Before you begin
Implementation of Google Public Alerts is a collaborative effort that includes the partner project manager and lead developers working together with the Google Public Alerts team. Regular communication and sharing of sample data are key to getting the project started and moving it along. From time to time, we may request that you provide us with data samples. These samples do not need to be in CAP format in the early stages of development. Give us your data as is and we'll start from there.
We encourage you to reach out to the Google team with any questions or feedback you may have throughout the implementation and after we launch your data to the public. Feel free to contact us at google-public-alerts@google.com.
Resources
CAP documentation
Google Public Alerts uses data in the Common Alerting Protocol (CAP) format. The following documents provide a comprehensive guide to implementing standard CAP alerts:
- Common Alerting Protocol is the official OASIS CAP 1.2 specification.
- Example Practices: CAP Elements is an additional OASIS document that gives guidance on how to fill in the CAP elements.
- Example Practices: CAP Feeds gives guidance on delivering CAP alerts in a feed.
Watch this lightning talk to learn more about how to enhance your CAP feed to increase the reach of your emergency alerts on Google Search.
Google CAP requirements
Rather than requiring users to sign up for particular feeds, we aim to provide relevant alerts based on location and intent. To make this possible, we've developed additional CAP requirements.
Please refer to these sections in the Reference guide:
- Google Public Alerts CAP v1.0 lists differences between the CAP standard and Google CAP. Note that Google does not alter the standard in any way, but does require some elements that are optional in the standard.
- Google CAP Requirements provide additional requirements for creating effective alerts with Google. These do not alter the standard in any way. Their purpose is to ensure that ingestion and distribution are rapid and accurate across all products and locations.
Implementation steps
Implementation timelines are variable, and depend on existing data formats and number of alert types. Google will work with you through each phase.
Follow these steps to implement and maintain your CAP data alerts:
Format your data with Common Alerting Protocol (CAP).
Secure your data and send Google your alerts feed.
Google tests while you publish CAP data privately.
Launch and maintain Google Public Alerts.