Cookie Policy
Effective date: 21 May 2026
This Cookie Policy explains what cookies are, which cookies GeoSphere uses, and how you can control them. For broader information about how we handle your personal data, see our Privacy Policy.
1. What Are Cookies
Cookies are small text files placed on your device when you visit a website. They allow the site to remember information about your visit — for example, whether you are logged in. Some cookies are essential for the site to function; others are used to analyse how visitors use the site.
2. Essential Cookies
These cookies are strictly necessary for the Service to operate. They cannot be disabled without breaking core functionality such as staying logged in. No consent is required for these cookies.
| Cookie name | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| sessionid | Maintains your login session. Without this cookie you would be signed out on every page load. | Session (cleared when you close your browser, or up to 2 weeks if you choose "stay signed in") |
| csrftoken | Protects against cross-site request forgery (CSRF) attacks when you submit forms. | 1 year |
3. Analytics Cookies
We use Google Analytics to understand how visitors interact with our site. These cookies collect information in aggregate and do not identify you personally. Under UK GDPR, analytics cookies require your consent. By continuing to use our site without adjusting your cookie settings, you consent to these cookies being set.
| Cookie name | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| _ga | Google Analytics — distinguishes unique users by assigning a randomly generated number as a client identifier. | 2 years |
| _ga_* | Google Analytics — used to persist session state. | 2 years |
| _gid | Google Analytics — distinguishes users. Used to throttle request rate. | 24 hours |
You can opt out of Google Analytics tracking at any time using the Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on.
4. Third-Party Cookies
Apart from the Google Analytics cookies listed above, our pages don't set third-party cookies. Our sign-up page and the contact form on our home page load Cloudflare Turnstile to check for automated sign-ups and messages, which is governed by Cloudflare's Privacy Policy. When you pay, you are taken to Stripe's checkout page, and when you sign in with Google, GitHub or GitLab you are taken to that provider's site. Those sites may set their own cookies, governed by their own policies.
5. Managing Cookies
You can control cookies through your browser settings. Most browsers allow you to:
- View which cookies are set
- Delete individual or all cookies
- Block cookies from specific sites
- Block all third-party cookies
Please be aware that disabling essential cookies (particularly sessionid) will prevent you from logging in and using the Service. Disabling analytics cookies will not affect your ability to use the Service.
For guidance on managing cookies in your browser, visit allaboutcookies.org.
6. Changes to This Policy
We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time, for example if we add new cookies or change our analytics provider. The effective date at the top of this page will reflect the latest update.
7. Contact
If you have any questions about our use of cookies, please contact us at support@geosphere.info.