Benchscape
← Back to home

Terms of use

Last updated: August 30, 2026

1. Purpose

These terms govern the use of the Benchscape mobile app (iOS and Android) and the benchscape.app website, published by Clément Béghin, Lille (France), hereafter "Benchscape", "we".

By downloading, installing or using the app, you accept these terms. If you do not accept them, do not use the service.

2. Description of the service

Benchscape is a community map of public benches. The service lets you:

  • explore benches on a map, including "dormant" benches from OpenStreetMap;
  • "wake up" a bench: be the first to document it with a photo, a rating and a name;
  • publish ratings out of 10, reviews and photos;
  • check in with location verification and unlock badges.

Exploring is possible without an account. An account is required to contribute. The service is free.

3. Account and eligibility

  • The service is available from 15 years old. By creating an account, you confirm you are at least that age.
  • You can create an account with Apple, Google or a code sent by email.
  • You are responsible for the accuracy of the information you provide and for access to your mailbox or your Apple/Google accounts.
  • A username must not impersonate someone else or be unlawful or offensive.

4. Your content and your license

You remain the owner of the content you publish (photos, reviews, bench names).

By publishing, you grant Benchscape a worldwide, non-exclusive, free license to host, store, reproduce, display and distribute this content as part of the service (display in the app, on the website, in shares generated by the app).

You warrant that you hold the rights to what you publish (in particular: your photos do not show identifiable people without their consent).

If you delete your account, your public contributions are kept in anonymized form ("Deleted user"), as described in the privacy policy. You can request their full deletion by contacting us.

5. Rules of conduct

It is forbidden to publish:

  • content unrelated to benches and their surroundings;
  • photos of identifiable people without their consent;
  • unlawful, hateful, defamatory or obscene content;
  • benches located on private property not open to the public;
  • deliberately false or misleading positions.

Respect the places: a bench is meant to be photographed, not damaged.

6. Check-ins and badges

Check-ins are subject to GPS proximity verification. Any attempt to bypass it (location spoofing, automation) may lead to the removal of the badges and check-ins involved, or the suspension of the account.

7. Moderation and reports

Any content can be reported from the app. We may remove content, suspend or delete an account in case of violation of these terms. If you disagree with a moderation decision, write to us: [email protected].

8. Map data and ODbL

Dormant benches and the base map come from OpenStreetMap (© OpenStreetMap contributors), under the ODbL 1.0 license.

Community geographic data (position and existence of benches added by users) is periodically published under the ODbL license. Photos, ratings, reviews and bench names are not part of it. Details on the Data & licenses page.

9. Intellectual property

The app, the website, their design, their code, the mascot and the Benchscape brand are the exclusive property of the publisher. Any reproduction or use outside the service, without written permission, is forbidden. This section applies neither to your content (section 4) nor to OpenStreetMap data (section 8).

10. Availability and changes

We strive to keep the service available, without guarantee of continuity. The service may evolve, be suspended or discontinued. Features may change.

11. Termination

You can stop using the service at any time and delete your account in the app. We may suspend or delete an account in case of violation of these terms.

12. Liability

The service is provided "as is". Benches are public facilities whose condition, accessibility and safety we do not control: the information displayed comes from the community and from OpenStreetMap, without guarantee of accuracy. Stay careful during your explorations, especially by the sea, in the mountains or at night.

We cannot be held liable for indirect damages related to the use of the service, except in case of gross negligence or willful misconduct, and excluding personal injury.

13. Personal data

The processing of your data is described in the privacy policy.

14. Governing law and disputes

These terms are governed by French law. In case of dispute, contact us first for an amicable resolution: [email protected]. Failing that, French courts have jurisdiction, subject to the protective provisions applicable to consumers in the European Union.

15. Contact

Benchscape, published by Clément Béghin, Lille (France). Email: [email protected] Website: benchscape.app