SmaxGPT Legal

Last Updated: October 7 2025

SmaxGPT is a conversational tool that provides access to technical seismic hazard information for locations in Canada. It is part of the Part 9 Bracing initiative to improve public understanding of building-code provisions. This policy explains how information is handled when you interact with SmaxGPT through ChatGPT or related interfaces.

1. How SmaxGPT Works

When you enter an address, city, or coordinates, SmaxGPT sends that query to a hosted endpoint (operated on Vercel) to retrieve data from:

• Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) – Seismic Hazard Program API

• Google Maps Platform or OpenStreetMap (Nominatim) – for coordinate lookup

These services return public hazard data, which is summarized and presented to you within ChatGPT.

2. Information Collected and Processed

SmaxGPT does not permanently store, sell, or share any personal information.
During normal use:

• The address or coordinates you supply are transmitted temporarily to the Vercel endpoint and the external services above.

• Vercel may log limited technical metadata (e.g., IP address, timestamp, request size) for security and uptime monitoring.

• OpenAI (ChatGPT) processes your conversation, messages, and results in accordance with OpenAI’s Privacy Policy. The developer of SmaxGPT does not have access to your ChatGPT account data or history.

• NRCan, Google Maps, and OpenStreetMap may record query details or IP addresses per their own privacy policies.
  
  

3. Cookies and Tracking

SmaxGPT itself does not use cookies or analytics. Any cookies present belong to the platforms that host it (OpenAI ChatGPT, Vercel, Google Maps, OpenStreetMap).

4. User Responsibility

• Do not include personal or sensitive information in your prompts.

• Use generic location identifiers (e.g., civic address or coordinates) only for technical evaluation.

• If you prefer not to share address data, you may consult NRCan’s public seismic-hazard map directly at If you prefer not to use the online lookup service, you may determine seismic design values directly through the NRCan public website: https://www.seismescanada.rncan.gc.ca/hazard-alea/interpolat/nbc2020-cnb2020-en.php 

5. Data Retention

No user queries or results are stored by the developer. Vercel’s automatic system logs are typically deleted within 30 days.

6. Contact

Questions or concerns may be directed to:
info@part9bracing.ca

7. Attribution

This tool uses data and services provided by:

• © Natural Resources Canada — Seismic Hazard Program

• © Google Maps Platform (where applicable)

• © OpenStreetMap contributors

• © OpenAI — ChatGPT platform

Last Updated: October 7 2025

Please read these Terms carefully before using SmaxGPT. By accessing or using this tool, you agree to these Terms.

1. Purpose

SmaxGPT is provided for informational and educational purposes only.
It is intended to assist users in understanding seismic design concepts in the context of the National Building Code of Canada (NBCC 2020) and the BC Building Code 2024 (Appendix Part 9).

2. No Professional Advice

Results generated by SmaxGPT are not engineering or design advice and do not replace professional judgment, code analysis, or site-specific investigation. Always consult a qualified professional for regulatory compliance or structural design.

3. Accuracy of Information

Seismic-hazard values originate from NRCan’s Seismic Hazard API and may change as datasets are updated. The developer does not guarantee accuracy, completeness, or availability. Use at your own discretion.

4. User Conduct

You agree not to:

• Submit personal, confidential, or unlawful content;
  
  

• Attempt to misuse or overload the service;
  
  

• Circumvent access controls or alter returned data.
  
  

5. Liability

SmaxGPT and its developer provide this tool “as is” without warranties of any kind.
The developer, Part 9 Bracing, and affiliated contributors are not liable for any direct or indirect losses arising from use of this tool or reliance on its outputs.

6. Third-Party Services

SmaxGPT relies on third-party providers (OpenAI, Vercel, NRCan, Google Maps, OpenStreetMap). Each service operates under its own terms and privacy policies. The developer has no control over their operation or uptime.

7. Modifications and Termination

The developer may modify or discontinue the service at any time without notice.
Updated Terms will be posted at https://part9bracing.ca/legal/smaxgpt-terms.

8. Governing Law

These Terms are governed by the laws of British Columbia, Canada, and applicable federal law.

9. Contact

For questions about these Terms, email info@part9bracing.ca