Privacy Policy
for Spotter Tools Pro
Last updated: April 27, 2026
Developer: DGWayne (Dustin Garner)
Contact: dustin@dustingarner.com
Overview
Spotter Tools Pro ("the App") is a storm spotting tool designed for certified storm spotters. This privacy policy explains what data the App collects, how it is used, and your choices regarding that data.
Data We Collect
Location Data
The App collects your GPS location (latitude, longitude, altitude, speed, and heading) when you activate the beacon feature. Location data is collected in the foreground and background while the beacon is active.
Purpose: Your location is transmitted to Spotter Network (spotternetwork.org) so that the National Weather Service and other spotters can see your position during severe weather events. This is the core function of the App.
You control this: The beacon must be manually started. You can stop it at any time. When the beacon is off, no location data is collected or transmitted.
Spotter Network Credentials
The App stores your Spotter Network application ID locally on your device using encrypted storage. This credential is used solely to authenticate your position uploads and storm reports with Spotter Network.
Storm Reports
When you submit a storm report (tornado, hail, wind, etc.), the report details — including type, description, location, time, and optional photos — are transmitted to Spotter Network. Reports are also stored locally on your device for your records.
Device Information
The App accesses basic device manufacturer information solely to provide device-specific battery optimization instructions. This data is not transmitted or stored.
Data We Do NOT Collect
- We do not collect your name, email address, phone number, or any personal contact information.
- We do not create user accounts or profiles on our servers.
- We do not use analytics, tracking, or advertising SDKs.
- We do not have our own servers or backend. All network communication goes directly to third-party public data services (listed below).
- We do not sell, share, or monetize any user data.
Third-Party Services
| Service | Purpose | Privacy Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Spotter Network | Receives your GPS position and storm reports | spotternetwork.org |
| National Weather Service API | Provides active weather alerts and warnings | weather.gov/privacy |
| Storm Prediction Center | Provides today's public storm reports | noaa.gov/privacy |
| Mapbox | Provides map tiles and rendering | mapbox.com/legal/privacy |
Data Storage
- On-device only. Your Spotter Network credentials are stored in encrypted device storage. Storm reports are stored in a local SQLite database. No data is stored on any server we operate.
- No cloud sync. If you uninstall the App, all locally stored data is permanently deleted.
Permissions
| Permission | Why It's Needed |
|---|---|
| Location (Always) | GPS beacon transmission to Spotter Network while the App is in the background |
| Camera | Attaching photos to storm reports |
| Notifications | Displaying beacon status in the notification bar |
| Internet | Communicating with Spotter Network, NWS, SPC, and Mapbox |
Children's Privacy
The App is not directed at children under 13 and does not knowingly collect data from children.
Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Changes will be reflected by the "Last updated" date at the top of this document. Continued use of the App after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.
Contact
If you have questions about this Privacy Policy, contact:
Dustin Garner
dustin@dustingarner.com
© 2026 DGWayne. All rights reserved.