Privacy Policy for SQM Toolbox

Effective Date: 10 October 2025
App Name: SQM Toolbox
Developer: GerSpatial

Overview

SQM Toolbox for macOS is a scientific application designed for astronomical data collection and sky quality measurements. This privacy policy explains how we handle your information when you use our application.

Information We Collect

Data You Provide

- **Location Data**: Observatory coordinates (latitude, longitude, altitude) for astronomical calculations

- **SQM Device Settings**: Configuration for Sky Quality Meters (SQM-LE, SQM-LU, SQM-LR) including calibration parameters

- **Measurement Data**: Light pollution measurements and associated metadata

- **User Preferences**: App settings, graph configurations, and display preferences

- **Export Metadata**: When creating SkyGlow format files, metadata including:

- Instrument identification

- Data supplier information

- Observatory characteristics

- Measurement parameters

Automatically Generated Data

- **Astronomical Calculations**: Sun and moon positions, twilight times computed locally on your device

- **Space Weather Data**: F10.7 solar flux and Kp geomagnetic indices retrieved from public sources

- **Milky Way Brightness**: Calculated using astronomical models

- **Airglow Estimates**: Computed using empirical models and space weather data

How We Use Your Information

Local Processing

- All measurement processing and astronomical calculations occur locally on your Mac

- Your data is stored in local files and macOS user preferences

- No personal data is transmitted to our servers for app functionality

Data Export and Sharing

When you choose to export data:

- **SkyGlow Format Files**: May include location and measurement metadata you've configured

- **Third-Party Services**: You may optionally upload data to scientific databases:

- Globe at Night (NSF's NOIRLab)

- Light Pollution Map

- Unihedron Database

**Important**: Uploads to external services are entirely optional and initiated only by your explicit action.

Data Storage

Local Storage

- All app data is stored locally on your Mac using macOS standard storage locations

- Preferences are stored in macOS User Defaults

- CSV files and exports are saved to locations you specify

- No cloud synchronization occurs unless you manually place files in cloud storage folders

External Services (Optional)

If you choose to upload data to external scientific databases:

- Each service has its own privacy policy and data handling practices

- You control what data is shared through API keys and upload settings

- We recommend reviewing the privacy policies of any external services you choose to use

Network Activity

The app may access the internet for:

- **Space Weather Data**: Retrieving F10.7 and Kp indices from public government sources (NOAA, ESA)

- **Optional Data Uploads**: When you explicitly choose to share data with scientific databases

- **No Analytics**: We do not collect usage analytics or telemetry data

Data synchronisation with SQM Mobile (iOS)

- You choose to synchronise data with SQM Mobile running on iOS 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

Data Security

- All processing occurs locally on your device

- Network connections use HTTPS when accessing external data sources

- API keys for external services are stored securely in macOS Keychain where possible

- No personal data is transmitted without your explicit consent

Data Retention

- Local data persists until you delete it or uninstall the app

- Exported files remain under your control

- Data uploaded to external services is subject to those services' retention policies

Your Rights and Controls

You have complete control over your data:

- **View**: Access all stored preferences through the app's settings

- **Modify**: Change or update any stored information

- **Delete**: Remove measurement data, reset preferences, or uninstall the app

- **Export**: Create standard format files for your data

- **Choose Sharing**: Decide whether and where to upload data

Children's Privacy

SQM Toolbox is designed for scientific and educational use. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. The app focuses on astronomical measurements and does not require personal information for its core functionality.

Changes to This Policy

We may update this privacy policy as the app evolves. Significant changes will be communicated through app updates or our website.

Contact Information

For privacy-related questions or concerns about SQM Toolbox, please contact us through:

- Our website support channels

- The contact information provided in the Mac App Store listing

Third-Party Services

Space Weather Data Sources

- **NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center**: For solar flux and geomagnetic indices

- **GFZ (Helmholtz Centre for Geosciences)**: Historical geomagnetic indices

- These are public scientific data sources with their own terms of use

Optional Data Sharing Services, for data upload

- **Globe at Night**: Managed by NSF's NOIRLab for citizen science

- **Light Pollution Map**: Community-driven light pollution monitoring

- **Unihedron Database**: Manufacturer's data collection service

Each external service has its own privacy policy and terms of service.

Data Minimisation

SQM Toolbox follows data minimization principles:

- We only process data necessary for astronomical calculations and measurements

- Location data is used solely for sun/moon calculations and timezone determination

- No unnecessary personal information is collected or stored

- Optional features can be disabled if you prefer not to use them

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This privacy policy reflects our commitment to protecting your privacy while enabling valuable scientific research and astronomy applications.

Contact

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

info@gerspatial.com