Effective date: 2025-09-22

PathTrace is a GPS tracking app that lets you record your routes, view them on a map, and review distance and duration statistics. This Privacy Policy explains what information the app accesses, how it is used, and your choices.

Summary

• The app accesses your device’s precise location (including in the background when you enable tracking).
• Your recorded routes are stored locally on your device; the app does not upload your location data to our servers.
• Map tiles are requested from third‑party servers (e.g., OpenStreetMap), which receive your IP address and standard request data.
• You can start/stop tracking at any time, revoke permissions, and delete your data from within the app.

Information We Access

Location Data (Foreground and Background)

• Types: Precise GPS and network location, including when the app is in the background while tracking is active.
• Purposes:
  • Show your live position on the map.
  • Record your route, compute distance and duration, and display statistics.
  • Support pause/resume and crash‑recovery of ongoing tracks.
• Storage: Location points and track summaries are saved in a local database on your device. They are not transmitted to our servers.
• Sharing: We do not sell or share your location data with third parties. However, when map tiles are loaded, the tile provider (e.g., OpenStreetMap) receives your IP address and the tile request necessary to display the map.
• Control: You can deny or revoke location permissions at any time in your device settings. You can stop tracking from within the app. Background location is only used while tracking is active and you have granted the corresponding permission.
• Retention: Your location data remains on your device until you delete tracks (via the app), clear app data, or uninstall the app. You can also export and import tracks at your discretion.

Device and Diagnostic Data

• The app may generate local logs for troubleshooting (e.g., error messages). These logs are not automatically sent to any server by the app.
• The app does not include built‑in analytics or advertising SDKs.

Files and Storage Access

• If you choose to export or import tracks, the app will request access to read from or write to your selected files/locations. The app does not access unrelated files.

How We Use Information

• Provide core features: live location display, route recording, distance and duration calculations.
• Show status notifications required for continuous background tracking (e.g., “Tracking in progress”).
• Improve reliability (e.g., resume after interruptions) using information stored locally.

Third‑Party Services

• Map tiles: The app loads map tiles from third‑party servers such as OpenStreetMap (tile.openstreetmap.org). These services may log your IP address and standard request data. For details, see the provider’s policies (e.g., https://osmfoundation.org/wiki/Privacy_Policy or https://operations.osmfoundation.org/policies/tiles/).
• The app does not send your recorded tracks or precise location history to these services; only the map tile requests are made.

Permissions We Request

• Location (Precise/Approximate; While Using the App; and Background): Needed to show your location and record routes, including while the app is not in the foreground (if enabled).
• Notifications: To display tracking status and controls when tracking is active.
• Foreground Service / Ignore Battery Optimizations (Android): To keep tracking reliable during long activities. These settings do not give the app access to additional personal data.
• Internet: To download map tiles and show maps.
• File/Storage (if applicable): To export/import your tracks at your request.

Data Storage and Retention

• All recorded tracks and points are stored locally on your device.
• You can delete individual tracks from the app or clear all data in Settings.
• Uninstalling the app removes locally stored data.

Your Choices and Rights

• Permissions: Grant, deny, or revoke permissions at any time in system settings.
• Start/Stop: Control tracking at any time from within the app.
• Access/Export: Use the export feature to create copies of your routes.
• Delete: Remove single tracks or clear all data from the app.
• Depending on your location (e.g., EEA/UK/California), you may have additional privacy rights under local laws. To exercise such rights, contact us as described below.

Children’s Privacy

PathTrace is not directed to children under the age where parental consent is required in your jurisdiction. If you believe a child has used the app to record personal data, please delete the data from the device or contact us so we can assist.

Data Security

We implement reasonable technical measures within the app to protect locally stored data. However, no method of storage or transmission is 100% secure. You control exports and transfers of your data.

Changes to This Policy

We may update this policy to reflect changes in the app or legal requirements. We will post the updated date at the top of this document. Continued use of the app after changes indicates acceptance of the updated policy.

Contact Us

If you have questions or requests about privacy, please contact us at: saman.sr@gmail.com