Cookies
Last updated: 6 August 2026
1. About this policy
This policy explains how readingmaps.com ("Reading Maps", "we", "us", "our") uses cookies and similar technologies, what each one does, how long it lasts, and how you can control them.
Reading Maps is operated by Aires Loutsaris based in the United Kingdom. We are the data controller for personal data collected through cookies on this site.
This policy should be read alongside our Privacy Policy, which explains more broadly what personal data we collect, why, and what rights you have over it.
2. What cookies and similar technologies are
Cookies are small text files that a website places on your device. They allow the site to recognise your browser, remember choices you have made, and understand how the site is being used.
We also use technologies that work in a comparable way, and this policy covers all of them:
- Local storage and session storage - data your browser holds for this site, used for things like remembering your last map view.
- Pixels and tags - small embedded files that record that an email has been opened.
- Software development kits (SDKs) - third-party code embedded in the site, such as our map provider's, which may read or write data on your device in order to function.
Where this policy says "cookies", it means all of the above.
3. First-party and third-party cookies
First-party cookies are set by readingmaps.com. Third-party cookies are set by other organisations whose services we embed in the site - for example our map provider and our email provider.
Those third parties can read their own cookies and act as separate data controllers for the information they collect. We do not control what they do with it, and their own privacy and cookie policies apply.
4. The categories of cookie we use
4.1 Strictly necessary
These are required to deliver the website you have asked for. They cover security, session management and load balancing. The site will not work properly without them, so they cannot be switched off. Under UK law these do not require your consent.
4.2 Functional and preference
These remember choices you make so the site is more convenient - for example your last map position and zoom level, display preferences, dismissed notices and saved routes. The site works without them, but you will need to set your preferences again on each visit.
4.3 Analytics and advertising
We do not use analytics, advertising cookies, retargeting pixels or cross-site tracking technologies on this site. We do not measure or record how individual visitors use the site. If we introduce analytics, sponsored content, advertising or partner tracking in future, we will update this policy first, and where the law requires consent we will ask for it before any such technology is used.
5. Cookies used on this site
The tables below list the cookies and similar technologies in use. Names and durations set by third parties are outside our control and may change; we review this list every six months.
5.1 Strictly necessary
| Name | Set by | Purpose | Type & duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| session id | Reading Maps | Keeps you signed in and maintains your session if you have an account or use the route submission portal. | First-party, session or 30 days |
| __cf_bm, cf_clearance | Cloudflare | Bot detection and traffic security for the hosting/CDN layer. | Third-party, 30 minutes to 1 year |
| maptiler session | MapTiler | Allows the interactive globe to load and function, and groups your map interactions into a single session. | Session / local storage |
5.2 Functional and preference
| Name | Set by | Purpose | Type & duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| map view state | Reading Maps / MapTiler | Remembers your last globe position, zoom level and map style so the map opens where you left it. | Local storage, until cleared |
| preferences | Reading Maps | Remembers display choices such as units, language, dismissed notices and saved or in-progress routes. | Local storage, until cleared |
6. Third-party services we use
The following third parties may set cookies or store data on your device when you use the site.
- MapTiler - supplies the interactive globe, map tiles and geocoding.
- Zoho - manages newsletter sign-ups and delivery.
- Cloudflare - serves the site and protects it from abusive traffic.
We also load book cover images from the Open Library API and film artwork from TMDB. These providers do not set cookies through our site, but because the images are served from their servers, your IP address and browser information are visible to them when an image loads.
7. Your choices and how to control cookies
7.1 Why there is no cookie banner
We do not ask you to accept or reject cookies, because everything we use falls within exemptions under UK law: it is either strictly necessary to run the site, or it remembers a display preference you have chosen. We run no analytics and no advertising or tracking technology of any kind, so there is nothing here to opt into or out of.
If that ever changes, we will update this policy first and ask for your consent where the law requires it. In the meantime, you can remove or block everything described above using your browser controls.
7.2 Browser controls
Every major browser lets you block or delete cookies and clear local storage, usually under Settings, then Privacy. Blocking all cookies will stop parts of this site working - in particular saved preferences, map state and any signed-in features. Instructions for your browser are available at aboutcookies.org or in your browser's help pages.
8. How long cookies last
Session cookies are deleted when you close your browser. Persistent cookies remain on your device for the period shown in the tables above, or until you delete them.
9. Changes to this policy
We may update this policy to reflect changes to the site, the services we use, or the law. The date at the top shows when it was last revised.
10. Contact and complaints
For any question about this policy or about how we use cookies, contact [email protected].
If you are in the UK and you are not satisfied with our response, you can complain to the Information Commissioner's Office at ico.org.uk, by calling 0303 123 1113, or by writing to Wycliffe House, Water Lane, Wilmslow, Cheshire, SK9 5AF.