Privacy Policy for SQM Mobile (iOS)

Effective date: 10 October 2025

App Name: SQM Toolbox

Developer: GerSpatial

Overview

SQM Mobile for iOS is a companion application to SQM Toolbox (macOS), for astronomical sky quality measurements. This privacy policy explains how we handle your information when you use our mobile application.

Information We Collect

Location Data

- **GPS Coordinates**: When you grant location permission, we use your device's location services to:

- Determine your observation site coordinates

- Calculate accurate sun and moon positions

- Provide timezone-appropriate astronomical calculations

- **Location Usage**: Location data is processed locally on your device and is not transmitted to external servers

- Location data are embedded in the measurement records uploaded to your CloudKit container in your iCloud account

- **Permission Control**: You can deny location access and manually enter coordinates instead

Data You Provide

- **Manual Coordinates**: Observatory location if you choose not to use GPS

- **Sky Quality measurements**: manually entered measurements from a handheld SQM device

- **Observation Notes**: Any notes or comments you add to measurements

Automatically Generated Data

- **Astronomical Calculations**: Sun/moon positions, twilight times and Moon/Milky Way brightness, computed on your device

How We Use Your Information

Core Functionality

- **Astronomical Calculations**: Location data enables accurate astronomical calculations for your specific position

- **Measurement Context**: Coordinates provide context for sky quality readings

- **Data Visualization**: Location determines appropriate timezone and twilight information for graphs

Local Processing Only

- All calculations occur on your iOS device

- No measurement data or location information are transmitted to our servers

- Data remain under your complete control

Data Storage

Local Storage

- All data is stored locally on your iOS device using standard iOS storage mechanisms

- Preferences stored in iOS UserDefaults

- Measurement data saved in app-specific storage areas

- Data remain on your device until you delete the app or manually remove data

Data synchronisation with SQM ToolBox (macOS)

- SQM Mobile synchronises data with SQM Toolbox running on macOS via CloudKit.

- This requires both the macOS and iOS devices are signed in to the same iCloud account

- Data synchronisation takes place automatically using Apple's secure CloudKit system

- Data flow is unidirectional: iOS -> CloudKit -> macOS

Backup Behaviour

- Data may be included in iOS device backups (iCloud or iTunes) according to your device settings

- This follows standard iOS backup behaviour and is controlled by your iOS privacy settings

Network Activity

The app may connect to the internet for:

- **CloudKit Synchronisation**: Transmission of data to your iCloud account

- **No Personal Data Transmission**: Your location, measurements, or personal information are never sent over the network

- **No Analytics**: We do not collect usage statistics or crash reports

Permissions

Location Services

- **Purpose**: Used only for astronomical calculations and measurement context

- **Optional**: You can use the app without location services by entering coordinates manually

Data Security

- All processing occurs locally on your iOS device

- No personal data is transmitted over the internet

- Data security follows iOS standard practices

Your Rights and Controls

You maintain complete control:

- **Location Permission**: Grant or revoke location access in iOS Settings

- **Data Viewing**: All stored data is accessible through the app interface

- **Data Deletion**: Remove measurements or reset settings at any time

- **App Removal**: Uninstalling the app removes all associated data

Children's Privacy

SQM Mobile is designed for educational and scientific use. The app:

- Does not require personal information beyond optional location data

- Does not collect or transmit personal data

- Focuses on astronomical measurements and calculations

- Is appropriate for educational use when supervised

iOS Privacy Features

SQM Mobile supports iOS privacy features:

- **App Privacy Report**: You can verify our network usage claims in iOS Settings

- **Location Services**: Granular control over when location is accessed

- **Background App Refresh**: Location calculations only when app is active (unless specifically enabled)

Data Sharing

No Data Sharing

- We do not share, sell, or transmit your personal data

- Measurement data remains on your device and in your iCloud account

- Location information is used only for local calculations

Third-Party Services

No Third-Party Analytics

- We do not use third-party analytics services

- No tracking SDKs or advertising frameworks are included

- The app operates independently without external data collection

Data Minimisation

SQM Mobile follows privacy best practices:

- **Minimal Data**: Only essential data for app functionality is processed

- **Local Processing**: All personal data remains on your device

- **No Tracking**: No user behavior tracking or profiling

- **Purposeful**: Each data use serves a specific astronomical calculation need

OS Platform Integration

The app integrates respectfully with iOS:

- **Standard Permissions**: Uses only standard iOS permission models

- **Privacy Indicators**: Respects iOS privacy indicators and notifications

- **App Privacy Labels**: Accurate privacy nutrition labels in the App Store

- **Background Processing**: Minimal background activity, primarily for ongoing measurements

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This privacy policy reflects our commitment to user privacy while providing valuable astronomical functionality on iOS devices.

Contact

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the developer at:

info@gerspatial.com