Docs | Dark Money Map

Use this documentation to understand the records on the map, check how figures are calculated and verify what you find against the original filings.

Reference

Look up record types, data sources, file formats and release coverage.

Record typesDefinitions, sources and coverage for each record type on the map.
Connection typesDefinitions for each connection type, including direction, dates, amounts and limitations.
GlossaryDefinitions of terms used in the map and documentation.
Data sourcesPublic data sources, the records they provide and their update schedules.
Data filesDownloadable datasets, field definitions and file verification.
Current data releaseCoverage, update dates and known issues in the current published dataset.

Methodology

Understand how records are matched, totals are calculated and estimates are limited.

MethodThe sources, matching rules and counting methods behind the map, including the limits of bill-level lobbying estimates.
How totals are countedHow campaign receipts, independent spending and lobbying payments are calculated and kept separate.
Record matchingHow filings are linked to the same person, organization, committee or measure.
Patterns to checkRules that flag patterns for further research, with their limitations and possible explanations.
Known limitationsCoverage gaps, inclusion thresholds and limits on interpreting connections.
Why figures differ from CAL-ACCESSWhy map totals may differ from CAL-ACCESS, Power Search or published reporting.

Guides and help

Check a figure, cite a source or report an error.

Check a figure against the filingVerify an amount or position against its original public filing.
Cite a sourceCite the original filing and include a link to the map and your access date.
Frequently asked questionsAnswers to common questions about the map, records and figures.
Report an errorSubmit a correction to a record, figure, match or documentation page.

The map contains 42,417 records and 153,425 connections. See Current data release for coverage and update dates, or Method for the sources, calculations and limits behind the figures.