Privacy Policy
Last updated: May 4, 2026
Overview
Heading Compass ("we", "our", or "the app") is a compass-based motorcycle navigation application with ride recording capabilities. We are committed to protecting your privacy. This policy explains what data we collect, how we use it, and your rights regarding that data.
Data We Collect
Heading Compass collects and stores the following data locally on your device:
- Location Data: Your GPS coordinates, heading, speed, and altitude are collected when using navigation features or recording rides.
- Ride Data: Track points (coordinates, timestamps, speed, altitude) are stored when you record a ride.
- Favorites: Saved locations you mark as favorites (home, work, or custom locations).
- Flags: Location markers you create (scenic spots, fuel stations, hazards, rest areas).
- Settings: Your preferences including units (metric/imperial), haptic feedback settings, theme preference, and screen awake settings.
How We Use Your Data
All data collected by Heading Compass is used solely to provide the app's core functionality:
- Providing real-time navigation guidance to your destination
- Recording and displaying your ride history
- Calculating distance, speed, and ride statistics
- Storing your favorite locations and flags for quick access
- Exporting ride data in GPX or JSON format (Pro feature)
Data Storage
All your data is stored locally on your device. Heading Compass does not upload your location data, ride history, or personal information to any external servers. Your data remains on your device and under your control.
Data is persisted using your device's local storage (AsyncStorage) and will remain available across app sessions until you choose to delete it.
Background Location
Heading Compass requires background location access to continue navigation and ride recording when the app is not in the foreground. This allows you to:
- Continue recording your ride while using other apps
- Maintain navigation guidance with the screen off
- Recover interrupted rides if the app restarts
Background location is collected continuously during an active ride or navigation session. It is collected in the foreground while the app is open, and in the background when the screen is off or another app is in use. Collection stops when you end or pause a ride. Location data is stored locally on your device and is never transmitted to our servers.
Third-Party Services
Heading Compass uses the following third-party services:
- Map Tiles: Map data is loaded from third-party map tile providers to display the map view. These requests may include your approximate location to load relevant tiles.
- Photon Geocoding: When searching for destinations or reverse geocoding locations, requests are sent to the Photon geocoding service. These requests contain location coordinates or search queries.
- Apple App Store / Google Play Store: For processing Pro tier purchases. Purchase transactions are handled entirely by Apple or Google's payment systems.
In-App Purchases
Heading Compass offers a Pro tier as a lifetime purchase. Purchase transactions are processed by Apple (App Store) or Google (Play Store). We do not have access to your payment information. Purchase status is stored locally to unlock Pro features.
Data Sharing
We do not sell, trade, or share your personal data with third parties. Your ride data, location history, and favorites remain private and stored only on your device.
Data Retention
All data is stored locally on your device and is retained indefinitely until you choose to delete it. There are no automatic deletion schedules. Because no data is stored on external servers, there are no server-side retention periods — your data exists only on your device.
Data Deletion
You can delete your data at any time directly within the app:
- Individual rides: Open the Rides screen, swipe left on a ride, and tap Delete.
- Favorites or flags: Open the item and use the delete option in the detail view.
- All app data: Go to Settings → scroll to the bottom → tap "Delete All Data".
- Complete removal: Uninstalling the app from your device removes all locally stored data permanently.
If you have questions about deleting your data, contact us at info@freekvanderhorst.com.
Your Rights
You have full control over your data:
- Access: View all your stored rides, favorites, and flags within the app.
- Export: Export your ride data as GPX or JSON files (Pro feature).
- Delete: Delete individual rides, favorites, or flags at any time (see Data Deletion above).
- Complete Deletion: Uninstalling the app removes all locally stored data.
Children's Privacy
Heading Compass is not intended for use by children under 16. We do not knowingly collect data from children.
Changes to This Policy
We may update this privacy policy from time to time. Any changes will be reflected on this page with an updated revision date.
Contact
If you have questions about this privacy policy or your data, please contact us at: