Maps Data Sources

1. Where We Use Map Data

USPOTUS is a news and culture publication, not a mapping service — geographic data supports our stories rather than standing on its own. We reference maps and location data for things like:

2. Our Mapping Data Sources

• Google Maps Platform — used for embedded maps, venue locations, and place data where applicable.
• Official government geographic data — including U.S. Census Bureau boundaries and National Weather Service storm-track data for news and weather context.
• League and venue sources — official NFL and stadium information for game-day location details.
• OpenStreetMap contributors — used as a supplementary source for general place and route data where relevant.

3. How We Choose Between Sources

When more than one mapping source is available for a story, we prioritize:

1. Official sources — government agencies, leagues, and venues — for anything tied to a specific event or address.
2. Established mapping platforms (e.g., Google Maps) — for general location display and embedded maps.
3. Open geographic datasets — for supplementary or background context only.

4. Venue & Location Accuracy

Venue names, addresses, and locations referenced in our articles are checked against official team, league, or venue sources at the time of writing. Where a venue changes name or location, we update the reference as soon as we’re aware of the change.

5. Embedded Maps & Third-Party Widgets

Where an article includes an embedded map, that map is served directly from the third-party provider (such as Google Maps) and is subject to that provider’s own data accuracy, terms of use, and privacy practices. We do not modify the underlying map data returned by these services.

6. Update Frequency

7. Accuracy & Limitations

Mapping and location data — particularly projected storm paths or rapidly developing incident locations — can change as a situation unfolds. Map references on USPOTUS are provided for general informational and news context, not for navigation or emergency response. In an active emergency, always follow official guidance from local authorities.

8. Location Data & Your Privacy

We do not collect your precise device location to serve articles. If an embedded third-party map requests location access in your browser, that request and any resulting data collection is governed by that provider’s own privacy policy, not by USPOTUS directly. See our Privacy Policy for details on the data we collect ourselves.