GridDown Disclaimer

Last updated: June 2026 · BlackAtlas LLC

These terms apply to GridDown Maps by BlackAtlas LLC. GridDown Maps is proprietary, paid software licensed per seat — not open source. For other BlackAtlas products, see the site-wide legal pages.

Important Safety Notice

PLEASE READ THIS DISCLAIMER CAREFULLY BEFORE USING GRIDDOWN.

GridDown is designed as a supplementary planning and navigation tool. It is intended to enhance your preparedness capabilities, not replace professional training, equipment, or emergency services.

General Disclaimer

Not a Substitute for Professional Services

GridDown is NOT a substitute for:

• Professional search and rescue (SAR) services
• Official emergency response systems (911, 112, etc.)
• Licensed medical professionals and emergency medical services
• Certified navigation equipment (GPS receivers, aviation instruments)
• Professional weather forecasting services
• Proper wilderness survival training
• Licensed radio operators (where required)

Supplementary Tool Only

GridDown should be used as one tool among many in your preparedness toolkit. Always:

• Carry redundant navigation methods (paper maps, compass, backup GPS)
• Inform others of your plans before venturing into remote areas
• Carry appropriate emergency communication devices
• Obtain proper training for wilderness activities
• Check official weather forecasts from authoritative sources
• Follow local regulations and obtain required permits

Navigation & Position Disclaimer

GPS and Location Accuracy

• GPS positions displayed in GridDown are provided by your device's GPS receiver
• Accuracy varies based on satellite visibility, terrain, and device quality
• Do not rely solely on GPS - it can fail due to battery depletion, signal obstruction, or device malfunction
• Urban canyons, dense forest, and mountainous terrain can degrade GPS accuracy
• Always carry paper maps and a magnetic compass as backup

Offline Maps

• Offline map tiles are cached copies that may become outdated
• Trail conditions, road closures, and land use can change after maps are downloaded
• Verify current conditions through official sources before travel
• Some map layers may have incomplete coverage in certain regions

Celestial Navigation

• Celestial navigation features are educational aids and require proper training
• Accuracy depends on correct time, observer skill, and atmospheric conditions
• Do not rely on celestial navigation without formal training
• Always maintain backup navigation methods

Dead Reckoning / Inertial Navigation

• Smartphone sensor-based navigation accumulates errors over time
• Accuracy degrades significantly over distances greater than 1-2 km
• Use only as a temporary measure when other navigation is unavailable
• Recalibrate frequently when GPS becomes available

Emergency Features Disclaimer

SOS and Emergency Functions

• GridDown's SOS features are informational aids only
• They do NOT automatically contact emergency services
• They do NOT replace certified emergency beacons (PLB, EPIRB, ELT)
• Signal mirror calculators and visual signal guides require practice to use effectively
• Always carry and know how to use proper emergency signaling equipment

SARSAT Beacon Receiver

• The SARSAT monitoring feature is for situational awareness only
• It is NOT an official search and rescue system
• Detected beacons should be reported to official authorities (Coast Guard, AFRCC)
• Never rely on GridDown to receive or relay distress signals
• Reception depends on hardware, antenna, and propagation conditions

Medical Reference

• Medical protocols in GridDown are general educational information
• They are NOT a substitute for professional medical advice
• Treatment decisions should be made by qualified medical personnel
• Medication information may be incomplete or outdated
• In medical emergencies, contact professional emergency medical services immediately

Communication Disclaimer

Radio Features

• GridDown provides frequency references and communication planning tools
• Users are responsible for complying with all applicable radio regulations
• Amateur radio operation requires appropriate licensing
• GMRS requires an FCC license (in the United States)
• Some frequencies may be restricted in certain jurisdictions
• Transmitting without proper authorization is illegal

Meshtastic and APRS

APRS® is a registered trademark of Bob Bruninga, WB4APR (SK).

