Privacy, data and limitations

Data sent to external services

Place names submitted with Find are sent to the configured geocoding provider. Coordinates A and B may be sent by the server to Copernicus Data Space to retrieve elevation tiles. Map and satellite tile providers receive the usual web request information, including your IP address and browser headers.

Browser geolocation

Your position is requested only after you select “Use my current location” and grant browser permission. It is used to fill point A. Sightelo does not intentionally create user accounts or store a user-linked history of your calculations.

Local caches and operational logs

The server caches place-search responses, elevation tiles and compressed visibility maps to reduce repeated calculations and calls to public services. A visibility-map cache entry contains the target coordinates, radius and fixed calculation data, but no account, address text or observer location; it is normally retained for up to 30 days. Operational logs record point A or B, result count, broad country, first result category and cache use. When a calculation starts, they record the exact coordinates of points A and B in line-of-sight mode, or the exact target coordinates and requested radius in visibility-map mode. When target-search logging is enabled, they also record the place text explicitly submitted for point B. After a result is selected, its resolved name, final coordinates and analysis mode are recorded so the publisher can understand which places are sought and improve the service. Point-A search text and selections are not intentionally added to these application logs, but its coordinates are recorded when a line-of-sight calculation is launched. Hosting providers may retain IP addresses in their access logs.

Audience measurement

Sightelo configures Google Analytics 4 with Google Consent Mode. Analytics storage and all advertising storage are denied by default. If you decline, Analytics remains denied and no Analytics cookie requiring consent is created. Advertising storage, advertising user data and ad personalization remain denied even when statistics are accepted. Your choice is stored locally in your browser. Change your statistics choice.

Sightelo also uses Cloudflare Web Analytics to obtain aggregate traffic and page-performance statistics. According to Cloudflare, this service does not use cookies or persistent identifiers, does not track individual visitors across websites, and does not collect or use visitors' personal data. Your browser contacts Cloudflare to send these measurements. You can prevent this request with a browser content blocker without affecting the calculator.

Anonymous service metrics

The server counts aggregate searches by point, broad country and first result category, together with visibility calculations, result categories and technical failures. These counters do not contain search text, addresses, coordinates, IP addresses or browser identifiers, and they reset when the application process restarts.

To diagnose calculator failures, the server logs interface actions and technical outcomes, grouped by a random identifier that changes whenever the page is opened. These records exclude entered text, coordinates, IP addresses and persistent browser identifiers. They are independent of audience measurement and do not create cookies.

Shared result links

A shared result link contains the coordinates of points A and B and the numerical calculation settings. It does not contain the address or place-name text entered into the search boxes. Coordinates can reveal a precise location, so review the link before sharing it.

International service providers

Sightelo relies on providers including Render, Cloudflare, Copernicus Data Space, MapTiler and OpenStreetMap. Depending on the provider and request, technical data may be processed outside France or the European Economic Area under that provider's applicable terms and safeguards.

Indicative result

The calculation models terrain, Earth’s curvature and optional standard refraction. It does not model buildings, vegetation, clouds, haze or local variations in atmospheric refraction. Do not use the result for navigation, rescue, aviation or any safety-critical decision.

Sources and attribution

Place and map data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, available under the ODbL. Elevation: Copernicus DEM / Copernicus Data Space Ecosystem. Satellite imagery is attributed directly on the map when a provider is configured.

Contact

Questions, corrections, objections to audience measurement and privacy requests can be submitted through the publisher’s contact page. See also the legal notice.