Public map vs private groups

Spotlert has two parking maps, and a report belongs to exactly one of them.

The public map

• Seen by signed-in Spotlert users looking at that area. No group needed.
• Reports show your public name, or “Spotlert driver” if you choose to stay anonymous.
• Sharing or updating a spot needs a verified email and your location near it.
• Spots go from fresh to Possibly still open, then disappear automatically.
• There is no Ask to hold.

Private groups

• Seen only by the group’s approved members. Group reports never appear on the public map.
• Reports stay inside the parking area an admin drew for the group.
• Members can ask the reporter to hold a spot.
• Admins manage membership and settings, including whether open reports expire.

Household vehicles are a third, separate thing: where your household’s shared car is parked, seen only by your household and never on either map.