Privacy Policy for GPS Marker

Last Updated: January 4, 2026

We take your privacy seriously. The GPS Marker app is designed with a priority on maximum data localization. We do not collect, store, or transmit any personal information, identifiers, or user activity data to our servers. All critical data remains exclusively on your mobile device.

1. Application Overview

GPS Marker is a specialized tool for locating remote radio beacons (RC models) using Mapsforge offline maps, Bluetooth connectivity, and RTTY decoding.

2. Permissions and Data Usage

To provide its core features, the Application requires certain system permissions. We use them as follows:

2.1 Location Access

Purpose: The Application requires access to your device's location to display your position on the map, calculate the distance/direction to the radio beacon, and provide continuous voice navigation.

Usage: Your location is processed locally in real-time. We do not store or track your location on our servers.

Background Mode: Background location access is used only during an active search session (using the FOREGROUND_SERVICE_LOCATION service) to provide continuous voice guidance when the screen is off or you are using another application.

2.2 Microphone Access

Purpose: Required specifically for the RTTY decoding mode (converting an audio signal into coordinates).

Usage: The audio signal is processed locally. Audio is not recorded, saved, or transmitted. Processing occurs locally in real-time only during the active RTTY decoding function. This function can be disabled in the Application settings.

Background Mode: Background microphone access (using the FOREGROUND_SERVICE_MICROPHONE service) allows RTTY decoding to continue even if you switch to another application during the search.

2.3 Bluetooth and Nearby Devices

Purpose: Used to connect and communicate with the radio beacon hardware (tBeacon Base Station).

Usage: The Application maintains a persistent Bluetooth connection (using the FOREGROUND_SERVICE_CONNECTED_DEVICE service) to ensure that telemetry packets are not lost.

Local Storage: The Application may locally store the name and MAC address of one connected device to facilitate automatic reconnection. This data is never shared with third parties.

2.4 Files and Storage

Purpose: Necessary for the user to select and load offline maps in Mapsforge format (.map), as well as to save local telemetry logs.

Usage: We use the System File Picker. We only access the specific directory or file selected by the user. We do not index, collect, or upload any files from your device.

3. Third-Party Services and Data Transfer

We use a limited number of trusted third-party services:

Firebase Crashlytics (Google): We use this service to collect anonymous crash reports and improve application stability. It collects anonymous technical data (device model, crash logs) that does not personally identify you and does not include names or location data, solely for diagnostic purposes.

Google Maps (External Navigation):

o Location data is shared with Google Maps (or other installed navigation software) only if you explicitly and manually press the navigation button to export coordinates and generate a route.

o When you choose to view a location in Google Maps, their own Privacy Policy applies to that interaction.

4. Use of Foreground Services

To ensure reliable tracking and navigation even when the app is in the background, GPS Marker utilizes Android foreground services. A persistent notification is displayed to the user while these services are active. They are necessary for:

FOREGROUND_SERVICE_LOCATION: Continuous location updates for voice navigation.

FOREGROUND_SERVICE_CONNECTED_DEVICE: Maintaining a stable Bluetooth connection.

FOREGROUND_SERVICE_MICROPHONE: Continuous RTTY decoding.

These services only run after the user explicitly starts a search session and can be stopped at any time. Additionally, the user can configure a "service lifetime" during inactivity in the Application settings to conserve battery power.

5. Security, Data Storage, and Deletion

Security: All data processing occurs locally on your device, minimizing the risk of unauthorized access. The security of your data is maintained by the built-in security features of the Android operating system and your own device management.

Local Storage: All telemetry logs, map caches, and data are stored strictly within your device's local storage.

Deletion: Since the application does not have an account system, all data is automatically and permanently deleted when the application is uninstalled. You can also manually clear the application cache in the system settings. Users may request the deletion of any data related to technical support (e.g., email) by sending a request to admin@tbeacon.org.ua

6. Children s Privacy

GPS Marker is intended for users aged 16 and older. The Application does not contain content appealing to children, and we do not knowingly collect any data from individuals under the age of 16.

7. No Advertising or Monetization

The Application contains no advertising, in-app purchases, or data monetization schemes. It is a utility tool provided on an "as is" basis.

8. Changes to this Policy

We reserve the right to update this policy at any time. Changes become effective immediately upon the publication of the updated text within the Application or on our official website.

9. Contact Information

If you have any questions regarding this Privacy Policy, please contact us at:

Email: admin@tbeacon.org.ua