1step 1.3∎

Let V⊆U and t∈G(U). Then φV(ψU(t)∣V)=φU(ψU(t))∣V=t∣V=φV(ψV(t∣V)). Step 1.3 gives injectivity of φV, so ψU(t)∣V=ψV(t∣V). Hence the maps ψU commute with restriction and define a morphism of sheaves ψ:G→F. By steps 3.1 and 1.3, ψ is a two-sided inverse to φ, so [F1] shows that φ is an isomorphism. Together with step 1.1 this proves both directions.

DefinitionDefinition: Literature-sourcedProof: Not applicablejudge pass (gpt-5.6-terra)audited 2026-09-04Open item page →

The etale space of a sheaf of sets

Definition

Let F be a sheaf of sets on a topological space X.

Its etale space is the disjoint union of stalks E(F):=∐x∈XFx, equipped with the projection p:E(F)⟶X,p(ξ)=x if ξ∈Fx.

For every open set U⊆X and every section s∈F(U), define the subset [s,U]:={ sx:x∈U }⊆E(F).

The topology on E(F) is the topology generated by the family of all such subsets [s,U] (Basis and subbasis for a topology, and the topology generated by a family of sets).

On each set [s,U], the projection p restricts to a bijection onto U with inverse U⟶[s,U],x⟼sx. The next theorem shows that this bijection is in fact a homeomorphism.

TheoremStatement: Literature-sourcedProof: AI-adaptedprecheck passjudge pass (gpt-5.6-terra)audited 2026-09-04Open item page →

Sheaves of sets are equivalent to local homeomorphisms over the base space

Statement

Let X be a topological space. A continuous map q:E→X is called a local homeomorphism if every point e∈E has an open neighbourhood W such that q(W) is open in X and q∣W:W→q(W) is a homeomorphism.

  1. For every sheaf of sets F on X, the projection p:E(F)→X of The etale space of a sheaf of sets is a local homeomorphism.
  2. For every local homeomorphism q:E→X, the assignment U⟼{ σ:U→E continuous:q∘σ=id⁡U } is a sheaf of sets on X.
  3. These two constructions are inverse up to natural isomorphism, so they give an equivalence between sheaves of sets on X and spaces over X whose structure map is a local homeomorphism.

Facts & Assumptions

Given: A sheaf F on X, or a local homeomorphism q:E→X.

[F1]

The etale space E(F) is the disjoint union of the stalks with basic open sets [s,U], and p:[s,U]→U is a bijection (The etale space of a sheaf of sets).

[L1]

A sheaf is glued uniquely from compatible local sections on any open cover (A sheaf on a topological space).

[F2]

Morphisms of presheaves are given by restriction-compatible component maps (Morphisms of presheaves).

Proof

technique · direct
1.1F1L1

For a sheaf F, let p:E(F)→X be as in [F1]. If ξ=sx∈E(F), then ξ∈[s,U] for some section s∈F(U). By construction p:[s,U]→U is bijective. Its inverse x′↦sx′ is continuous because for any smaller basic open [t,V]⊆[s,U], the preimage is the open set {x′∈U∩V:sx′=tx′}, which is open by the sheaf locality encoded in [L1]. Hence p∣[s,U] is a homeomorphism onto the open set U. Since every point of E(F) lies in some [s,U], p is a local homeomorphism.

1.2L1given

Let q:E→X be a local homeomorphism, and let Sec⁡q(U) denote its continuous sections over an open set U. Restriction of a section is again a section, so Sec⁡q is a presheaf. If two sections of Sec⁡q(U) agree on an open cover, they are equal pointwise, so locality holds. If σi∈Sec⁡q(Ui) are compatible on an open cover U=⋃iUi, define σ(x)=σi(x) for x∈Ui. Compatibility makes this well defined, and continuity is local on the cover because each σi is continuous. Thus [L1] holds, so Sec⁡q is a sheaf.

1.3F1F2given

A sheaf morphism φ:F→G induces a map over X E(φ):E(F)⟶E(G),sx⟼(φU(s))x. This is well defined by restriction compatibility. It is continuous: if E(φ)(sx) lies in a basic open [t,V], equality of the two germs lets us shrink to an open W⊆U∩V on which φU(s)∣W=t∣W; then [s∣W,W] is a neighbourhood of sx mapped into [t,V]. Identities and compositions are preserved. Conversely, a map f:E→E′ over X between local homeomorphisms sends a section σ to f∘σ, naturally in the open set, and hence induces a sheaf morphism Sec⁡(f).

