STRATA Privacy Policy
Last updated: April 28, 2026
Overview
STRATA is a landscape and astrophotography planning app. We are committed to protecting your privacy. This policy explains what data we collect, how we use it, and your rights regarding that data.
Information We Collect
Location Data STRATA requests access to your device's location to power the following features: finding nearby dark sky locations, centering the lightning activity map, and providing accurate astronomy and weather data for your area. Your location is used locally on your device and is never stored on our servers or shared with third parties beyond the weather and astronomy APIs required to fetch forecast data for your coordinates.
Anonymous Device Identifier STRATA generates a random anonymous identifier stored only on your device. This identifier is used solely to associate shoot reports and dark sky location submissions with a single device for spam prevention purposes. It cannot be used to identify you personally and is never linked to your name, email, or any other personal information.
Shoot Reports When you voluntarily submit a shoot report through the Log a Shoot feature, the following data is sent to our secure database: the date and approximate coordinates of your shoot, your assessment of the light conditions, and the app's forecast data for that event. No personally identifying information is included. Shoot reports are used exclusively to improve STRATA's forecast accuracy over time.
Dark Sky Location Submissions When you voluntarily submit a dark sky location, the following data is stored: the location name, coordinates, light pollution level, and any optional description you provide. Submissions are reviewed before appearing publicly in the app. No personally identifying information is required or collected.
No Account Required STRATA does not require you to create an account. We do not collect your name, email address, phone number, or any other personal information.
How We Use Your Data
Location coordinates are sent to third-party weather and astronomy APIs solely to retrieve forecast data for your chosen location
Anonymous shoot reports are analyzed in aggregate to improve forecast accuracy
Dark sky submissions are reviewed and may be added to the community database visible to all users
Third-Party Services
STRATA uses the following third-party services to deliver its features. Each service has its own privacy policy:
Meteosource (weather data) — meteosource.com
SunriseSunset.io (sun and moon times) — sunrisesunset.io
OpenWeather (lightning data) — openweathermap.org
NOAA / National Weather Service (storm outlook, aurora, solar wind data) — noaa.gov
LightPollutionMap.info (Bortle class data) — lightpollutionmap.info
AuroraForecast.space (Kp index) — auroraforecast.space
Google Firebase / Firestore (secure data storage) — firebase.google.com
Apple MapKit (mapping) — apple.com/maps
Data Retention
Shoot reports and dark sky submissions are stored indefinitely for the purpose of improving forecast accuracy and maintaining the community database. You may request deletion of any submission by contacting us at the email below.
Children's Privacy
STRATA does not knowingly collect data from children under the age of 13.
Changes to This Policy
We may update this policy from time to time. The "last updated" date at the top of this page will reflect any changes. Continued use of the app after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.
Contact
If you have questions about this privacy policy or would like to request deletion of your data, contact us at:
Dylan Perrow