• These features require compatible hardware
• Range and reliability depend on network coverage and terrain
• Do not rely on mesh networks as your only means of emergency communication
• Network availability is not guaranteed

Environmental Data Disclaimer

Weather Information

• Weather data is obtained from third-party APIs and may not reflect current conditions
• Forecasts are predictions and may be inaccurate
• Mountain, coastal, and desert weather can change rapidly and unpredictably
• Always check official weather services before outdoor activities
• GridDown weather data should never be the sole basis for safety decisions

Air Quality Data

• AQI data is provided by EPA AirNow and partner agencies
• Data is preliminary and subject to change
• Sensor coverage varies by location
• Indoor air quality may differ from outdoor readings
• Consult local health authorities for air quality advisories

Radiation Monitoring

• RadiaCode integration provides readings from user-owned hardware
• Readings are for informational purposes only
• Do not use GridDown for official radiation safety assessments
• Proper radiation safety requires professional equipment and training
• Consult qualified health physics professionals for radiation concerns

Hardware Integration Disclaimer

External Device Connections

• GridDown connects to external hardware via Bluetooth and Serial protocols
• Compatibility is not guaranteed with all device models or firmware versions
• Hardware malfunctions are outside the control of GridDown
• Always verify critical readings with backup methods
• Battery-powered devices may fail without warning

AtlasRF Integration

• RF detection capabilities depend on external SDR hardware
• Detection range and reliability vary with equipment and conditions
• Do not rely on GridDown for aviation safety or collision avoidance
• ADS-B and AIS coverage may be incomplete
• Emergency squawk detection is supplementary, not authoritative

Data and Privacy Disclaimer

Data Accuracy

• Third-party data (maps, weather, elevation) may contain errors
• Database information may be incomplete or outdated
• User-entered data is only as accurate as the information provided
• Always verify critical information through official sources

Data Loss

• Data stored in browser storage can be lost due to:
• Browser cache clearing
• Device failure or reset
• Software updates
• Storage quota limits
• Regularly export important data (waypoints, routes, plans)
• GridDown is not responsible for data loss

Limitation of Liability

No Warranty

GRIDDOWN IS PROVIDED "AS IS" WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, AND NONINFRINGEMENT.

Limitation of Damages

TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, BLACKATLAS LLC AND ITS CONTRIBUTORS SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY:

• Direct, indirect, incidental, or consequential damages
• Personal injury or death
• Property damage or loss
• Lost profits or data
• Business interruption

ARISING FROM OR RELATED TO:

• Use or inability to use GridDown
• Reliance on information provided by GridDown
• Hardware or software failures
• Third-party data inaccuracies
• User error or misuse

Assumption of Risk

By using GridDown, you acknowledge that:

• Outdoor activities involve inherent risks
• You assume full responsibility for your safety
• You will not hold BlackAtlas LLC liable for any adverse outcomes
• You have read and understood this disclaimer

Indemnification

You agree to indemnify and hold harmless BlackAtlas LLC, its officers, directors, employees, agents, and contributors from any claims, damages, losses, or expenses arising from:

• Your use of GridDown
• Your violation of these terms
• Your violation of any third-party rights
• Your violation of any applicable laws or regulations

Regulatory Compliance

User Responsibility

Users are solely responsible for:

• Obtaining required licenses (amateur radio, GMRS, etc.)
• Complying with local, state, federal, and international regulations
• Obtaining permits for access to restricted areas
• Following aviation, maritime, and land management rules
• Adhering to frequency allocation and power limits

Jurisdictional Variations

Laws and regulations vary by jurisdiction. What is legal in one location may be prohibited in another. Research and comply with all applicable regulations in your area.

Changes to This Disclaimer

BlackAtlas LLC reserves the right to modify this disclaimer at any time. Continued use of GridDown after changes constitutes acceptance of the modified terms.

Acknowledgment

BY USING GRIDDOWN, YOU ACKNOWLEDGE THAT YOU HAVE READ, UNDERSTOOD, AND AGREE TO BE BOUND BY THIS DISCLAIMER.

If you do not agree with these terms, do not use GridDown.

Emergency Contacts

In a genuine emergency, contact official emergency services:

Satellite Emergency Services:

• COSPAS-SARSAT (406 MHz beacons): Monitored globally
• Garmin inReach: Contact Garmin IERCC
• SPOT: Contact GEOS Alliance

© 2025–2026 BlackAtlas LLC. All Rights Reserved.

GridDown Maps is proprietary software supplied with BlackAtlas hardware (not open source). See LICENSE for details.