Summary: Empirical Notes is designed with privacy in mind. All your data stays on your device. We do not collect, transmit, or store any personal information on external servers.
1. Introduction
Empirical Notes ("we", "our", or "the app") is a field documentation application that helps users capture photos, videos, and observations with GPS location data. This Privacy Policy explains how we handle your information.
2. Information We Collect
Empirical Notes collects and stores the following information locally on your device only:
- Photos and Videos: Images and videos you capture using the app's camera
- Location Data: GPS coordinates, altitude, and accuracy when you capture observations (with your permission)
- Voice Notes: Audio recordings you create as observation notes
- Text Notes: Written notes and template data you enter
- Device Sensor Data: Compass heading and device tilt/roll for photo orientation
3. How We Use Your Information
All collected information is used solely to:
- Display your observations and photos within the app
- Add GPS coordinates and metadata to your captured images
- Show photo locations on the map view
- Enable export and sharing of your observation data
4. Data Storage
Local Storage Only: All your data is stored exclusively on your device. We do not have servers that collect or store your information.
Your data is stored in:
- A local SQLite database on your device
- The app's private storage folder for photos, videos, and voice notes
5. Data Sharing
Empirical Notes does not automatically share your data with anyone. Data is only shared when:
- You explicitly use the Export feature to create backup files
- You use the Share function to send photos or data to other apps
- You manually transfer files from your device
6. Third-Party Services
The app uses the following third-party services:
- OpenStreetMap: For displaying maps. Map tile requests are made to OpenStreetMap servers, which may log standard web request data (IP address, request time). See OpenStreetMap Privacy Policy.
- Geocoding Services: To convert GPS coordinates to addresses. This requires sending location coordinates to geocoding servers.
7. Permissions
The app requests the following permissions:
- Camera: To capture photos and videos
- Location: To record GPS coordinates with observations
- Microphone: To record voice notes
- Storage: To save and export observation files
You can deny any permission, though some features may not work without them.
8. Data Retention
Your data remains on your device until you:
- Delete observations, projects, or photos within the app
- Clear the app's data through device settings
- Uninstall the application
9. Children's Privacy
Empirical Notes is not directed at children under 13. We do not knowingly collect information from children.
10. Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Changes will be posted on this page with an updated revision date.
11. Contact Us
If you have questions about this Privacy Policy, please contact us at:
Email: empiricalcodelabs@gmail.com