Privacy Policy

Last updated: April 2026

Overview

Mapshaper is free, open-source software for editing geographic data, hosted at mapshaper.org. This policy explains what information is collected when you use the site, how it is used, and what choices you have.

We collect as little information as possible. We do not sell or share your information with advertisers or data brokers.

Information collected

On mapshaper.org:

• Web analytics via Google Analytics. This includes pages visited, browser and device type, approximate location (typically city-level, derived from your IP address), and timestamps. The data helps us understand how the site is used.
• Basemap requests. When the in-app basemap loads, the application requests assets from Mapbox servers. As with any web request, this transmits your IP address to Mapbox to facilitate data delivery and session accounting.
• Standard server logs are kept by GitHub Pages, the hosting provider. As with any web request, this records your IP address, browser user-agent string, and the URL requested. GitHub uses these for traffic analysis, security monitoring, and abuse prevention.

On the support page:

• Email address, if you provide one for a payment receipt. The address is handled by the payment processor (Stripe via Ko-fi, or GitHub Sponsors), not stored by mapshaper.
• Name and payment information are handled directly by the payment processor.

Information not collected

• Files you load into mapshaper for editing remain in your browser. They are not uploaded to our servers or to any third party.
• We do not maintain user accounts or store any user data on our own servers.
• We do not sell, rent, or share your information with advertisers or data brokers.

Third parties

The following services receive data when you use mapshaper:

• Google Analytics — site usage analytics. Privacy Policy
• Mapbox — basemap tiles. Privacy Policy
• GitHub — site hosting (GitHub Pages) and sponsorship platform. Privacy Statement
• Ko-fi — payment processing. Privacy Policy
• Stripe — payment processing for Ko-fi contributions. Privacy Policy

Cookies

Google Analytics sets cookies to track usage. You can opt out by:

• Adjusting your browser settings to block third-party cookies
• Sending a Do Not Track signal
• Installing the Google Analytics opt-out browser extension
• Using a privacy-focused browser or extension that blocks analytics

EU and UK users (GDPR)

If you are in the European Union or United Kingdom, the General Data Protection Regulation gives you the right to access, correct, delete, or export the personal data we hold about you, and to object to processing. Because we do not maintain a user database, the data we hold about any individual is limited to analytics events and (if you have contributed) records held by the payment processors.

To exercise these rights, contact us using the information below. The legal basis for processing is legitimate interest (analytics) and contract (payment processing).

California residents (CCPA)

California residents have the right to know what personal information we collect, to request its deletion, and to opt out of any sale of personal information. We do not sell personal information.

Security

All connections to mapshaper.org use TLS encryption (HTTPS). Payment information is handled by PCI-compliant processors (Stripe). We do not store payment information on our own systems.

Children

Mapshaper is not directed at children under 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children.

Changes to this policy

This policy may be updated from time to time. The “Last updated” date at the top reflects the most recent change. We encourage you to review the policy periodically.

Contact

Questions about privacy can be sent to the maintainer via GitHub or Ko-fi.