2.1F1L1step 1.1

For a sheaf F and an open set U, send s∈F(U) to the section θU(s):U⟶E(F),θU(s)(x)=sx. By step 1.1 this is continuous. If θU(s)=θU(t), then sx=tx for all x∈U, so [L1] gives s=t. Conversely, let σ:U→E(F) be a continuous section. For each x∈U, choose a basic open [sx,Vx] containing σ(x). Continuity makes Wx:=U∩Vx∩σ−1([sx,Vx]) an open neighbourhood of x. Since p is injective on [sx,Vx] and p∘σ=id⁡U, the restriction σ∣Wx equals y↦(sx)y. These local sections agree on overlaps because they induce the same map σ. By [L1], they glue to a unique s∈F(U) with θU(s)=σ. Thus θU is a bijection, natural in U.

3.1step 1.1step 1.2step 2.1step 1.3∎

For a local homeomorphism q:E→X, define η:E⟶E(Sec⁡q) by sending e∈E to the germ at x=q(e) of any local section through e. Such a local section exists because q is a local homeomorphism, and two choices have the same germ because on a smaller common chart they are both the inverse of q. On a chart W→∼q(W), the map η is a homeomorphism from W onto the basic open defined by the inverse section. Hence η is an isomorphism over X. The formula E(φ)(sx)=(φU(s))x makes the bijections θ of step 2.1 natural in F, while the formula η(f(e))=(f∘σ)x makes η natural in E. Thus the two functors constructed in steps 1.2 and 1.3 are quasi-inverse equivalences.

DefinitionDefinition: Literature-sourcedProof: Not applicablejudge pass (gpt-5.6-terra)audited 2026-09-04Open item page →

The plus construction for a presheaf

Definition

Let F be a presheaf on a topological space X, and let U⊆X be open.

A germ-compatible local presentation of a section over U consists of:

  • an open cover U=⋃i∈IUi;
  • sections si∈F(Ui);

such that for every x∈Ui∩Uj the germs agree: (si)x=(sj)x in Fx.

Two germ-compatible local presentations (Ui,si) and (Vj,tj) over U are called equivalent if for every x∈U and every choice of indices i,j with x∈Ui∩Vj, one has (si)x=(tj)x in Fx.

The plus construction F+ is the presheaf defined by letting F+(U) be the set of equivalence classes of germ-compatible local presentations over U. Restriction to an open subset V⊆U is obtained by replacing the cover Ui with Ui∩V and restricting each section si to Ui∩V.

There is a canonical morphism of presheaves η:F⟶F+ whose component on U sends a section s∈F(U) to the class of the single-chart presentation (U,s).

LemmaStatement: Literature-sourcedProof: AI-adaptedprecheck passjudge pass (gpt-5.6-terra)audited 2026-09-04Open item page →

The first plus construction is separated and preserves stalks

Statement

Let F be a presheaf on a topological space X, and let η:F→F+ be the canonical map of The plus construction for a presheaf. Then:

  1. F+ is a separated presheaf.
  2. For every x∈X, the induced map on stalks ηx:Fx⟶(F+)x is a bijection.

Facts & Assumptions

Given: A presheaf F on X and its plus construction η:F→F+.

[F1]

A section of F+(U) is an equivalence class of germ-compatible local presentations over U, and ηU(s) is represented by the single-chart presentation (U,s) (The plus construction for a presheaf).

[F2]

A separated presheaf is one in which equality of sections can be checked on an open cover (Separated presheaves).

[L1]

Equality in a filtered colimit of sets is eventual at some smaller common stage (Two representatives in a filtered colimit of sets are equal exactly when they become equal at one common later stage).

Proof

technique · direct
1.1F1F2

Let σ,τ∈F+(U) and suppose there is an open cover U=⋃α∈AWα such that σ∣Wα=τ∣Wα for every α. Fix x∈U, and choose α with x∈Wα. Equality on Wα means that the two restricted presentations determine the same germ at x, so σ and τ have the same germ at x. Since this holds for every x∈U, the two global presentations are equivalent by [F1]. Therefore σ=τ, and F+ is separated by [F2].

