Privacy Policy

Effective date: October 19, 2026

This policy explains what information the Longway Maps app and website collect, why, and the choices you have. We collect only what we need to run the app.

Location

With your permission, the app uses your device's location to show your position on the map, plan routes, and give turn-by-turn directions. While you are navigating, the app may keep using your location when it is in the background or your screen is off, so directions continue. You can change location permission at any time in your device settings.

The app keeps your last known position on your device (rounded to about 100 meters, and replaced or deleted after 24 hours) so the map opens near you. When you search for a place, plan a route, or view the weather, the relevant coordinates are sent to our servers to answer that request.

Your account

If you sign in, we use your email address to send you a sign-in link and to identify your account. Sign-in is handled by Firebase Authentication (Google).

Data stored in your account

If you are signed in, information you choose to save, such as routes, is stored with your account in Google Cloud Firestore so it is available on your devices. Some preferences and recent items are stored only on your device.

Service providers

We use these providers to run the app. They receive only what they need to do their job:

• Google Firebase (Authentication, Cloud Firestore, Cloud Functions, Hosting): accounts, saved data, and our servers.
• GraphHopper: route calculation. Receives the start, stops, and destination of a route.
• Geoapify and Mapbox: place search and place names. Receive your search text and nearby coordinates.
• WeatherAPI.com: current weather. Receives the coordinates you ask about.
• Map tile servers (OpenFreeMap, the U.S. Geological Survey National Map, and Iowa State University's Iowa Environmental Mesonet): map images. Like any website, these servers see your IP address and which map area is loading.

Requests to search, routing, and weather providers go through our servers, so those providers do not receive your account details.

What we do not do

• We do not sell your personal information.
• We do not show ads or use advertising trackers.
• This website uses no analytics or tracking scripts.

How long we keep data

We keep your account and the data you save until you delete it or ask us to delete your account. Information stored only on your device stays there until you clear it or remove the app.

Deleting your data

To delete your account and the data stored with it, email support at longwaymaps dot com from the address you signed in with. We will confirm when it is done.

Children

Longway Maps is not directed to children under 13, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from them. If you believe a child has given us information, contact us and we will delete it.

Changes to this policy

If we change this policy, we will post the new version on this page and update the effective date. For significant changes we will also let you know in the app.

Contact

Questions about privacy? Email support at longwaymaps dot com.