Privacy policy

TerraSense ("TerraSense", "we", "us", or "our") provides TerraField (the "App"), a mesh networking and sensor management application that is part of the TerraSense platform and allows users to communicate with and manage Meshtastic-compatible devices. This Privacy Policy explains what information we collect through TerraField, how we use it, and the choices you have. By using TerraField you agree to the practices described below.

1. Information We Collect

We collect only the information necessary to operate the App and provide its features:

• Account information: When you create an account we collect your email address and a securely hashed password. We do not store your password in plain text.
• Device & node telemetry and messages: The App connects to your Meshtastic-compatible devices and may process node information, channel configuration, signal metrics, and the contents of messages you send or receive. End to end encrypted message contents remain encrypted on our infrastructure where applicable.
• Location information: The App accesses, collects, and uses approximate and precise location data (including GPS coordinates) from your device and from your connected Meshtastic-compatible mesh nodes. Location data is used to display your device and mesh nodes on the map, to share your position with mesh channel members you choose, to associate sensor readings with a geographic location, and to enable positioning features within the App. Location access may occur while the App is in use (foreground) and, where you have granted the corresponding permission, in the background to continue reporting node position to your selected mesh channels. Location data is transmitted to the TerraSense backend for storage and synchronization across your devices, and may be shared with other participants of any mesh channel you choose to broadcast your position to. You can disable location access at any time in your device's system settings; disabling location will limit map, positioning, and location-based sensor features.
• Crash logs & diagnostic analytics: We collect anonymized diagnostic information such as crash reports, error logs, app version, and basic device model / operating system data so we can fix bugs and improve reliability.

2. How We Use Your Information

• To create and authenticate your account.
• To operate core functionality: routing messages, managing channels, displaying nodes on the map, and configuring devices.
• To diagnose crashes, fix bugs, and improve the quality and stability of the App.
• To communicate with you about your account (for example, verification emails or password reset requests).
• To comply with legal obligations.

3. Legal Basis for Processing

Where the GDPR or similar regulations apply, we process your personal data under one or more of the following legal bases: performance of a contract with you (providing the App), legitimate interest (improving reliability, preventing abuse), compliance with legal obligations, and your consent (for example, when you grant location permission).

4. How We Share Information

We do not sell your personal information. We share data only in the following limited circumstances:

• Service providers: Trusted third parties that host our infrastructure, send transactional email, or provide crash reporting. These providers are contractually required to protect your data.
• Other mesh participants: Messages and position data you choose to send through a mesh channel are visible to other participants of that channel by design.
• Legal requests: When required by law, court order, or to protect the rights, safety, or property of TerraSense, our users, or the public.
• Business transfers: If TerraSense is involved in a merger, acquisition, or asset sale, your information may be transferred as part of that transaction.

5. Permissions Used on Android

• Location (ACCESS_FINE_LOCATION, ACCESS_COARSE_LOCATION, and where granted ACCESS_BACKGROUND_LOCATION): used to obtain approximate and precise device location in order to show your device and connected mesh nodes on the map, share your position with mesh channel members you select, tag sensor readings with a geographic location, and (when background location is granted) continue reporting position to your selected channels while the App is in the background. Location is not used for advertising and is not sold to third parties.
• Bluetooth / Nearby devices: used to discover and connect to Meshtastic-compatible hardware.
• Internet / Network: used to communicate with the TerraSense backend and sync data.
• Notifications: used to alert you of incoming messages and important device events.

You can grant or revoke any of these permissions at any time from your Android system settings. Some features may not work correctly without the relevant permission.

6. Location Data

Because location is a sensitive permission, we describe how TerraField handles it in detail here:

• What we access: approximate and precise location (GPS coordinates) from your Android device and position data reported by connected Meshtastic-compatible mesh nodes.
• Why we access it: to display your device and mesh nodes on the in-app map, to share your position with mesh channel members you choose, to associate sensor readings with a geographic location, and to provide the App's mesh networking and positioning features.
• When we access it: while you are using the App (foreground), and, only if you separately grant background location permission, while the App is in the background so it can continue reporting your position to mesh channels you have opted into.
• How we use it: to render maps and node positions, to broadcast position updates to mesh channels you select, to tag sensor and telemetry data so you can review it geographically, and for diagnostics related to positioning features.
• Who we share it with: the TerraSense backend (operated on our behalf by trusted infrastructure providers) for storage and synchronization across your devices, and the other participants of any mesh channel you choose to broadcast your position to. We do not sell location data, share it with data brokers, or use it for advertising.
• How long we keep it: location data associated with your account and devices is retained for as long as your account is active. You can request deletion of your account and associated location data at any time by contacting us at the email address below.
• Your control: you can grant or revoke foreground and background location permissions at any time from your Android system settings. Disabling location will limit map, positioning, and location-based features but will not otherwise prevent you from using the App.

7. Data Retention

We retain your account information for as long as your account is active. Diagnostic and crash log data is retained for a limited period (typically up to 90 days) and then deleted or anonymized. You can request deletion of your account and associated personal data at any time by contacting us at the address below.

8. Security

We use industry-standard safeguards to protect your information, including encryption in transit (HTTPS / TLS), hashed passwords, and access controls on our backend systems. No method of transmission or storage is 100% secure, but we work to protect your information using reasonable administrative, technical, and physical measures.

9. Children's Privacy

TerraField is not directed to children under 13 (or the equivalent minimum age in your jurisdiction). We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you believe a child has provided us with personal information, please contact us so we can delete it.

10. Your Rights

Depending on your jurisdiction (for example under GDPR or CCPA), you may have the right to:

• Access the personal data we hold about you.
• Request correction of inaccurate data.
• Request deletion of your data.
• Object to or restrict certain types of processing.
• Withdraw consent at any time where consent is the basis.
• Lodge a complaint with your local data protection authority.

To exercise any of these rights, email us at the address below.

11. International Transfers

Your information may be processed and stored in countries other than your own. Where required, we use appropriate safeguards (such as standard contractual clauses) to ensure your data receives an adequate level of protection.

12. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. When we make material changes, we will update the "Last updated" date at the top of this page and, where appropriate, notify you through the App or by email. Your continued use of the App after the changes take effect constitutes acceptance of the revised policy.

13. Contact Us

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy or our handling of your data, please contact us at:

jono@terrasense.org