1.2F1givenchoose

To prove surjectivity of ηx, let ξ∈(F+)x. Choose an open neighbourhood U of x and a section σ∈F+(U) representing ξ. Pick a local presentation (Ui,si) of σ with x∈Ui for some index i. Then on the neighbourhood Ui the section σ equals ηUi(si) by [F1], so the germ ξ is the image of the germ of si at x. Hence ηx is surjective.

1.3F1L1given

Now suppose ηx(a)=ηx(b) in (F+)x, where a∈Fx and b∈Fx. Represent a and b by sections s∈F(U) and t∈F(V) on neighbourhoods of x. By [L1], equality of their images in the stalk of F+ means that there exists an open neighbourhood W⊆U∩V of x such that ηW(s∣W)=ηW(t∣W) in F+(W). By [F1], equality of these two single-chart classes says exactly that s∣W and t∣W have the same germ at every point of W, in particular at x. Thus a=b in Fx, so ηx is injective.

2.1step 1.1step 1.2step 1.3∎

Steps 1.2 and 1.3 prove that every ηx is bijective, and step 1.1 proves that F+ is separated.

LemmaStatement: Literature-sourcedProof: AI-adaptedprecheck passjudge pass (gpt-5.6-terra)audited 2026-09-04Open item page →

The second plus construction is a sheaf

Statement

For every presheaf F on a topological space X, the double plus construction F++=(F+)+ is a sheaf.

Facts & Assumptions

Given: A presheaf F on X.

[F1]

The plus construction records germ-compatible local presentations and single-chart classes (The plus construction for a presheaf).

[L1]

The first plus construction F+ is separated (The first plus construction is separated and preserves stalks).

[F2]

A sheaf is exactly a presheaf satisfying locality and unique gluing on every open cover (A sheaf on a topological space).

Proof

technique · direct
1.1F1givenchoose

Let U=⋃i∈IUi be an open cover and let σi∈F++(Ui) be compatible on overlaps. For each i, choose a presentation of σi by sections τi,a∈F+(Vi,a) on an open cover Ui=⋃aVi,a.

2.1F1step 1.1construct

The family of all pairs (Vi,a,τi,a) covers U. Presentations belonging to one fixed i are germ-compatible by definition. If x∈Vi,a∩Vj,c, compatibility of σi and σj says that their restrictions to Ui∩Uj are equal; the definition of equality of plus presentations therefore gives (τi,a)x=(τj,c)xin (F+)x. Thus the combined family is a germ-compatible presentation by F+-sections and defines σ∈(F+)+(U)=F++(U). On each Ui, its restricted presentation is equivalent to the chosen presentation of σi, so σ∣Ui=σi.

3.1L1step 2.1

Apply [L1] to the presheaf F+. It says that (F+)+=F++ is separated. Hence sections of F++(U) whose restrictions agree on the cover {Ui} are equal, so locality and uniqueness of the gluing from step 2.1 hold.

4.1F2step 2.1step 3.1∎

Steps 2.1 and 3.1 give gluing and locality for every open cover. Therefore [F2] shows that F++ is a sheaf.

DefinitionDefinition: Literature-sourcedProof: Not applicablejudge pass (gpt-5.6-terra)audited 2026-09-04Open item page →

Sheafification of a presheaf

Definition

Let F be a presheaf on a topological space X.

Its sheafification is the sheaf aF:=F++.

The canonical morphism ηF:F⟶aF is the composite F→ η F+→ η (F+)+=aF, where each η is the single-chart map of The plus construction for a presheaf.

By The second plus construction is a sheaf, aF is indeed a sheaf.

TheoremStatement: Literature-sourcedProof: AI-adaptedprecheck passjudge pass (gpt-5.6-terra)audited 2026-09-04Open item page →

Sheafification is left adjoint to the inclusion of sheaves into presheaves

Statement

Let F be a presheaf on a topological space X, let ηF:F→aF be its sheafification map, and let G be a sheaf on X. Then every morphism of presheaves φ:F⟶G factors uniquely through ηF: there is a unique morphism of sheaves φ‾:aF⟶G such that φ=φ‾∘ηF.

Facts & Assumptions

Given: A presheaf F, a sheaf G, and a morphism φ:F→G.

[F1]

Sheafification is the double plus construction with unit ηF:F→aF (Sheafification of a presheaf).

