Privacy Policy - GroundSense

Last updated: September 2, 2025

1. Introduction

This Privacy Policy describes how GroundSense ("the App"), developed by Raeston ("we," "us," or "our"), collects, uses, and protects your information when you use our mobile application. We are committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring transparency about our data practices.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Location Information

• What We Collect: When you grant permission, the App accesses your device's location services to determine your current geographic coordinates.
• How We Use It: Location data is used solely to:
  • Provide location-based ground condition monitoring
  • Position you accurately on the interactive ground sensor map
  • Provide relevant local environmental information
• Important: Your location data is never stored, cached, logged, or transmitted to external servers.

2.2 Device Information

• What We Collect: Basic device information necessary for app functionality, including:
  • iOS version for compatibility checking
  • Device type for optimized display
  • App usage data for performance optimization
• How We Use It: This information helps ensure the App works properly on your device and enables us to provide the best user experience.

2.3 Information We Do NOT Collect

We do not collect, store, or process:

• Personal identification information (name, email, phone number)
• Precise location history or location tracking
• User behavior analytics or usage patterns
• Social media information or contacts
• Photos, videos, or other media files
• Financial information or payment details (handled by Apple)

3. Data Sources

3.1 Third-Party Data

The App displays ground condition information sourced exclusively from public APIs:

• Environmental Monitoring Services: Real-time ground and environmental data
• Weather Services: Weather condition data affecting ground conditions
• Public Sensor Networks: Ground monitoring and sensor data

3.2 Public Domain Data

All ground condition data displayed in the App is sourced from publicly available government and environmental APIs and is in the public domain.

4. How We Use Your Information

4.1 Core Functionality

• Provide ground condition monitoring at your current location
• Display your position on the interactive ground sensor map
• Provide location-relevant environmental information
• Optimize map display for your geographic region

4.2 App Improvement

• Ensure compatibility across different iOS devices
• Optimize performance and user experience
• Debug technical issues and improve reliability

4.3 We Do NOT Use Your Information For

• Advertising or marketing purposes
• Selling or sharing with third parties
• Creating user profiles or analytics
• Location tracking or monitoring
• Any purpose other than core app functionality

5. Data Sharing and Disclosure

5.1 No Third-Party Sharing

We do not sell, trade, rent, or share your personal information with third parties for commercial purposes.

5.2 Service Providers

We do not use third-party service providers for analytics, advertising, or data processing.

5.3 Legal Requirements

We may disclose information if required by law or to protect our rights, but given that we collect minimal data, such instances would be extremely limited.

6. Data Security

6.1 Technical Measures

• All location processing happens locally on your device
• No sensitive data is transmitted over networks
• The App uses secure APIs for environmental data retrieval
• Regular security updates through App Store releases

6.2 Data Minimization

We follow the principle of data minimization by collecting only the information necessary for core app functionality.

7. Your Rights and Choices

7.1 Location Permissions

• You can revoke location permissions at any time through iOS Settings → Privacy & Security → Location Services
• The App will continue to function with limited features if location access is denied
• No location data is retained when permissions are revoked

7.2 Data Access

Since we don't store personal data, there is no personal information to access, modify, or delete.

7.3 Account Deletion

The App doesn't create user accounts, so no account deletion process is necessary.

8. Children's Privacy

GroundSense does not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. The App is designed for general audiences interested in environmental monitoring and contains no inappropriate content for children.

9. International Data Transfers

Since location data is processed locally on your device and not transmitted to external servers, no international data transfers occur.

10. Subscription and Payment Information

10.1 Payment Processing

• All subscription payments are processed directly by Apple through the App Store
• We do not have access to your payment information or financial details
• Apple's privacy policy governs all payment-related data handling

10.2 Subscription Data

• Subscription status is managed through Apple's systems
• We only receive anonymous subscription validation from Apple when necessary for app functionality

11. Third-Party Services

11.1 Apple Services

The App integrates with Apple services including:

• App Store for purchases and subscriptions
• Core Location for location services
• MapKit for map display

These services are governed by Apple's Privacy Policy.

11.2 Environmental APIs

Ground condition data is retrieved from public environmental APIs. No personal information is sent to these servers.

12. Data Retention

12.1 Location Data

Location information is not stored or retained. It is used only for immediate calculations and then discarded.

12.2 App Data

The App may cache environmental data locally for performance, but this contains no personal information and is automatically cleaned up by iOS.

13. Changes to This Privacy Policy

13.1 Updates

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Changes will be posted within the App and will be effective immediately upon posting.

13.2 Notification

Significant changes will be highlighted within the App. Your continued use of the App after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated Privacy Policy.

14. Contact Information

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or our privacy practices, please contact us:

15. Compliance

This Privacy Policy is designed to comply with:

• Apple App Store Review Guidelines
• iOS privacy requirements
• General privacy best practices
• Canadian privacy laws (PIPEDA)

16. Transparency

We believe in complete transparency about our data practices:

• We collect only the minimum data necessary for app functionality
• We don't track, analyze, or profile users
• Your privacy and security are our top priorities
• The App is designed with privacy-by-design principles