Privacy policy for the LimnoLog app
Effective date: February 23, 2026
Developer: Hintermann & Weber AG
Contact: steiner@hintermannweber.ch
1. Introduction
This privacy policy explains how the LimnoLog app (“the app”) handles information. The app is designed to support limnologists in recording survey data at predefined locations (“stations”) as part of scientific projects conducted in Switzerland. We take data protection seriously and aim to collect and process as little personal information as possible.
2. Data We Collect
The app collects only the information necessary for its scientific and operational purpose.
2.1 Survey Data
When using the app, limnologists record limnological observations such as:
- Physical characteristics of water bodies (e.g., riverbed width)
- Environmental conditions
- Occurrences of human waste or other relevant findings
These survey data are not personal data. They describe environmental conditions only.
2.2 Limnologist Name
When uploading survey data, the app includes the limnologist’s name as part of the dataset. This is used solely for scientific documentation and project traceability.
No additional personal information is collected.
2.3 Project Access Credentials
To download project-specific masterdata, users must enter:
- A project ID
- A project code
These credentials:
- Are not personal identifiers
- Are shared among all limnologists authorized for a given project
- Do not allow us to identify individual users
The app does not store or process any other authentication or account information.
3. How We Use the Data
We use the collected data exclusive Ly for the following purposes:
3.1 App Functionality
- Downloading project masterdata required for survey work
- Recording and storing survey data locally on the device
- Uploading survey data to the project’s designated server
3.2 Scientific and Operational Use
Uploaded survey data (including the limnologist’s name) is used by the project team for:
- Scientific analysis
- Quality assurance
- Documentation of fieldwork
We do not use the data for analytics, marketing, profiling, or tracking.
4. Data Sharing
We do not share any data with third parties outside the relevant project teams.
Specifically:
- The app uses no third‑party SDKs
- No data is sent to external analytics, advertising, or tracking services
- No data is sold or disclosed to commercial entities
Survey data is uploaded only to the server associated with the project for which the limnologist is authorized.
5. Data Storage and Security
5.1 On the Device
Survey data is stored locally on the user’s device until the user initiates an upload.
5.2 On Project Servers
Uploaded data is stored on servers operated or designated by the project organization. These servers are responsible for:
- Secure storage
- Access control
- Data retention policies
We implement reasonable technical and organizational measures to protect data during transfer.
6. Legal Basis
Because the app is used in Switzerland and may involve processing of personal data (the limnologist’s name), processing is based on:
- Legitimate interest in conducting scientific research and environmental monitoring
- User consent, implied by the voluntary use of the app for project work
7. User Rights
Users may request:
- Access to the personal data associated with their name in uploaded datasets
- Correction of inaccurate information
- Deletion of their name from datasets where legally and scientifically permissible
Requests can be submitted to the contact listed at the top of this policy.
8. Children’s Privacy
The app is intended for professional use by trained limnologists. It is not designed for or marketed to children.
9. Changes to This Policy
We may update this privacy policy to reflect changes in functionality or legal requirements. The latest version will always be available at this URL.
10. Contact
If you have questions about this privacy policy or the handling of data, please contact: Enrica Steiner, Hintermann & Weber AG