Last updated: 17 December 2025

MycoMap is developed and published by Engineering Project Solutions Ltd (“we”, “us”, “our”).

We are committed to protecting your privacy and being transparent about how we handle data in the MycoMap app and on our related support channels.

This policy explains what data we collect, how we use it, and the choices you have. It applies to the MycoMap iOS application and to any support pages or email contact relating to the app.

• MycoMap is a consumer app for recording personal mushroom observations, using optional AI suggestions, and viewing a shared Community Map of observations.
   
• We do not require you to create an account to use the app.
   
• We do not sell your data or use it for targeted advertising.
   
• We only collect and process data that is necessary to provide the app’s core features, maintain security, and understand basic usage.
   

When you use MycoMap, you can create observations consisting of:

• Photos you take in the app or select from your photo library
   
• Dates and times associated with those photos
   
• Text notes, names, or tags you enter
   
• A location you select for the observation (e.g. via GPS or by choosing a point on the map)
   

Depending on how the app is configured, these observations may be:

• Stored in our cloud database so they appear in My Library on your device
   
• Optionally shared to the Community Map, where other users can see an observation pin and related details
   

We do not require your real name or contact details to create observations.

If you grant location permission, the app can use your device’s location to help you:

• Pre‑fill or choose a location when saving an observation
   
• Position your contributions on the Community Map
   

You can also choose locations manually. Location information is used only for mapping your observations and for displaying the Community Map. It is not used to track you for advertising or sold to third parties.

You may disable location permissions at any time in your device settings; some map‑based features may then be limited.

When you use the Ask AI feature, the app:

1. Sends a resized copy of your selected photo (or a cropped part of it) to our server.
    
2. Our server forwards the image to a third‑party image analysis service to generate suggestions about possible mushroom species and related information.
    
3. The results are sent back to your device and shown in the app.
    

Key points:

• The images are used only to generate suggestions and to help us operate and secure the service (for example, short‑term logs and error diagnostics).
   
• We do not use these images to build advertising profiles.
   
• We do not attempt to identify you personally from these images.
   

AI suggestions are informational only and must not be used as safety, medical, or consumption advice.

If you choose to share an observation to the Community Map:

• The observation (for example: photo, text, and location) is stored in our cloud database.
   
• Other users may see that observation on the map, but we do not display your name, email address, or other direct contact details by default.
   
• Observations may be stored with a generated identifier so we can manage data quality and respond to removal requests.
   

You are in control of which observations you share; you can keep records private by not publishing them to the Community Map.

If you contact us by email or through a website form:

• We may receive your name, email address, and the contents of your message.
   
• We use this information only to respond to your query and to improve the app.
   

When you use the app, we may automatically collect limited technical data, such as:

• Device model and operating system version
   
• App version
   
• Basic event information (e.g. app launches, feature usage, error reports)
   

This data helps us keep the app reliable, secure, and easy to use. We do not use it to identify you personally.

We use the data described above for the following purposes:

• Provide and improve core features
  
  
  • Storing your observations and showing them in My Library
     
  • Displaying and maintaining the Community Map
     
  • Providing AI‑generated suggestions from photos
     
  • Improving accuracy, performance, and usability of these features
     
• Maintain security and prevent abuse
  
  
  • Detecting misuse, spam, or automated attacks
     
  • Monitoring for technical issues and errors
     
• Support and communication
  
  
  • Responding to support requests and feedback
     
  • Informing you about important changes to the app or this policy
     

We rely on one or more of the following legal bases (under UK and EU data protection law) to process your data:

• Your consent (for example, when you enable location services or use Ask AI)
   
• Performance of a contract (providing the app and its features you have chosen to use)
   
• Our legitimate interests (maintaining and improving the service, security, and fraud prevention)
   

MycoMap offers an optional Ask AI Pack in‑app purchase. Payments are processed by Apple through the App Store:

• We do not receive or store your full payment card details.
   
• We receive limited information from Apple (for example, that a purchase has been completed) so we can unlock the relevant features in the app.
   

Apple’s own privacy policy and terms govern Apple ID and payment information.

• Observation and Community Map data is stored in our cloud database and/or on your device.
   
• Technical logs related to the Ask AI service and app operation may be retained for a limited period for troubleshooting and security, then deleted or anonymised.
   
• Support emails are retained for as long as reasonably necessary to handle your request and maintain a record of communications.
   

If you would like us to delete specific data that we control (for example, a Community Map contribution that you made), you can contact us using the details below and we will take reasonable steps to locate and remove it.

We share data only with service providers that help us deliver the app, under appropriate safeguards:

• Cloud hosting and databases – for storing observations, map data, and logs.
   
• Image analysis provider – to generate AI suggestions from your photos, via our own proxy server.
   
• Analytics and error reporting services (if enabled) – for anonymous or aggregated usage statistics and crash diagnostics.
   

All such providers are required to handle data securely and only according to our instructions.

We do not:

• Sell your data to advertisers
   
• Share your data with third parties for their own marketing purposes
   

We may also disclose information if required by law or in response to a valid legal request (e.g. court order).

Our servers and third‑party service providers may be located outside your home country. Where data is transferred internationally, we take appropriate steps to ensure that your data receives an adequate level of protection, for example through contracts using standard data‑protection clauses where required by law.

Depending on where you live, you may have the following rights regarding your personal data:

• Access to the data we hold about you
   
• Correction of inaccurate or incomplete data
   
• Deletion of your data (subject to legal or legitimate business obligations)
   
• Restriction or objection to certain types of processing
   
• Data portability (where technically feasible)
   
• Withdrawal of consent, where processing is based on your consent
   

To exercise any of these rights in relation to MycoMap, please contact us using the details in Section 11. We may need to verify your identity and confirm which records relate to you, especially where we do not collect names or account details.

You also have the right to lodge a complaint with your local data protection authority if you believe we are not handling your data lawfully.

MycoMap is not designed for children under 13 years of age (or a higher age if required in your country). We do not knowingly collect personal data from children under this age.

If you believe a child has submitted personal data to us without appropriate consent, please contact us and we will take steps to delete such information.

We use reasonable technical and organisational measures to protect your data, including:

• Encrypted network connections where appropriate
   
• Access controls and logging on our backend services
   
• Limiting access to data to personnel and service providers who need it to perform their duties
   

No system can be completely secure, but we strive to protect your information and respond promptly to any issues that arise.

If you have any questions, requests, or concerns about this policy or our handling of your data, you can contact us at:

Engineering Project Solutions Ltd

Email: contact@engsolution.co.uk

Website: https://engsolutions.co.uk

Please include “MycoMap Privacy” in the subject line so we can route your request correctly.

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in the app, our practices, or legal requirements. When we do, we will update the “Last updated” date at the top of this page.

If changes are significant, we may also provide an in‑app notice or require you to accept the updated policy before continuing to use MycoMap.