Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

Welcome to RailsMaps. This privacy policy explains how information is collected and used when you visit railsmaps.com (the "Site").

2. Information Collected

2.1 Automatically Collected Information

When you visit the Site, certain information about your device and browsing behavior is automatically collected through cookies and similar technologies:

• Browser type and version
• Operating system
• IP address (anonymized)
• Pages visited and time spent on pages
• Referring website
• Date and time of visit

2.2 Personal Information

No personally identifiable information (PII) such as names, email addresses, or contact information is collected unless you voluntarily provide it.

3. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

3.1 What Are Cookies

Cookies are small text files stored on your device when you visit the Site. They help understand how you use the Site and improve your experience.

3.2 Types of Cookies Used

3.3 Managing Cookies

You can control and manage cookies through your browser settings. Most browsers allow you to refuse cookies or delete cookies that have already been set. Note that disabling cookies may affect the functionality of the Site. For more information on managing cookies, please refer to your browser's help documentation.

4. Google Analytics

Google Analytics is used to analyze how visitors use the Site. Google Analytics uses cookies to collect information such as:

• Number of visitors
• Pages visited
• Time spent on the Site
• Geographic location (country/city level)
• Device and browser information

Google Analytics data is anonymized and does not identify individual users. For more information about how Google uses data, visit Google's Privacy Policy.

You can opt out of Google Analytics by installing the Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on.

5. Map Tiles and Third-Party Services

The interactive maps use base map tiles from OpenStreetMap (OSM) and OSM Germany. Railway infrastructure data is served from RailsMaps' own vector tile server. When you view maps on the Site:

• Base map tiles are loaded from OpenStreetMap servers
• Railway data is loaded from RailsMaps' vector tile server
• Your IP address may be visible to OpenStreetMap when loading base map tiles
• OpenStreetMap has its own privacy policy

For more information about OpenStreetMap's data practices, see the OpenStreetMap Privacy Policy.

6. How Information Is Used

The collected information is used to:

• Understand how visitors use the Site
• Improve Site functionality and user experience
• Analyze traffic patterns and trends
• Identify and fix technical issues
• Optimize content and features

7. Data Sharing and Disclosure

Your information is not sold, traded, or rented to third parties. Anonymized, aggregated data may be shared with:

• Google Analytics: For website analytics purposes
• OpenStreetMap: When loading base map tiles (your IP address may be visible)

Information may be disclosed if required by law or to protect rights and safety.

8. Data Retention

Analytics data is retained for up to 26 months. Cookie consent preferences are stored for 12 months.

9. Your Rights (GDPR)

If you are located in the European Economic Area (EEA), you have the following rights:

• Right to Access: Request information about data we hold about you
• Right to Rectification: Request correction of inaccurate data
• Right to Erasure: Request deletion of your data
• Right to Restrict Processing: Request limitation of data processing
• Right to Data Portability: Request transfer of your data
• Right to Object: Object to data processing
• Right to Withdraw Consent: Withdraw consent at any time

To exercise these rights, please contact us at the email address below.

10. Children's Privacy

The Site is not directed to children under 13 years of age. Personal information from children is not knowingly collected.

11. International Data Transfers

Your information may be transferred to and processed in countries outside your country of residence. Appropriate safeguards are in place for such transfers.

12. Security

Reasonable security measures are implemented to protect information from unauthorized access, alteration, or destruction. However, no internet transmission is completely secure.

13. Changes to This Privacy Policy

This Privacy Policy may be updated from time to time. Changes will be posted on this page. Continued use of the Site after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

14. Contact

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or wish to exercise your rights, please contact:

15. Attribution

Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors. Railway infrastructure data is sourced from OpenStreetMap and is available under the Open Database License (ODbL).