Privacy Policy

Last Updated: January 5, 2026

Introduction

Hawaii Ocean Map ("we", "our", or "the app") is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we handle your information when you use our iOS or Android application.

Information We Collect

Hawaii Ocean Map is designed with privacy in mind. We collect minimal information:

• Location Data: The app may request access to your device location to display your position on the map and to record GPS tracks when you choose to do so. During active track recording, the app may access your location in the background. Location data is processed locally on your device and is not transmitted to our servers.
• User-Created Content: Placemarks, GPS tracks, measurements, and other data you create are stored locally on your device. This data is not transmitted to our servers unless you explicitly choose to export it.
• Map Tiles: When you download map tiles, requests are made to our content delivery network. We may collect standard server logs (IP address, timestamp, tile requested) for debugging and performance monitoring purposes.

How We Use Your Information

• Location data is used solely to display your position on the map within the app
• Server logs are used to maintain and improve the reliability of our tile delivery service
• We do not sell, rent, or share your personal information with third parties
• We do not use your information for advertising or marketing purposes

Data Storage and Security

• All user-created content (placemarks, GPS tracks, measurements) is stored locally on your device
• Map tiles are cached locally on your device for offline use
• Data is protected by your device's security features and passcode/biometric authentication

iCloud Sync - iOS (Optional)

Hawaii Ocean Map offers optional iCloud synchronization for your placemarks and GPS tracks. This feature is entirely optional and can be enabled or disabled at any time in the app's Settings.

What data is stored in iCloud:

• Your saved placemarks (locations, names, categories, notes, and depth measurements)
• Your recorded GPS tracks (route coordinates, timestamps, duration, and distance)
• This data is stored in your personal iCloud account and is not accessible to us or other users
• Map tiles are NOT stored in iCloud - they remain local to each device

How iCloud Sync works:

• When enabled, your placemarks and tracks are automatically backed up to your iCloud account
• Placemarks and tracks sync across all your devices signed in with the same Apple ID
• You maintain full control and can disable sync at any time from Settings
• When you disable sync, your local placemarks remain on your device

Privacy and Security:

• Your iCloud data is protected by Apple's security and encryption
• We do not have access to your iCloud data
• Only you can access your synced placemarks through devices signed in to your Apple ID
• For more information about iCloud security and privacy, please see Apple's iCloud Security Overview

Your Control:

• iCloud Sync can be enabled or disabled at any time in Settings
• You can delete synced data by deleting placemarks in the app or by managing iCloud storage in your iOS Settings
• Deleting the app will remove local data; iCloud data can be managed through iOS Settings → [Your Name] → iCloud → Manage Storage

Google Cloud Sync - Android (Optional)

The Android version of Hawaii Ocean Map offers optional cloud synchronization for your placemarks and GPS tracks using Google Sign-In and Firebase. This feature is entirely optional and can be enabled or disabled at any time in the app's Settings.

What data is stored in Google Cloud:

• Your saved placemarks (locations, names, categories, notes, and depth measurements)
• Your recorded GPS tracks (route coordinates, timestamps, duration, and distance)
• This data is stored in Firebase Firestore under your Google account and is not accessible to other users
• Map tiles are NOT stored in the cloud - they remain local to each device

How Google Cloud Sync works:

• Sign in with your Google account to enable sync
• Your placemarks and tracks sync across all your Android devices signed in with the same Google account
• You maintain full control and can sign out or disable sync at any time from Settings
• When you sign out, your local placemarks and tracks remain on your device

Privacy and Security:

• Your cloud data is protected by Google's security and encryption
• We do not have access to your Google account credentials
• Only you can access your synced placemarks through devices signed in with your Google account
• For more information about Firebase security and privacy, please see Firebase Privacy and Security

Your Control:

• Google Cloud Sync can be enabled or disabled at any time in Settings
• You can delete synced data by deleting placemarks in the app
• Deleting the app will remove local data

Third-Party Services

Hawaii Ocean Map uses the following third-party services:

• Apple MapKit (iOS): For base map display on iOS. Subject to Apple's Privacy Policy
• Mapbox (Android): For base map display on Android. Subject to Mapbox Privacy Policy
• Firebase (Android): For optional cloud sync on Android. Subject to Firebase Privacy Policy
• NOAA CUDEM Data: Publicly available bathymetry data. No personal information is shared with NOAA

Children's Privacy

Hawaii Ocean Map does not knowingly collect any personal information from children under the age of 13. The app is designed for general audiences and does not contain features specifically targeting children.

Your Rights

You have the right to:

• Access your locally stored data at any time through the app
• Delete your data by deleting the app from your device
• Deny location permissions (the app will still function, but cannot show your position)
• Export your placemarks and measurements in standard formats (GeoJSON, CSV)
• Export your GPS tracks in GPX format

Data Retention

All user data is stored locally on your device and remains there until you delete it or uninstall the app. We do not retain any user data on our servers except for standard server logs, which are retained for 30 days for debugging purposes.

Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any changes by posting the new Privacy Policy on this page and updating the "Last Updated" date. You are advised to review this Privacy Policy periodically for any changes.

Contact Us

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

Email: support@hawaiiocean.app

California Privacy Rights

California residents have additional rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA). Since we do not collect or sell personal information, most CCPA provisions do not apply. However, you have the right to request information about any personal information we may have collected.

European Users (GDPR)

If you are located in the European Economic Area (EEA), you have certain rights under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Since we do not collect personal information or process data outside your device, GDPR requirements related to data processing and transfer do not apply. However, you maintain full control over your data on your device.

Consent

By using Hawaii Ocean Map, you consent to this Privacy Policy.

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER: NOT FOR NAVIGATION

This app uses NOAA CUDEM bathymetry data intended for scientific modeling, not navigation.

IMPORTANT: Depths shown may differ significantly from nautical charts, especially at low tide, due to different vertical references (datum). You may encounter shallower water than displayed.

Always use official NOAA nautical charts for navigation—they are the authoritative source and updated more frequently for hazards. This app is for informational and recreational purposes only.

Additional Legal Information:

• NOAA bathymetry data is in the public domain.
• This app is not affiliated with NOAA.
• The developer assumes no liability for any damages or injuries resulting from use of this application.