Privacy Policy
Effective Date: April 9, 2026 | Last Updated: April 9, 2026
LocateIQ ("we," "our," or "the App") is a precision utility mapping application. We are committed to protecting your privacy. This policy explains what data we collect, why we collect it, and how it is used.
1. Data We Collect
Account & Authentication Data
| Data | Source | Type |
|---|---|---|
| ArcGIS username & user ID | ArcGIS OAuth sign-in | Required |
| User display name | ArcGIS profile | Required |
| Company ID & group ID | ArcGIS organization | Required |
| Map ID & map features | ArcGIS / Subsurface Maps | Required |
| Subsurface Maps user ID & account | Subsurface Maps sign-in | Required |
| Apple installation ID (device identifier) | iOS device | Automatic |
Voluntarily Provided Contact Information
| Data | Where | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Name | Account window | Voluntary |
| Company name | Account window | Voluntary |
| Email address | Account window | Voluntary |
| Phone number | Account window | Voluntary |
Contact information is entirely optional. There is no requirement to provide any of it. It is used only if you choose to share it within your organization's account.
Data We Do NOT Collect
- We do not collect, store, or transmit your GPS/location data to LocateIQ servers
- We do not track your movements or build location profiles
- We do not sell, share, or monetize any user data
- We do not use analytics or advertising SDKs
2. Location Data
LocateIQ uses precise location data exclusively within your own mapping system. Location data flows directly between your device and the mapping service you are signed into (ArcGIS Online or Subsurface Maps). LocateIQ does not intercept, store, or relay your location data to any LocateIQ-operated server.
How Location Is Used
- Survey point & line capture — GPS coordinates are attached to map features you create
- Real-time map display — your position is shown on the map while surveying
- RTK/GNSS corrections — your approximate position is sent to NTRIP correction services you configure to receive centimeter-level accuracy
All location data is stored locally on your device and/or synced to your own ArcGIS or Subsurface Maps account. LocateIQ never has access to it.
3. Camera & Photos
LocateIQ requests camera access for one purpose: capturing photos as point attributes for map features. Photos are:
- Stored locally on your device within the project folder
- Optionally synced to your ArcGIS or Subsurface Maps account as feature attachments
- Never sent to LocateIQ servers
- Never analyzed, processed, or used for any purpose other than your survey records
4. Bluetooth
LocateIQ uses Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) to connect to external survey equipment:
- GNSS/RTK receivers — for high-accuracy GPS positioning
- Survey data loggers — for receiving electromagnetic field measurements from utility locators
Bluetooth data is processed locally on your device. LocateIQ does not transmit BLE data to any external server.
5. Background App Usage
LocateIQ uses background processing in two specific scenarios:
- Active GNSS device connection — when an external GNSS receiver is connected via Bluetooth, the app maintains the connection in the background to provide continuous location updates for surveying
- Active survey device connection — when a survey data logger is connected, the app maintains the Bluetooth connection so measurements continue even when you briefly switch to another app or lock the screen during long line surveys
Background usage is only active when a Bluetooth device is connected. The app does not perform background location tracking, background data collection, or background network requests when no device is connected.
6. Data Storage & Retention
- Local storage: Survey data (CSV files, photos, project settings) is stored on your device in the app's Documents directory
- Cloud sync: When you sync, data is sent directly to your ArcGIS Online or Subsurface Maps account — not to LocateIQ infrastructure
- Account data: Minimal authentication tokens and user IDs are stored locally in secure app storage (Keychain / UserDefaults) and are cleared on sign-out
- Device identifier: The Apple installation ID is stored locally for licensing purposes only
7. Data Deletion & Retention
- Soft delete (default): Deleted features are timestamped and retained locally for 30 days before permanent purge. On ArcGIS, deleted features are marked with a "[DELETED]" timestamp for audit trail.
- Hard delete (optional): Permanently removes features from both local storage and cloud services immediately. Hard delete requires explicit company policy approval and is not user-configurable.
- App uninstall: Removing LocateIQ from your device deletes all locally stored data, including survey data, photos, settings, and cached tokens.
- Sign-out: Clears all authentication tokens and session data from the device.
8. Data Security
- Encryption at rest: All local survey data is encrypted using SQLCipher with AES-256. Encryption keys are stored in the iOS Keychain.
- Photo protection: Photo files use iOS Complete File Protection — encrypted and inaccessible when the device is locked.
- Offline PIN: Optional 6-digit PIN for offline access, hashed with PBKDF2 (300,000 iterations). Rate-limited: 5 failed attempts triggers a 30-second lockout.
- Session timeout: Configurable "Lock On Return" timer (30 seconds to 5 minutes) for high-security environments.
For full security details, see our Security page.
9. Third-Party Services
LocateIQ integrates with the following third-party services. Each has its own privacy policy:
- Esri ArcGIS Online — for map data sync and feature services. Esri Privacy Policy
- Subsurface Maps (Diamond Maps) — for map data sync and feature services
- Mapbox — for map tile rendering. Mapbox Privacy Policy
- NTRIP correction services — user-configured, varies by provider
LocateIQ does not share your data with any third party beyond what is necessary to operate the mapping services you choose to connect.
10. Children's Privacy
LocateIQ is a professional utility mapping tool and is not intended for use by children under 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children.
11. Your Rights
- Access & portability: All your survey data is stored locally on your device and in your own mapping accounts. You have full access at all times.
- Deletion: Uninstalling the app removes all locally stored data. Voluntary contact information can be cleared from the Account window at any time.
- Opt out: You can deny any permission (location, camera, Bluetooth) and the app will continue to function with reduced capabilities.
12. Changes to This Policy
We may update this privacy policy to reflect changes in the app or legal requirements. The "Last Updated" date at the top will be revised accordingly. Continued use of LocateIQ after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.
13. Contact
If you have questions about this privacy policy or your data, please contact us:
LocateIQ
Email: brent@subsurfacesolutions.com