SparrowHawk GIS

Custom GIS Data Collection Apps for mobile devices

SUPPORTScience FieldBuddy — GPS Field Data Collection
Version 1.0Have a question or need help? We're here for you.📧 [email protected]Frequently Asked QuestionsWhy does the app need my location?
Science FieldBuddy uses your GPS location to capture precise coordinates for your field data points. Location is only accessed when you tap Capture GPS — it is never tracked in the background.Why does the app need camera access?
To attach up to two field photos to each saved data point. Photos are stored only on your device.Why does the app need microphone access?
To record voice memos attached to your saved field points. Audio is stored only on your device.Where is my data stored?
All data stays on your iPhone in the FieldBuddy folder in the Files app. Nothing is uploaded to any server or cloud service.What is Post Process?
If you captured points offline without cell service, Post Process fetches the missing enrichment data (weather, address, county, ecomap and watershed) when you're back in range.The app isn't finding my GPS signal — what should I do?
Make sure you're outdoors with a clear view of the sky. Point the top of your iPhone upward — the GPS antenna is at the top. Under dense tree canopy try switching to Canopy Mode.

PRIVACY POLICYLast updated: June 2026Science FieldBuddy is developed by SparrowHawk GIS.Data We Collect
We do not collect any data from users of this app. No personal information, usage data or analytics are transmitted to SparrowHawk GIS.Data You Create
All field data you create — GPS coordinates, notes, photos and audio recordings — is stored exclusively on your device. It is never uploaded to our servers.Third Party Services
When you save a field point, Science FieldBuddy sends your GPS coordinates to the following services to fetch enrichment data. Only coordinates are transmitted — no device identifiers or personal information.• Open-Meteo (open-meteo.com) — weather conditions and temperature
• Apple CLGeocoder — nearest street address (processed on-device)
• US Census Bureau (census.gov) — county name and FIPS code
• USDA Forest Service (fs.usda.gov) — ecological classification data
• USGS (usgs.gov) — watershed boundary dataThese services are used solely to enrich your field data. We do not share your coordinates with any other parties.Advertising
This app contains no advertising.Analytics and Tracking
This app contains no analytics SDKs, crash reporting tools, advertising frameworks or third-party trackers of any kind.Children's Privacy
This app is rated 4+ and does not knowingly collect information from children.Changes to This Policy
Any updates to this privacy policy will be posted at this URL.Contact
[email protected]