Gold Spotter

Gold Spotter ("we", "our", "the app") is a mobile application for gold prospectors to mark prospecting spots, record sample locations, and track finds. This Privacy Policy explains how Gold Spotter collects, uses, and protects your information.

Information We Collect

Data You Create in the App

Gold Spotter stores prospecting data you create, including:

• Spot locations (GPS coordinates, names, notes)
• Sample records (GPS coordinates, depth, soil types, processing notes)
• Find records (type, weight, estimated value)
• Photos you take or select from your gallery

All of this data is stored locally on your device in an SQLite database. It is not transmitted to our servers because we do not operate any servers.

Location Data

The app uses your device's GPS to record the location of your prospecting spots and samples. Location data is:

• Stored only on your device
• Never transmitted to us or any third party automatically
• Only shared externally if you choose to use the Google Drive backup feature

Google Account Information (Optional)

If you choose to use the Google Drive backup feature, the app requests access to your Google account to:

• Authenticate via Google Sign-In (your email address is stored locally)
• Create and manage backup files in your personal Google Drive

The app requests only the most limited Google Drive scope, meaning it can only access files it created — not your other Drive files.

Metal Price Data

The app fetches current gold, silver, and platinum prices from MetalpriceAPI (metalpriceapi.com). These requests are anonymous and do not include any personal information.

Reverse Geocoding

When you save a spot, the app may send the GPS coordinates to OpenStreetMap's Nominatim service to look up a human-readable location name (e.g., "Placer County, CA"). No personal information is included in this request.

Information We Do NOT Collect

• We do not collect analytics or usage data
• We do not use advertising networks or ad tracking
• We do not collect crash reports or diagnostics
• We do not create user accounts or profiles
• We do not track your behavior within the app
• We do not sell, share, or rent your data to third parties

In-App Purchases

Gold Spotter offers a Pro upgrade via Google Play's billing system. Purchase transactions are handled entirely by Google Play. We do not receive or store your payment information.

Data Storage and Security

• All app data is stored locally on your device, protected by Android's application sandboxing
• Google Drive backups are encrypted in transit (HTTPS) and stored in your personal Google Drive account, subject to Google's security practices
• We do not have access to your data at any time

Data Deletion

You can delete your data at any time by:

• Deleting individual spots, samples, finds, or photos within the app
• Uninstalling the app (removes all local data)
• Deleting backup files from your Google Drive manually
• Signing out of Google Drive backup in the app settings

Third-Party Services

The app interacts with these third-party services:

Each third-party service is subject to its own privacy policy.

Children's Privacy

Gold Spotter is not directed at children under 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children.

Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Changes will be reflected by updating the "Last Updated" date below. Continued use of the app after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

Contact Us

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

Email: support@gold-spotter.com

Summary

Gold Spotter is designed as a privacy-first, offline-first application. Your prospecting data stays on your device unless you explicitly choose to back it up to your own Google Drive. We do not operate servers, collect analytics, or share your data with anyone.

Last Updated: January 28, 2025