Privacy Policy

Last updated: 24 January 2026

Introduction

TopoStory ("we", "our", or "us") is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our trail map creation service at topostory.com and app.topostory.com.

Information We Collect

Account Information

When you create an account, we collect:

  • Email address
  • Name (optional)
  • Payment information (processed securely by our payment provider)

GPX and Map Data

When you use our service, we collect:

  • GPX files you upload containing trail routes and coordinates
  • Map customization preferences and settings
  • Points of interest you add to your maps

Usage Data

We automatically collect certain information when you use our service:

  • Device and browser information
  • IP address and approximate location
  • Pages visited and features used
  • Time spent on pages and interaction patterns

How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect to:

  • Provide, maintain, and improve our trail map creation service
  • Process your transactions and manage your account
  • Generate accurate terrain contours and points of interest for your maps
  • Send you important updates about your account or our service
  • Respond to your support requests and inquiries
  • Analyze usage patterns to improve user experience
  • Detect and prevent fraudulent or unauthorized activity

Analytics and Tracking

We use PostHog for analytics to understand how users interact with our service. This helps us improve the product and user experience. Analytics data is processed in the European Union (Frankfurt). PostHog may collect:

  • Page views and navigation patterns
  • Feature usage and button clicks
  • Session duration and engagement metrics
  • Device and browser characteristics
  • Campaign tracking parameters (utm_source, utm_medium, utm_campaign) to understand which marketing channels bring visitors to our site

Campaign tracking helps us understand which marketing channels are most effective. When you arrive at our site via a marketing link (e.g., from social media, email, or ads), we capture the campaign parameters (utm_source, utm_medium, utm_campaign) and store them temporarily in your browser session. These parameters are only sent to PostHog if you grant analytics consent. They help us optimize our marketing efforts and provide better content.

You can opt out of analytics tracking using the cookie consent banner when you first visit our site, or by updating your preferences via the "Cookie Settings" link in the footer at any time.

Customer Support

We use Intercom to provide customer support. When you interact with our support chat, Intercom may collect your email, conversation history, and device information to help us assist you better. This data is subject to Intercom's privacy policy.

Third-Party Services

Our service integrates with third-party services to provide core functionality:

  • OpenStreetMap: Geographic data for maps and points of interest
  • Google Gemini: AI-powered point of interest suggestions
  • Payment processors: Secure handling of payment transactions
  • Cloud hosting providers: Secure storage and delivery of our service

These services have their own privacy policies governing their data practices.

Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational security measures to protect your personal information against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. This includes encryption in transit and at rest, regular security assessments, and access controls.

Data Retention

We retain your personal information for as long as your account is active or as needed to provide you services. You can request deletion of your account and associated data at any time by contacting us. Some information may be retained as required by law or for legitimate business purposes.

Your Rights

Depending on your location, you may have certain rights regarding your personal data:

  • Access the personal information we hold about you
  • Correct inaccurate or incomplete information
  • Request deletion of your personal data
  • Object to or restrict processing of your data
  • Data portability (receive your data in a portable format)
  • Withdraw consent where processing is based on consent

To exercise any of these rights, please contact us using the details below.

Cookies

We use cookies and similar technologies to maintain your session, remember your preferences, and analyze usage patterns. When you first visit our site, you will see a cookie consent banner where you can choose which types of cookies to accept.

We use the following categories of cookies:

  • Essential: Required for the site to function (e.g., consent preferences)
  • Analytics: Help us understand how visitors use our site (PostHog)
  • Marketing: Enable customer support chat functionality (Intercom)

You can update your cookie preferences at any time using the "Cookie Settings" link in the footer. Note that cookies are shared between www.topostory.com and app.topostory.com to provide a seamless experience across our services.

Children's Privacy

TopoStory is not intended for children under 16 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you believe we have collected information from a child, please contact us immediately.

Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any material changes by posting the new policy on this page and updating the "Last updated" date. We encourage you to review this policy periodically.

Contact Us

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us through our support chat or email us at privacy@topostory.com.