Overview
Share GPS is a location sharing app for Android and iPhone published by Brilliant Mantis, LLC. It reads your device's GPS location and sends it, in formats such as NMEA, gpsd, and KML, to the devices, apps, and services that you set up. The app does not require an account and does not include analytics, advertising, or tracking. Brilliant Mantis does not run a server that receives your location, and does not collect, sell, or share your personal information.
Location
Share GPS uses your device's precise location to show your position, send it over the connections you start, and record tracks when you choose to record.
- Android. Location is used while the app is open, and while its service is running a connection or recording. Android shows a notification the whole time the service is running.
- iPhone. Location is used while the app is in use. If a connection or recording is running when you leave the app, location continues in the background, and iOS shows that the app is using your location.
Your location is never sent to Brilliant Mantis. In Google Play's terms, the app "collects" precise location because it sends it off your device, but only to the destinations you choose.
Where Your Location Goes
Your location leaves your device only through a connection you set up and start, or something you choose to share. Each destination receives the data and handles it under its own policies.
- Network connections. TCP and UDP connections send location data to the addresses you enter or, for server connections, to the programs that connect to your device, usually on your local network.
- Bluetooth and USB. Bluetooth connections send location data to the device that connects. While an iPhone Bluetooth connection is running, the phone advertises a Bluetooth service named ShareGPS so your host computer can find it. Android USB connections are server connections that a computer reaches over the cable using Android's developer tools.
- Files and uploads. KML connections write your track or position to a file on your device, or upload it to a service you choose: an SFTP or SCP server, or Google Drive. The app can also hand a file to another app on your device.
- Sharing and copying. When you use a share or copy button, your location, a track file, or a Google Maps link to your position goes to the app or person you choose. Opening a Google Maps link sends those coordinates to Google.
Location streams sent over network, Bluetooth, and USB connections are not encrypted. Anyone who can connect to a server connection you start on your network may receive your location, so use server connections on networks you trust.
Information Stored on Your Device
Your connections, settings, and recorded tracks are stored on your device. Tracks can also be saved in the Files app (iPhone) or a folder you choose (Android). Credentials for the services you connect stay on your device, in the app's private storage:
- iPhone. SFTP passwords and keys are kept in the iOS Keychain, and Google sign-in is managed by Google Sign-In.
- Android. Server passwords are stored encrypted, SSH private keys are protected by the Android Keystore, and Google sign-in is managed by Google Play services.
Credentials are used only to connect to the service you set up and are never sent to Brilliant Mantis. You can delete connections and tracks in the app; uninstalling the app deletes the app's data.
Google Drive
If you choose to upload to Google Drive, the app uses Google Sign-In. It receives your Google account email address, to show which account is connected, and an access token for Google Drive. It asks for these permissions:
-
See, edit, create, and delete only the specific Google Drive files you use
with this app (
drive.file), to upload your tracks and placemarks. -
See information about your Google Drive files
(
drive.metadata.readonly, Android only), to list folder names so you can choose where uploads go. The app does not read the contents of your files.
The app uses this access only to upload the files you send and to find the folder you choose. It does not use Google user data for advertising, does not sell it, and does not transfer it to others. Share GPS's use and transfer of information received from Google APIs will adhere to the Google API Services User Data Policy, including the Limited Use requirements. You can remove the app's access at any time at myaccount.google.com/permissions.
Purchases
Premium features are purchased through the app store you installed Share GPS from, which processes the payment. The app learns only whether you own the purchase. Brilliant Mantis never receives your payment details or store account identity.
Permissions
- Location: to read your position, as described above.
- Bluetooth: to send location to devices you connect.
- Internet and network: for network connections and uploads.
- Notifications (Android): to show the service's status and location data while it runs.
- Battery optimization exemption (Android, optional): so connections keep running when the screen is off.
- Storage (older Android versions): to save track files where you choose.
Share GPS does not access your contacts, photos, camera, or microphone.
Children
Share GPS is not directed at children under 13 and does not knowingly collect information from anyone.
Changes to This Policy
Any changes will be posted on this page with a new effective date.
Contact
Privacy questions can be sent to support@brilliantmantis.com.