Privacy Policy
Last Updated: October 28, 2025
Effective Date: January 2025
1. Introduction
Sims Forestry ("we," "us," or "our") operates the CRUISE mobile application (the "App"). This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our App.
Your Privacy Matters: We are committed to protecting your privacy. We do not sell your data, we do not track you for advertising purposes, and we give you full control over your information.
2. Data We Collect
2.1 Information You Provide
- Account Information: Email address, name (via Firebase Authentication)
- Profile Information: User name, optional profile settings
- Cruise Data:
- Cruise name, client name, location, dates
- Tree measurements (species, DBH, height, defect)
- Plot information and measurements
- Notes and observations
- Custom field data
2.2 Automatically Collected Information
- Location Data:
⚠️ Background Location Collection: CRUISE collects location data in the background (when the app is not actively in use) to enable continuous GPS tracking during forestry field work. This allows tracking even when:
- The app is minimized while you're using other tools
- The screen is off to conserve battery
- You're using other apps (camera, notes, calculator, etc.)
- Your phone is in your pocket or backpack
Why we need this: Professional foresters require continuous breadcrumb trails and navigation during multi-hour field sessions. Background location tracking is essential for accurate field route mapping and plot navigation without requiring constant app interaction.
Your control: You can disable background location tracking at any time in:
- App Settings → GPS Settings → Background Tracking (OFF)
- Device Settings → Apps → CRUISE → Permissions → Location → "Allow only while using the app" or "Don't allow"
Additional location data we collect:
- GPS coordinates (latitude, longitude) for plot locations
- GPS accuracy measurements
- Field route tracks (if enabled)
- Location access is optional but recommended for full functionality
- Device Information:
- Device ID (for multi-device sync)
- Device type and operating system
- App version
- Photos: Field photos you capture, including EXIF metadata (if present)
- Usage Data: App usage patterns (via optional Firebase Analytics)
- Crash Reports: Automatic crash reports (via optional Firebase Crashlytics)
2.3 Data NOT Collected
We do NOT collect:
- Browsing history outside the App
- Contacts or address book
- Phone call logs or SMS messages
- Microphone recordings (except for smartwatch voice commands, processed locally)
- Financial or payment information (handled by Apple/Google)
3. Background Location Tracking
Important Notice: CRUISE requests permission to access your device's location even when the app is not actively in use. This section explains why we need this permission and how your location data is used.
3.1 Why We Need Background Location Access
CRUISE is a professional field data collection tool designed for forestry work in remote outdoor environments. Background location access enables critical functionality that makes fieldwork efficient and reliable:
- Continuous GPS Tracking: Record accurate GPS tracks as you move between plot locations, even when your phone screen is off or you switch to other apps
- Auto-Save Plot Locations: Automatically capture precise GPS coordinates when you record measurements, ensuring data accuracy without requiring constant interaction
- Navigation While Working: Continue receiving navigation guidance to plot locations while you're taking notes, capturing photos, or using other field tools
- Battery-Efficient Field Routes: Record your field route with minimal battery drain by using efficient background location updates rather than keeping the screen on continuously
- Smartwatch Integration: Allow your smartwatch to receive location-based alerts and navigation updates while your phone is in your pocket or backpack
3.2 When Background Location is Used
Background location tracking occurs in the following scenarios:
- During Active Cruises: When you have started a cruise session and are collecting field data
- When App is Minimized: If you switch to your camera, calculator, or other apps while in the field, CRUISE continues tracking your position
- When Screen is Off: Your phone screen can be off to save battery while CRUISE continues recording your field route
- With GPS Tracks Enabled: Only when you have explicitly enabled GPS track recording in the cruise settings
3.3 When Background Location is NOT Used
We respect your privacy and battery life. Background location is NOT used when:
- You have not granted background location permission (app will still function with reduced features)
- No active cruise is in progress
- GPS track recording is disabled in settings
- You have explicitly ended your cruise session
- The app has been force-closed or the device has been restarted
3.4 Your Control Over Location Tracking
You have complete control over location access:
- Permission Control: Grant or revoke background location permission at any time in your device Settings → Apps → CRUISE → Permissions
- In-App Toggle: Enable or disable GPS track recording for each individual cruise
- Manual Mode: Choose to manually record GPS points only when you tap, without any background tracking
- Clear Data Anytime: Delete any recorded GPS tracks or location data from within the app
3.5 Location Data Privacy & Security
- No Third-Party Sharing: Your location data is NEVER shared with advertisers, data brokers, or third parties
- Local-First Storage: Location data is stored primarily on your device
- Optional Cloud Sync: Location data only syncs to Firebase if you enable cloud backup (encrypted in transit and at rest)
- Your Data Only: Location data is only visible to you and team members you explicitly share cruise data with
- No Tracking When Idle: We do not track your location when you're not actively using the app for forestry work
3.6 Battery Impact & Optimization
Background location tracking is optimized for field use:
- Uses GPS efficiently with adjustable update intervals (default: every 30 seconds)
- Automatically pauses when you remain stationary for extended periods
- You can configure update frequency based on your accuracy needs vs. battery life
- Estimated battery impact: ~5-10% per hour during active field use
4. How We Use Your Data
4.1 Primary Uses
- Field Data Collection: Store and manage your forestry cruise data
- GPS Navigation: Navigate to plot locations with bearing and distance