[L1]

The first plus construction is separated (The first plus construction is separated and preserves stalks).

[L2]

The second plus construction is a sheaf (The second plus construction is a sheaf).

Proof

technique · direct
1.1F1L1L2givenconstruct

Let σ∈F+(U) be represented by sections si∈F(Ui) on an open cover U=⋃iUi. The sections φUi(si)∈G(Ui) have equal germs on overlaps because the si do. Since G is a sheaf, they glue uniquely to a section φU+(σ)∈G(U). This is independent of the chosen presentation because equivalent presentations have the same germs at every point, and a sheaf is separated. Thus φ extends uniquely to a morphism φ+:F+→G.

2.1F1step 1.1construct

Apply the same construction again to the morphism φ+:F+→G. Because G is already a sheaf, this yields a morphism φ‾:(F+)+=aF⟶G whose restriction along the second unit map is φ+. Composing with the first unit map gives φ‾∘ηF=φ.

3.1F1L2step 2.1

To prove uniqueness, let ψ,ψ′:aF→G satisfy ψ∘ηF=ψ′∘ηF. Fix an open set U and a section σ∈aF(U). By [F1], σ is represented locally by sections of F+, and each such local F+-section is itself locally represented by sections of F. Therefore U admits an open cover {Ui} and sections si∈F(Ui) such that σ∣Ui=ηF,Ui(si) for every i. On each Ui the hypothesis gives ψU(σ)∣Ui=ψUi(ηF,Ui(si))=ψUi′(ηF,Ui(si))=ψU′(σ)∣Ui. Since G is a sheaf, locality forces ψU(σ)=ψU′(σ). Thus ψ=ψ′.

4.1F1step 2.1step 3.1∎

Steps 2.1 and 3.1 prove that every morphism F→G factors uniquely through ηF. This is the stated adjoint universal property.

TheoremStatement: Literature-sourcedProof: AI-adaptedprecheck passjudge pass (gpt-5.6-terra)audited 2026-09-04Open item page →

Sheafification preserves stalks

Statement

Let F be a presheaf on a topological space X. For every x∈X, the sheafification map induces a bijection ηF,x:Fx→ ≅ (aF)x.

Facts & Assumptions

Given: A presheaf F on X and a point x∈X.

[F1]

Sheafification is aF=(F+)+ with unit ηF:F→aF (Sheafification of a presheaf).

[L1]

For any presheaf, the first plus construction preserves stalks (The first plus construction is separated and preserves stalks).

[F2]

Equality in a filtered-colimit stalk is eventual on a smaller neighbourhood (Two representatives in a filtered colimit of sets are equal exactly when they become equal at one common later stage).

Proof

technique · direct
1.1L1given

Apply [L1] to the presheaf F. This gives a bijection Fx→ ≅ (F+)x.

2.1L1F2step 1.1

Apply [L1] again, now to the presheaf F+. Since [L1] holds for every presheaf, it yields a bijection (F+)x→ ≅ ((F+)+)x=(aF)x. The reference to [F2] is the same eventual-equality argument used inside [L1] to prove injectivity on stalks.

3.1F1step 1.1step 2.1∎

Composing the bijections of steps 1.1 and 2.1 gives the required isomorphism Fx→ ≅ (aF)x. By [F1], this composite is exactly the map induced by ηF.

CorollaryStatement: Literature-sourcedProof: AI-adaptedprecheck passjudge pass (gpt-5.6-terra)audited 2026-09-04Open item page →

Sheafification is idempotent

Statement

For every presheaf F on a topological space X, the canonical map ηaF:aF⟶a(aF) is an isomorphism. Equivalently, sheafification is idempotent: a(aF)≅aF.

Facts & Assumptions

Given: A presheaf F on X.

[F1]

The object aF is the sheafification of F (Sheafification of a presheaf).

[L1]

Any map from a presheaf to a sheaf factors uniquely through its sheafification (Sheafification is left adjoint to the inclusion of sheaves into presheaves).

Proof

technique · direct
1.1F1L1

Since aF is already a sheaf by [F1], apply [L1] to the identity map 1aF:aF→aF. There is a unique morphism ε:a(aF)⟶aF such that ε∘ηaF=1aF.

