1. Overview
Buteo ("the App") is an offline-first outdoor scouting and GPS mapping application developed for personal use on iPhone. This Privacy Policy explains what data the App collects, how it is stored, and your rights regarding that data.
In short: Buteo is designed as a privacy-first tool. All scouting tracks, waypoints, photos, and orientation data are stored locally in your device's private application sandbox (a local SQLite database and the device filesystem). Your data is never uploaded to our servers, sold to third parties, or used for advertising.
2. Data Collected
2.1 Precise Location Data
Buteo collects precise GPS location data in both the foreground and background. This data is used solely for core app functionality:
- Drawing your scouting route on the map (the "snail trail").
- Calculating distance, elevation, and speed metrics.
- Geotagging field observation photos with coordinates and elevation.
- Providing location-based weather forecasts.
Location data is stored entirely on your device. It is never transmitted to our servers, never sold, monetized, or shared with third parties.
2.2 Camera & Photos
Buteo accesses your camera to capture field observation photos during scouting sessions. Photos are saved locally on your device within the App's private storage. They are not uploaded, synchronized, or shared with any external service.
2.3 Device Sensors
Buteo reads the device magnetometer (compass heading) and barometer (atmospheric pressure) to provide directional navigation and weather trend indicators. This sensor data is processed locally and not transmitted externally.
3. Third-Party Services
Buteo integrates with the following third-party services for map rendering and weather data:
3.1 Mapbox
Buteo uses Mapbox to render vector and satellite map tiles. When you view the map while connected to the internet, your device sends tile requests to Mapbox servers that include your approximate viewport coordinates. No personally identifiable information (PII) — such as name, email, or device identifiers — is transmitted to Mapbox.
Mapbox's privacy policy is available at mapbox.com/legal/privacy.
3.2 Open-Meteo
Buteo retrieves weather forecasts from the Open-Meteo API using your GPS coordinates. Only latitude and longitude are sent; no device identifiers, user accounts, or PII are transmitted.
Open-Meteo's privacy policy is available at open-meteo.com/en/terms.
4. Data Sharing & Tracking
Buteo does not:
- Track you across other companies' apps or websites.
- Share your data with data brokers.
- Serve advertisements.
- Use analytics SDKs that collect device fingerprints.
- Require or offer user accounts or logins.
5. Data Retention & Deletion
All data is stored locally on your device. You can delete individual scouting sessions, photos, or imported routes at any time from within the App. Uninstalling the App removes all stored data permanently.
6. Children's Privacy
Buteo is not directed at children under the age of 13 and does not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13.
7. Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Changes will be posted on this page with an updated "Last Updated" date. We encourage you to review this page periodically.
8. Contact
If you have any questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy, please contact us at:
Email: support@buteoapp.com