Privacy Policy

Last updated: June 3, 2026

Overview

GARN TOPO is a topographic mapping application. We are committed to protecting your privacy. This policy explains what data the app collects, how it is used, and your rights.

Data Collection

GARN TOPO does not collect, transmit, or store any personal data on external servers. Specifically:

• No analytics or telemetry are collected.
• No personal information is sent to any server.
• No accounts or sign-ups are required to use the app.
• No cookies are used for tracking purposes.

Local Data Storage

All app data — including map objects, settings, gear lists, and team rosters — is stored locally on your device using browser storage (IndexedDB / localForage). Map tiles viewed are cached locally using the Cache API for improved performance.

Network Requests

The app makes network requests to third-party tile servers to load map imagery. These requests are standard HTTP tile fetches and do not include any personal or identifying information. Tile servers accessed include:

• OpenStreetMap (tile.openstreetmap.org)
• OpenTopoMap (tile.opentopomap.org)
• OpenFreeMap — vector basemaps (tiles.openfreemap.org)
• VersaTiles — vector basemaps (tiles.versatiles.org)
• Esri ArcGIS (server.arcgisonline.com)
• CartoDB (basemaps.cartocdn.com)
• Wikimedia Labs — Hillshade (tiles.wmflabs.org)
• OpenSnowMap (tiles.opensnowmap.org)
• BLM GIS (gis.blm.gov)
• USFS (apps.fs.usda.gov)
• Mapterhorn DEM (tiles.mapterhorn.com)
• Nominatim Geocoding (nominatim.openstreetmap.org)
• NWS Weather (forecast.weather.gov)

GPS / Location Data

If you grant location permission, the app accesses your device's GPS to display your position on the map, record tracks, and provide navigation features. Location is accessed only while the app is in use (foreground) — the app does not access your location in the background. Location data is stored only on your device and is never transmitted to any server. Before the system location prompt is shown, the app displays a disclosure explaining this use.

Microphone

If you grant microphone permission, the app can record short voice messages (up to 60 seconds) for use in the Team Sync chat feature. The microphone is requested only at the moment you start recording a voice note. Voice messages are transmitted directly to other connected team members in the same session via the active sync transport (P2P, LAN, or Reticulum mesh). They are not sent to any server operated by us, not stored on external systems, and are not retained after the session ends.

Photos

You can attach a photo to a map waypoint. Photos are chosen through your device's standard file / photo picker (which may offer your camera) — the app itself does not request camera permission and never accesses the camera directly. Attached photos are stored locally on your device within the app's data storage. They are never uploaded to any server or shared externally without your explicit export action.

Team Sync and Peer Location Sharing

When you join a Team Sync session, your device's GPS coordinates are shared directly with other connected team members in that session. This data travels peer-to-peer (via WebRTC, LAN WebSocket, or Reticulum mesh) and does not pass through any server operated by us. Team Sync is opt-in — you must explicitly start a session and share a session code or QR code with others to connect. No location data is retained after the session ends.

Third-Party Services

The app does not integrate with any third-party analytics, advertising, or social media services.

Children's Privacy

GARN TOPO does not knowingly collect any data from children under 13.

Changes to This Policy

We may update this privacy policy from time to time. Changes will be reflected on this page with an updated date.

Contact

If you have questions about this privacy policy, contact us at grangedevgroup@gmail.com.