We know from local publishing partners how important it is to publish content that fulfills a need for local readers. One such need is to get instant information about natural hazards in the local area. With automated texts about wildfires and earthquakes, local newsrooms can service readers with fast and reliable updates, and at the same time allow reporters to focus on covering live developments on the ground.
United Robots develops new automated content products based on requests from our publisher partners, which is how our latest product — Earthquake warnings — came about this summer. The client commented: “I think an earthquake bot is a compelling idea. It has clear utility for both readers and reporters, especially when it comes to fast, accurate information during urgent breaking situations.”
The earthquake data is collected through an API provided by the USGS and we check for new data and updates every minute. The content is delivered as a single article, with updates when available. It includes all the relevant and vital information from the USGS, including magnitude, depth, location proximity and direction, as well as time it occurred.
We also include links to the USGS Did You Feel It form, and the USGS event page for each quake. Information about recent quakes nearby and interlinking to corresponding articles is also included, when available. We always deliver the articles with an image showing the USGS epicenter map.
Our publisher partner the Sacramento Bee now has an earthquake page populated with automated content, do check it out — or have a look at our showcase site. More info about the Earthquake product here.
Our wildfire texts use the latest available data from InciWeb, NIFC and Cal Fire (or other local fire sources outside California) to describe the fire, the position and size, as well as include details from the public information officers at the fire regarding the current status, evacuation warnings, planned actions and the outlook for the coming days. When available, links to evacuation maps and live camera feeds are included. The texts are automatically updated with new information.
The Modesto Bee adds immediacy with automatically updated wildfire articles on its Fire page. Check out how this content reads on our showcase site. More about the Wildfire product here.
If you want to learn more about how automated content could support your local journalism and business, please get in touch with cecilia.campbell@unitedrobots.se.