- Cloud Sync: Synchronize data across your devices (optional)
- Reports & Exports: Generate PDF reports and export data in various formats
- Volume Calculations: Calculate timber volumes using standard log rules
4.2 Secondary Uses
- Service Improvement: Analyze usage patterns to improve the App (opt-in)
- Customer Support: Respond to your support requests
- Error Debugging: Identify and fix bugs (via Crashlytics, opt-in)
- Security: Detect and prevent fraudulent or unauthorized access
4.3 Legal Basis (GDPR)
We process your data based on:
- Contract: To provide the App services you've subscribed to
- Consent: For optional features like analytics and crash reporting
- Legitimate Interests: To improve our services and ensure security
5. Data Storage & Security
5.1 Where Your Data is Stored
- On Your Device:
- SQLite database (encrypted via platform security)
- Secure credential storage (flutter_secure_storage)
- Photos in app-specific directories
- In the Cloud (Optional):
- Firebase Cloud Firestore (Google Cloud, US region)
- Firebase Cloud Storage (photos, max 10MB per image)
- Organized under your unique User ID for isolation
5.2 Security Measures
- Encryption: Data encrypted in transit (TLS/SSL) and at rest
- Authentication: Firebase Authentication with industry-standard security
- Access Control:
- You can only access your own data
- Team members can only access shared team cruises
- Enforced via Firebase Security Rules
- Secure Credentials: Passwords are never stored in plaintext
- Regular Updates: We maintain security patches and updates
5.3 Data Retention
- Active Accounts: Data retained as long as your account is active
- Deleted Data: Soft-deleted data retained for 30 days (recoverable)
- Account Deletion: All data permanently deleted within 90 days of account closure
- Backups: Cloud backups retained for 30 days for disaster recovery
6. Data Sharing
6.1 When We Share Your Data
- Team Collaboration:
- If you create or join a team, cruise data you share with that team is accessible to all team members
- Team owners control team membership
- Organizations:
- If you join an organization, data shared with that organization is accessible to org members
- Organization admins control membership
- Service Providers:
6.2 We Do NOT Share Your Data With
- Advertisers or marketing companies
- Data brokers or analytics vendors
- Social media platforms
- Any third party for their own purposes
6.3 Legal Disclosures
We may disclose your information if required by law, court order, or government regulation, or to:
- Comply with legal process
- Protect our rights and property
- Prevent fraud or illegal activity
- Protect user safety
7. Your Rights
7.1 Access & Control
- View Your Data: Access all your cruise data within the App
- Export Your Data:
- CSV (tree data)
- GeoJSON (map data)
- Shapefile (GIS format)
- KML (Google Earth)
- PDF reports
- Complete cruise packages
- Edit Your Data: Modify or update any field data at any time
- Delete Your Data:
- Delete individual cruises, plots, or trees
- Soft-deleted data recoverable for 30 days
- Permanently delete by contacting support
7.2 Privacy Controls
- Disable Cloud Sync: Use the App entirely offline
- Disable Analytics: Opt out of Firebase Analytics (Settings → Privacy)
- Disable Crash Reports: Opt out of Crashlytics (Settings → Privacy)
- Location Permissions: Revoke location access at any time (device settings)
7.3 Account Deletion
You can request deletion of your account and all associated data at any time:
Web-based deletion: Visit our Account Deletion Page
Deletion process:
- Sign in with your CRUISE credentials or request a deletion link via email
- Confirm your deletion request
- Your account will be scheduled for deletion in 30 days
- You'll receive a recovery link in case you change your mind
- After 30 days, all data is permanently deleted
What gets deleted:
- All your personal cruise data (plots, trees, measurements, photos)
- Your login credentials and account
What does NOT get deleted:
- Team cruises (ownership transfers to another team member)
- You are simply removed from team collaborations
For questions about data deletion, contact: contact@simsforestry.com
7.4 GDPR Rights (EU Users)
If you are in the European Union, you have additional rights:
- Right to Access: Request a copy of all your personal data
- Right to Rectification: Correct inaccurate data
- Right to Erasure: Request deletion of your data ("right to be forgotten")
- Right to Restriction: Limit how we process your data
- Right to Data Portability: Receive your data in machine-readable format
- Right to Object: Object to processing based on legitimate interests
- Right to Withdraw Consent: Withdraw consent for optional features
To exercise these rights, contact us at contact@simsforestry.com
8. Firebase Services
CRUISE uses Google Firebase for cloud infrastructure. Here's what Firebase services we use and how:
8.1 Firebase Services Used
- Firebase Authentication: Secure user login (email/password, Google Sign-In)
- Cloud Firestore: NoSQL database for cloud data sync (optional)
- Cloud Storage: Photo and document storage (optional)
- Firebase Crashlytics: Crash reporting for debugging (opt-in)
- Firebase Analytics: Usage analytics (opt-in)
8.2 Firebase Data Processing
- Firebase servers located in: United States (us-central1)
- Firebase complies with GDPR, CCPA, and other privacy regulations
- Google's privacy practices: Google Privacy Policy
- Firebase-specific privacy: Firebase Privacy
8.3 Opting Out of Firebase
You can use CRUISE without Firebase services:
- Offline Mode: All core features work without cloud sync
- Disable Analytics: Settings → Privacy → Analytics (OFF)
- Disable Crashlytics: Settings → Privacy → Crash Reporting (OFF)
9. Children's Privacy
CRUISE is not intended for children under 13 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you are a parent or guardian and believe your child has provided us with personal information, please contact us at contact@simsforestry.com and we will delete that information.
10. 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
- Updating the "Last Updated" date at the top of this Privacy Policy
- Sending you an in-app notification for material changes
- Sending you an email notification (if you have provided your email address)
You are advised to review this Privacy Policy periodically for any changes. Changes to this Privacy Policy are effective when they are posted on this page.
