Location Based Mobile App Development
Today we are going to have a chat about location based mobile app development.
So, what is a location based app?
Location based apps are those apps that offer location based services.
These services make use of real time geo-data sourced directly from your smartphone. They take advantage of your device's inbuilt GPS technology.
If you have opted-in: these apps will use that location information to provide results and services tailored to where you are physically located at that moment, right down to your actual street address.
And the best thing about location based apps?
Thanks to the GPS functionalities in your smartphone - location based apps provide this information instantly - the user is not required to manually key in data.
Very user friendly.
Google Maps, Yelp and Uber offer well known location based services. Other apps include Instagram, Tripadvisor, Foresquare and Pokemon Go.
But before we go any further, let's look a quote.
That is: "Wherever you go, there you are."
This quote is usually attributed to Confucius - although his actual words were "Wherever you go, go with all your heart”.
Both statements are good - and encourage us to reflect upon - and be more conscious of - our location in world. That is, where we are in the 'now' - both our day, and in broader terms - our life.
Today - in the 'now' - most of us live an increasingly digital life.
Our smartphones are close at hand 24/7.
In fact, I have read that up to 94% of smartphone users between the ages of 18 and 49 use location based services regularly. We clearly love the convenience and tailored information they deliver.
Location based apps ensure that we can easily access key services we need in the 'now' - wherever we are, wherever we go, whatever we do - now!
Why location-based apps?
Today, more geo-dependent mobile applications are entering the market.
Let's pause to define the key functions of geolocation app development.
Would a location based app benefit your business?
Let's get to the benefits.
In a nutshell, location based mobile apps provide 4 key benefits to businesses:
1. Get Social - with location based social data: location based apps have the ability to know the precise location of other users.
2. Be Heard - with location based communications: location based apps enable users to engage, leave feedback, participate in reviews, provide map data that links to other content.
3. Be Helpful - with location based Information services: location based apps are great for delivering targeted information to the user about nearby objects or services - based on precisely where your customer is at that moment.
and finally,
4. Stand Out Amongst Your Competitors - with location based marketing services. Utilise geolocation to provide benefits and incentives to audiences. Meaningfully interact with your customers when they approach your store location.
How do companies make use of location based apps?
Remember that 94% of smartphone users between the ages of 18 and 49 use location based services regularly.
That's a lot and represents just about everyone!
With a location based app, you have access to more than 200 million US customers, and of course many more users world wide.
Location based services have great appeal and offer brands innovative ways to connect with target markets.
But - is a location based app right for your business and brand?
Let's check out how some industries utilise this personal GPS data to offer more advantages to clients and boost sales:
How Can Restaurants Use Location Based Data?
Did you know that 72% of users respond when they receive a call-to-action on their mobile device when passing by those restaurants or food outlets?
That is amazing - and really goes to show the power of personal marketing, reinforced by geodata.
For Restaurants, your location based app to offer discounts and special deals to customers when they are in your physical vicinity.
How Can Retail Use Location Based Data?
Retailers make use of location based apps to improve customer experiences.
They are used to provide directions, help locate onsite parking, in-store navigations and more. Interactive maps are useful here.
Location based mobile apps are also used to streamline the 'shop at home' process, where customers can pick up goods from delivery bays - without having to physically park and enter the store.
The key value here is - finding ways to use that personal GPS data to make your customers' life easier.
How Can On-Demand Services Use Location Based Data?
Providers of 'on-demand mobile services' connect users with service providers.
Uber is the top great example here. It has a market value of $72 billion and growing.
Location based mobile apps deliver tailored services with great speed and
efficiency - where users are able to track service providers via interactive maps.
To take advantage of on demand services - find new ways to connect your audience with service providers.
How Can Transport and Logistics Use Location Based Data?
Today, e-retail freight and shipment is big business.
Location based mobile services offers real benefits to the transportation and logistics industry. Customers can track goods in real times. Delivery times and mapping can be optimised to shorten timelines and optimise transport. This keeps the customer happy - and provides and opportunity for freighters to save on fuel cost. All good.
How Can Financial Services Use Location Based Data?
Financial service industry groups take advantage of location based apps to check personal id and reduce fraud. Transactions and information is cross checked in real time to ensure security protocols are maintained.
Location based apps also provide financial services with additional opportunities for customer service and outreach.
How Do You Create A Location Based App?
To create an app with location based features, you need to take advantage of mobile location services and maps via an API. API stands for Application Programming Interface (API) In simple terms, APIs allow applications to communicate with one another and share information.
So, how do you determine your users' location?
There are several ways here: and each method has it's advantages and disadvantages.
1. Where location is determined via GPS.
Here, user location is determined by satellite signals.
All mobile devices have a built-in GPS module that continuously receives satellite signals. This provides high accuracy location data at high speed.
Negatives here are battery life (GPS services rapidly use up a device's charge) and can be influenced by environments (e.g. signal dead spots, obstacles and atmospheres)
2. Where location is determined via Mobile Device ID.
When a GPS signal is not available - mobile devices are located via phone towers. Every device 'knows' which tower it is connected to at that moment.
Making use of the mobile device id makes a lot of sense, particularly in large cities. It works even when GPS signal is not available.
3. Where location is determined via Assisted GPS
Assisted GPS combines information from satellites and the internet.
Again, this provides highly accurate location data - and can be useful in 'problem' zones such as tunnels and forest.
4. Where location is determined via Bluetooth
A fourth option for determining user location - is that of bluetooth. The technology here is know as BLE or Bluetooth low energy. Here, bluetooth beacons are used to transmit and cross reference location data, without the need for internet connection. Although only suitable for indoor purposes with a small radius of action - BLE does gather high accuracy information on user location.
5. Where location is determined via Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi determines location here, usually via Google Maps. Simplicity is the key benefit here. Once connected to an active network, location is identified. The negative is smaller area coverage, compared to GPS.
6. Where location is determined via Geofencing
Firstly, what is geofencing?
Geofencing is a new technology that provides a 'virtual perimeter' around specific locations - within a radius of up to 500m.
Location data is gathered as users cross over these 'virtual perimeters'. Users can then be targeted with marketing messages via push notifications, for example.
And now, what are some tips for finding quality location based mobile app developers?
You have a great location based app idea for your business?
Where to now?
To find a location based mobile developer, research app development companies with these questions in mind:
Is the developer experienced?
Does the development team have the necessary resources for integrations and testing? Do they provide a fully integrated brand, front end and back end delivery process.
What is the quality of their portfolio?
What do their previous clients have to say? Be sure to ask for client testimonials and references.
But above all, aim to find a team you can truly partner with for the long term.
Where you come together to develop a great location based app that exceeds your business goals.
We started with a quote: "Wherever you go, there you are."
Wherever you business takes you, why not take advantage of mobile technology and find new ways to help your clients with a custom tailored location based app.
Good luck in your mobile app journey!