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Privacy Policy

We don't collect personal data. Sensor readings never leave your browser. This page explains, in plain language, exactly what does and doesn't happen with your data when you use Get Online Compass.

Last updated: August 2026

Overview

Get Online Compass ("we", "our", "the site") is a free, browser-based toolkit of navigation and measurement instruments like a live compass, spirit level, sun position and moon position. This policy explains what information is involved when you use those tools and how it is handled.

The short version: we do not collect, store, or transmit personal data on our own servers. All sensor calculations happen inside your browser. The only data processing by third parties comes from Google Analytics, Google AdSense, and Google Fonts, each explained in full below.

Sensor & location data

Some tools request access to your device's sensors or GPS location:

  • Compass: reads the magnetometer via theDeviceOrientationEvent API to show your current heading.
  • Spirit Level: reads the accelerometer and gyroscope to measure roll and pitch.
  • Sun Position & Moon Position: requests your GPS coordinates via the Geolocation API to calculate direction, altitude, and rise/set times for your location.

This data is never sent to our servers. Every calculation runs locally in your browser the moment a reading arrives. There is no server-side component to send the data to as the tools are purely client-side. You may deny any permission; the tools continue to work partially without it (for example, the compass dial still shows a relative heading without location access).

Permissions are requested only when a tool actually needs them and only after you interact with the page, in accordance with browser security requirements.

Local storage

We store two preferences in your browser's localStorage so they persist between visits:

  • Theme preference: whether you have chosen light or dark mode.
  • Spirit level calibration zero: a saved tilt offset if you have used the calibration feature.

This data never leaves your device. It is not a cookie, not sent with any network request, and is not accessible to third parties. You can clear it at any time by clearing site data for getonlinecompass.com in your browser settings.

Google Analytics

We use Google Analytics 4 (GA4) to understand how the site is used in aggregate: which tools are most popular, which countries visitors come from, and how long a session typically lasts. This helps us improve the tools and prioritise new features.

GA4 collects the following on Google's behalf:

  • IP address (anonymised before storage by Google)
  • Browser type and version
  • Device type (mobile, desktop, tablet)
  • Pages visited and approximate session duration
  • Country and region (derived from IP)

This data is processed by Google and is subject toGoogle's Privacy Policy. We never see individual user records, only aggregated reports. To opt out, install theGoogle Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on or use a browser extension that blocks analytics trackers.

Google AdSense

We use Google AdSense to display advertisements that keep the site free. AdSense uses cookies and similar tracking technologies to serve interest-based and personalised ads. Google and its advertising partners may collect data about your visits across websites to tailor the ads you see.

AdSense data collection and ad personalisation is governed byGoogle's Privacy Policy. To manage or opt out of personalised advertising, visitGoogle Ads Settings oroptout.aboutads.info.

Other third-party services

Google Fonts

The site loads typefaces (Geist and Geist Mono) from Google Fonts. When your browser fetches a font file, Google's servers receive your IP address as part of the standard HTTP request. This is governed byGoogle's Privacy Policy.

Geocoding (reverse location lookup)

The Sun Position and Moon Position tools optionally display a city name for your location. This reverse-geocoding request is made directly from your browser to a third-party geocoding API using only your GPS coordinates. It is optional, only triggered when the feature is used, and is not tied to any account or identity.

Cookies

We do not set any first-party cookies. We do not use tracking pixels or fingerprinting techniques. The only cookies on this site are those set by Google Analytics and Google AdSense (described above); both are third-party cookies originating from Google's domains, not ours.

Your own preferences (theme, calibration) are stored inlocalStorage, not in cookies.

Your rights

Because we do not collect or store personal data on our own servers, there is nothing held by us to access, correct, or delete. If you believe a right under GDPR, CCPA, or another applicable privacy law applies to data collected by Google on our behalf, please use Google's own tools:

EEA and UK residents have the right to lodge a complaint with their local data protection supervisory authority.

Children's privacy

Get Online Compass is a general-purpose measurement tool suitable for all ages. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13 (or the applicable age in your jurisdiction). Because no personal data is collected by us at all, the site is compliant with COPPA by design. If you believe a child's data has been collected in error, please contact us and we will address the situation promptly.

Changes to this policy

We may update this policy from time to time. The "Last updated" date at the top of the page always reflects the most recent revision. Continued use of the site after a change constitutes acceptance of the updated policy. We will not reduce your privacy protections without a clear notice on the site.

Contact

If you have a question about this policy or anything else, reach us through the contact page. For questions about this site's tools, the about page gives a full technical overview of how each instrument works.