2.1L1step 1.1

Apply [L1] again to the map ηaF:aF→a(aF), whose target is also a sheaf. The identity map on a(aF) is one factorization through ηaF. The composite ηaF∘ε is another, because step 1.1 gives (ηaF∘ε)∘ηaF=ηaF. By uniqueness in [L1], ηaF∘ε=1a(aF).

3.1step 1.1step 2.1∎

Steps 1.1 and 2.1 show that ε and ηaF are two-sided inverses. Therefore ηaF is an isomorphism, so a(aF)≅aF.

DefinitionDefinition: Literature-sourcedProof: Not applicablejudge pass (gpt-5.6-terra)audited 2026-09-04Open item page →

Subsheaves

Definition

Let G be a sheaf of sets on a topological space X.

A subsheaf of G is a sheaf H on X together with a morphism of presheaves ι:H⟶G (Morphisms of presheaves) such that for every open set U⊆X, the component ιU:H(U)⟶G(U) is injective.

Equivalently, one may identify H(U) with a subset of G(U) for every open U, with restriction maps inherited from G, and then require that these subsets define a sheaf. A subpresheaf of a sheaf need not be a subsheaf, because it may fail gluing.

LemmaStatement: Literature-sourcedProof: AI-adaptedprecheck passjudge pass (gpt-5.6-terra)audited 2026-09-04Open item page →

The image sheaf is the sheafification of the presheaf image

Statement

Let φ:F→G be a morphism of sheaves of sets on a topological space X, and let I be the presheaf image I(U):=φU(F(U))⊆G(U). Define the image sheaf J by J(U):={ t∈G(U): for every x∈U there exists x∈V⊆U and s∈F(V) with φV(s)=t∣V }. Then J is a subsheaf of G, φ factors through J, and the canonical map aI⟶J is an isomorphism. In particular, the image sheaf is the sheafification of the objectwise image presheaf.

Facts & Assumptions

Given: A morphism of sheaves φ:F→G.

[F1]

A subsheaf is a sheaf whose sections embed objectwise into the ambient sheaf (Subsheaves).

[F2]

A morphism of presheaves is a compatible family of component maps (Morphisms of presheaves).

[L1]

Maps from a presheaf to a sheaf factor uniquely through sheafification (Sheafification is left adjoint to the inclusion of sheaves into presheaves).

Proof

technique · direct
1.1F2given

The assignment U↦I(U) is a subpresheaf of G: if t=φU(s)∈I(U) and V⊆U, then t∣V=φV(s∣V)∈I(V) by [F2].

1.2F1F2given

The assignment J is a subsheaf of G. Indeed, restriction clearly preserves local representability. If sections ti∈J(Ui) on an open cover of U agree on overlaps, then because G is a sheaf they glue to a unique t∈G(U). The local witnesses for each ti also witness that t lies in J(U). Thus J is a sheaf, and [F1] makes it a subsheaf. The factorization F→J is immediate from the definition of J.

2.1L1step 1.1step 1.2

Since I maps into the sheaf J, [L1] gives a unique morphism α:aI⟶J extending the inclusion I↪J.

2.2L1step 1.2construct

Conversely, let t∈J(U). Choose an open cover U=⋃iUi and sections si∈F(Ui) with φUi(si)=t∣Ui. Then the sections φUi(si)∈I(Ui) are compatible on overlaps because they all come from t. Hence they define a section βU(t)∈aI(U) by the very construction of sheafification. These assignments are compatible with restriction, so they define a morphism β:J→aI.

3.1L1step 2.1step 2.2∎

The composites α∘β and β∘α are identities, because both are identities locally on the chosen image sections that generate J and aI, and both targets are sheaves. Therefore α is an isomorphism.

RemarkRemark: Literature-sourcedProof: Not applicablejudge pass (gpt-5.6-terra)audited 2026-09-04Open item page →

A single stalk does not determine a global section

If two sections have the same germ at one point, they only agree on some possibly tiny neighbourhood of that point. Nothing in The stalk of a presheaf at a point or Germs of sections lets one recover the values of either section away from that neighbourhood.

For example, on the sheaf of continuous real-valued functions on R, a function supported near 2 and the zero function have the same germ at 0 but are different global sections. Stalkwise arguments therefore need either all points at once or a neighbourhoodwise statement that can be glued.

5 · Examples, counterexamples and false statements

None yet.

Sources