Historical Marker Ahead!

Privacy Policy

Effective date: March 20, 2026  ·  Last updated: March 20, 2026

This Privacy Policy describes how Historical Marker Ahead! ("the App," "we," or "us"), developed by Michael L. Andries, collects, uses, and handles information when you use the app on your mobile device.

1. Information We Collect

Location data. The App uses your device's GPS to detect nearby historical markers. Location data is processed entirely on your device and is used only to query the Historical Marker Database (HMDB.org) API with your approximate coordinates. We do not store, log, or transmit your precise location to any server we operate.

No account required. The App does not require you to create an account, provide your name, email address, or any other personal information.

No analytics or tracking. The App does not include third-party analytics SDKs, advertising networks, or behavioral tracking tools.

Local storage only. Marker data returned from the HMDB.org API is cached locally on your device using SQLite to support offline use. This data is not transmitted to us.

2. How We Use Information

• Your device's GPS coordinates are used solely to query the HMDB.org API for nearby historical markers within your selected alert radius.
• Marker data is displayed to you within the App and optionally read aloud via your device's text-to-speech engine.
• We do not use location or any other data for advertising, profiling, or any purpose other than providing the App's core functionality.

3. Third-Party Services

Historical Marker Database (HMDB.org). When the App detects your location, it sends your latitude and longitude to the HMDB.org API to retrieve nearby marker data. This request is governed by HMDB.org's own privacy practices. The App is used under a signed license agreement with J.J. Prats / HMDB.org. Marker pages are opened in your device's browser, where HMDB.org's standard terms and cookie policies apply.

Google Maps. When you tap the map icon on a marker tile, the App launches Google Maps (or your device's default maps application) using a standard geo: URI. No data is shared directly by the App — the maps application handles navigation independently.

Google Play Services. The App is distributed through the Google Play Store and is subject to Google's standard platform terms. We do not use Google Firebase, AdMob, or any other Google analytics or advertising services.

4. Data Retention

All marker data is stored locally on your device and can be deleted at any time using the "Clear Session" or "Clear All Markers" options in the App's Settings screen. Uninstalling the App removes all locally stored data.

5. Children's Privacy

The App is not directed at children under 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you believe a child has provided personal information through the App, please contact us and we will take steps to delete it.

6. Your Choices

• Location permission. The App requires location permission to function. You can revoke this permission at any time in your device's Settings → Apps → Historical Marker Ahead! → Permissions. Revoking location access will prevent the App from detecting nearby markers.
• Cached data. You can clear all locally cached marker data via Settings → Clear All Markers within the App.

7. Security

All API requests to HMDB.org are made over HTTPS. Because we do not collect or store personal data on our servers, the primary security consideration is the protection of data on your own device, which is governed by your device's operating system security.

8. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. When we do, we will update the "Last updated" date at the top of this page. We encourage you to review this policy periodically. Continued use of the App after changes are posted constitutes your acceptance of the revised policy.

9. Contact

© 2026 Michael L. Andries. All rights reserved. Historical Marker Ahead! is an independent app and is not affiliated with Google, Apple, or the Historical Marker Database beyond the license agreement with J.J. Prats.