Importance of Geo-Location Apps in 2021!
The worldwide mobile app development industry is evolving at a breakneck speed to match the escalating consumer needs. And, in order to survive and grow in this digital world, organisations must get acquainted with shifting trends. Geolocation is one such technology that allows businesses to provide various services based on the user’s location data. This data lets the mobile apps deliver highly personalized recommendations and reach out to a specific audience.
Another name for geolocation is the location-aware feature; without this feature, it would have been almost impossible in tracking an online order or search a restaurant nearby. Today, with the help of these real-time geolocation services, several social networking has become such a huge hit.
Geolocation technology is present in 90% of apps that are installed on our smartphone devices. It lets the mobile apps deliver highly personalized recommendations to the users that help businesses skyrocket their sales and deliver customer value efficiently & quickly. This map-based technology is one of the leading trends that are likely to rise in the upcoming years.
Location-based Apps for a Post-Pandemic World
Geolocation apps have become more mission-critical, as many have now been battle-tested in times of crisis. As the pandemic restricted mobility and travel, geolocation technology usage shifted to industries such as healthcare, life sciences, and public utilities. During the last year, we’ve seen the emergence of location-based apps for contact tracing, social distancing recommendations, and crowd density reporting in public spaces in order to avoid the spread of coronavirus.
“Crisis is the mother of innovation and creativity”
Following are some great Geolocation innovations that were made during the time of crisis:
- Quarantine management
- Mental wellness monitoring
- Crowd density management
- Location-based chat apps
Advantages of using Geo-Location
Using geolocation technology in mobile apps provides several information about users, trends, and other factors that improve overall company success. It enables better service to people based on their wants and requirements. Wondering how?
- Precise and Quick Services: Using location data, firms may provide solutions precisely when and where they are required. It aids in the development of loyal clients. For example, a company like Uber has gained tremendous benefits from leveraging GPS technology, which allows it to determine the exact position of the rider requesting the ride.
- Personalised Experience: The power of personalisation never fails to impress. In a matter of fact, 80% of consumers prefer to make a purchase decision if brands offer them personalised experiences. And geolocation applications allow you to target customers based on their real location, as well as provide discounts and promotions to promote the brand’s appeal.
- Real-time Updates and Information: This technology helps in keeping users and businesses informed by allowing them to send real-time alerts of events to customers in proximity. Businesses can analyse user behaviours and give profitable buying advice with relevant discounts and promotions using the accessible location data option to improve customer experience.
Technologies Used to Create Geolocation Apps
1. Geofencing: This was the first indoor technology that was based on GPS, cell phone, and Wi-Fi data. It establishes a virtual geographic border, allowing software to perform a pre-programmed action when a smartphone enters or exits a certain location.
2. iBeacon and Eddystone: iBeacon is a software protocol developed by Apple and Eddystone is one of the service offerings developed by Google. Both these technologies rely on Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) signals for indoor positioning.
3. Global Positioning System (GPS): Using the Global Positioning System, which is a built-in module in all smartphones, our app can receive signals from several satellites at the same time to determine a position with close to 4 meters of accuracy. By combining the Wi-Fi and GPS signals it can create virtual geographic boundaries
4. Wi-Fi: It assists in determining the position in the same manner that GPS does. It is less expensive and covers a smaller region than GPS, but it works well with the Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI) and Google Maps.
5. Cell ID: GSM base stations may also be used to determine a user’s geolocation. Cell phones can identify the cell towers to which they are linked. They may measure the direction on their map by locating the cell station coordinates.