Methodology

The global index imports named beach entities from GeoNames and OpenStreetMap, preserves canonical source IDs, and resolves likely duplicates using normalized names plus geographic proximity. Deep records use reviewed source notes and do not carry numerical beach scores. Dynamic conditions appear only when a current provider record exists. Unknown is a valid data state: a field a record leaves blank has no verified source behind it yet, and it is never filled with a plausible default.

Publication tiers

Tier 1

Deep profile with photography, structured attributes and multiple source paths.

Tier 2

Comprehensive core record with clear gaps and expansion priority.

Tier 3

Strong verified profile, published when it stands alone.

Tier 4

Verified core entity retained internally and kept out of the index when thin.

Data states

Verified authoritative · verified secondary · estimated/calculated · stale · conflicting · unknown. Only supported states appear as current facts.