Privacy Policy for Piste

Last updated: April 2026

Piste is an Android ski companion app developed by Florian Braun (Lumen Studios). This Privacy Policy explains how the app handles your data.

Data We Collect

Piste accesses your device's location (GPS) to display your position on the map, calculate distances to your saved waypoints, record tracks, and fetch local weather. Location data is used only within the app. Your approximate location is sent to Open-Meteo (weather) and OpenStreetMap Nominatim (resort/place name lookup) — no other personal data is transmitted.

Photos you attach to waypoints are stored locally on your device. They are never uploaded or shared unless you explicitly choose to do so.

When you record a track, a foreground service runs with a persistent notification so that the recording continues while the app is in the background or the phone is locked.

Data Storage

Waypoints, tracks, settings, and photos are stored locally on your device only. We do not use any cloud storage, databases, or external servers. Your data never leaves your device unless you explicitly export it (e.g., GPX export or backup).

Third-Party Services

Piste uses the following third-party services:

• OpenStreetMap – standard map tiles. See the OpenStreetMap Privacy Policy.
• OpenSnowMap – piste map tiles with ski runs and lifts. OSM-based, opensnowmap.org.
• OpenTopoMap – topographic map tiles. See the OpenTopoMap website.
• CartoDB – dark mode map tiles. See the CARTO Privacy Policy.
• Esri – satellite imagery tiles. See the Esri Privacy Policy.
• Google Play Services Location – used to determine your device's position. See the Google Privacy Policy.
• Open-Meteo – free weather API. Your approximate location is sent to fetch current conditions and hourly forecasts. See the Open-Meteo Terms.
• OpenStreetMap Nominatim – used to reverse-geocode your location into a nearby place or resort name to display in the coordinate header. See the Nominatim Usage Policy.

When loading map tiles or weather data, your device makes network requests that may include your IP address as part of standard internet communication.

Permissions

Piste requests the following Android permissions:

• ACCESS_FINE_LOCATION – to show your precise position on the map
• ACCESS_COARSE_LOCATION – as a fallback for approximate location
• FOREGROUND_SERVICE (Location) – to continue recording tracks when the app is in the background
• POST_NOTIFICATIONS – to show a notification while recording a track
• INTERNET – to download map tile images and weather data
• VIBRATE – for haptic feedback and proximity alerts

You can revoke these permissions at any time in your device settings. Without location permission, the app's core functionality will be limited.

Data Sharing

We do not share, sell, or transmit any personal data to third parties beyond the tile and weather providers listed above. No analytics, advertising, or tracking services are used in this app.

Children's Privacy

Piste is not directed at children under 13. We do not knowingly collect any data from children.

Changes to This Policy

If we make changes to this privacy policy, we will update the date at the top of this page.

Contact

If you have any questions about this privacy policy, you can contact us at: florian.braun.2005@gmail.com