Who we are
Bus Visor ("the app") is developed and published by BigSMS Pty Ltd ("we", "us"), South Africa. We are the data controller for the limited processing described here.
- Privacy: privacy@busvisor.com
- Support: support@busvisor.com
What Bus Visor does
Bus Visor is a GPS route simulator for software testing, quality assurance, mobile application development, and location-aware application validation. You build a route on a map, then Bus Visor injects a mock (simulated) location along that road path on Android.
Mock location disclosure. Bus Visor uses Android's official Mock Location developer capability to simulate GPS movement for software testing, demonstrations, and QA. This is not covert tracking. Simulation runs only when you press Play and only on devices you control.
Data stored only on your device
Bus Visor stores the following locally on your device:
- Saved routes and waypoints
- Imported GPX files (after you import them)
- Simulation preferences (speed, stop cadence, tuning)
- Recent place searches (session / local use)
These items remain on your device unless you explicitly delete them, uninstall the app, or export GPX through the Android share sheet.
Data sent over the network
Network transmission occurs only when you use online functionality:
- Google Maps SDK for Android — map display
- Google Routes API — road-following route geometry
- Google Places API — place search
- Voice Route API (optional) — speech-to-waypoints when you use voice routing
- Bus Stop API (optional) — nearby transit stops when you request lookup
All optional network calls use HTTPS (TLS).
Optional features
- Voice guidance — optional. Used only if you enable voice routing. Microphone access is requested only for this feature.
- Bus stop lookup — optional. Used only when you request nearby public transport stops along a route. Sends route polyline to the bus-stop service.
Third-party services
Bus Visor integrates with the following services only when required:
- Google Maps Platform (Maps SDK, Routes API, Places API) — map display and route generation. Governed by Google's privacy policy.
- Google Play Services — Android location services integration.
- Bus Stop API — optional transit stop lookup.
- Voice Route API — optional voice-guided route creation.
See the Third-party services page for detail.
How we use data
Data is used solely for app functionality. We do not use your data for advertising, profiling, or sale to third parties. No account is required for core features.
Data Bus Visor does NOT collect
Bus Visor does not collect:
- Contacts
- SMS or messages
- Photos or videos
- Calendar
- Call history
- Phone number
- Device IMEI
- Installed apps list
- Browser history
- Clipboard
- Accessibility data
- Keystrokes
- Biometrics
- Payment information
- Health data
- Advertising profiles
Permissions and why we ask
| Permission | Why Bus Visor needs it |
|---|---|
| Location (fine / coarse) | Simulate GPS, center the map, optional "Use my location". |
| Mock location (developer setting) | Inject simulated position during playback. Select Bus Visor in Developer options. |
| Internet | Maps, routing, place search, optional APIs. |
| Notifications (Android 13+) | Foreground-service notification during simulation. |
| Foreground service / wake lock | Continue simulation while the app is minimized. |
| Microphone | Optional — voice route feature only. |
See Permissions explained for full detail.
Security
- Network data encrypted in transit (HTTPS / TLS).
- On-device data protected by the Android app sandbox.
- Runtime permissions — you grant or revoke access in Settings.
- Least privilege — no root, no accessibility abuse, no hidden tracking.
- No screen recording, keylogging, or background surveillance.
See Security overview.
Data retention
- Saved routes remain on the device until you delete them or uninstall the app.
- Imported GPX files remain under your control on device storage.
- Voice requests are processed only during the active voice-route request.
- Bus-stop lookup requests are processed only when you trigger that feature.
- No long-term user profiles are maintained by BigSMS Pty Ltd in v1.0.0.
- No advertising identifiers are stored.
- Optional backend logs (if enabled by operator) may retain route coordinates per operator policy — not personal identifiers.
Technology
Bus Visor is built with open and platform-standard components including:
- Flutter (Android build)
- Android platform APIs (including mock location)
- Google Maps SDK for Android
- Google Play Services
GDPR (EEA and UK)
Residents of jurisdictions with applicable privacy laws, including the European Economic Area and the United Kingdom, may have rights regarding access, correction, deletion, and restriction of personal data where applicable. Contact privacy@busvisor.com.
POPIA (South Africa)
BigSMS Pty Ltd processes personal information in accordance with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) where applicable. Contact privacy@busvisor.com for data subject requests.
Children
Bus Visor is a developer and testing tool and is not directed at children.
Your choices and requests
Delete local routes in the app, revoke permissions in Android settings, or unselect Bus Visor as the mock app. For privacy requests email privacy@busvisor.com.
Changes to this policy
We may update this policy as the app evolves. Material changes will be reflected here with a new version and "Last updated" date.
Contact
- BigSMS Pty Ltd
- Privacy: privacy@busvisor.com
- Support: support@busvisor.com
Privacy policy version 1.0
Effective: 10 July 2026
Last updated: 10 July 2026
Related: Trust Center · Data practices