1. What this policy covers
Cookies are small text files stored by a website or third party in a browser. Similar technologies include local storage, session storage, IndexedDB and other browser mechanisms that remember settings, sessions or application data.
This policy should be read with the Privacy Policy.
2. Technologies GeoLayers uses
Essential and security technologies
Authentication, session continuity, security controls, CSRF protections or other service functions may use cookies or browser storage that are necessary to provide the requested service. Blocking essential storage may prevent sign-in or other functions from working correctly.
Preference storage
GeoLayers may store interface preferences locally, including:
- light/dark theme selection;
- accessibility preferences such as contrast, font sizing and reduced motion;
- onboarding completion;
- workspace panel visibility; and
- other local UI settings.
These preferences are intended to improve usability and generally do not need to be transmitted to GeoLayers unless a feature synchronizes them.
Analytics
The public website currently includes Google Analytics to understand aggregate traffic, page use, browser/device characteristics and performance. Google Analytics may set or read cookies and may receive information such as IP-derived location, browser information, referral data and page interaction data according to Google's own policies and configuration.
Advertising
GeoLayers restricts advertising code to designated Marketplace, Case Studies, Learning Centre/Tutorials and Resources pages. Where Google advertising technology or another advertising provider is enabled on those pages, the provider may use cookies or similar technologies for ad delivery, measurement, fraud prevention and, depending on configuration and consent, personalization.
Advertising is separate from GeoLayers analytical outputs, product rankings and professional conclusions.
Third-party maps, scripts and content
Some pages and tools load libraries, map tiles, imagery, datasets or embedded resources from third-party domains. Those third parties may receive normal request information such as IP address, browser headers and the URL being requested and may apply their own cookies or policies.
3. Typical categories
| Category | Purpose | Typical duration |
|---|---|---|
| Essential/security | Authentication, security and required service operation | Session or as required for account security |
| Preferences | Theme, accessibility, onboarding and interface choices | Until cleared or replaced |
| Analytics | Understand site usage and improve performance | According to provider configuration |
| Advertising | Ad delivery and measurement on approved pages only | According to advertising-provider settings |
Cookie names and exact lifetimes may change when service providers or configurations change.
4. Managing cookies and browser storage
You can use browser settings to block or delete cookies and site storage. Most browsers also allow you to clear local storage and IndexedDB. Blocking all storage may interfere with sign-in, preferences, offline/PWA behavior and other functionality.
Where GeoLayers presents a cookie or privacy-preference control, use that control to make the available choices. Browser-level privacy controls remain available independently.
5. Analytics and advertising choices
You can use browser privacy settings, anti-tracking controls or provider-specific opt-out mechanisms to limit analytics or advertising tracking. Ad blockers may prevent advertisements from loading; core GeoLayers Studio functionality is not intended to require advertising cookies.
6. PWA and offline storage
GeoLayers PWA features may cache same-origin application-shell files to improve offline startup. The v1.56+ service-worker design excludes private Supabase/auth/API/storage routes from offline caching. Cached application assets are not intended to be a substitute for cloud project storage.
7. Changes
GeoLayers may update this policy when browser-storage practices, analytics, advertising or service providers change. Material changes will be reflected in the effective date.
8. Contact
Questions about cookies or privacy can be sent to info@geolayers.co.za.