The days are gone when GPS technology was only used for navigation purposes. It has now become a prominent part of industries like healthcare, entertainment, food delivery, eCommerce, and many more. The availability of a location-based app has assisted lots of companies to improve their user experience.
For instance, retailers are relying on technologies like geofencing to notify people when they are in the nearby area. On the other hand, GPS tracking lets the social media app users tag locations on their videos and pictures. According to Mordor Intelligence, the market of GPS tracking apps will increase to US$ 185 billion in the next five years.
It creates an exceptional opportunity for entrepreneurs and companies who want to build a location-based app for their business. In this guide, we will explain the entire process of the development of location-based applications and a few key facts about this development in detail.
What is a Location-Based App?
A location-based app lets companies and businesses offer solutions to their customers who are near their geographical location. In simple language, they will be able to serve the clients on the basis of their location.
For example, a restaurant can send an alert to the customer for giving a rating on Google who had dinner at their property using this GPS tracker technology. Investing in these apps has allowed millions of companies to grow their business.
Key Features of Location-Based App
If someone is planning for location-based mobile app development, they should be aware of the major features that need to be included in the application. Let’s understand them in detail below:
1. Real-Time Tracker
It is essential to integrate different maps into the developed location based service app, like satellite, Google Maps, and OSM for tracking the location in real-time.
You can also think about adding monitoring object details like correct address, travel history, speed, etc.
2. Location Based Filter
There should be multiple filters in your geolocation mobile app to allow the users to fulfil their needs in minimal time. They won’t have to waste time checking information that doesn’t relate to their area.
It is a useful feature using which search results can be filtered to make the user experience better. On the other hand, businesses will be able to serve their customers better with these filters.
3. Personalized Offers
Getting a personalized offer from a geolocation app lets the customers feel special, and it is even considered a cool feature by many.
This feature allows businesses to evaluate the personal needs of users and send personalized suggestions according to them. Whether it is about a local event or a nearby restaurant, these offers help in giving better services to their users.
4. History and Reporting
Another crucial feature to take care of while building an app for location based services iPhone is adding history and reports. It can be beneficial for both app users and businesses equally.
It assists the customers to download and check the history files in different formats. They will also be able to find the locations from their history and draw similar routes conveniently.
5. POI Tools
POI, fully abbreviated as Point of Interest is a must-have feature in a location-based app that assists customers in marking the locations like hotels, restaurants, petrol pumps, etc.
Consult with the mobile app development company to add this customer-oriented feature for getting help in maintaining the user base.
Types of Location Based Application
There is a variety of location-based apps that we will explain in detail below:
1. Social Networks
These types of applications work to boost social interactions with the help of a geolocation feature for tagging locations in posts and check-ins.
The social networking route tracking apps tailors the user experience as per the location of users. A few common examples of such apps are Snapchat, Facebook, and Instagram.
2. Delivery and Navigation Apps
The main purpose of delivery and navigation apps is to facilitate services like food delivery and arranging transportation using the geolocation feature.
It also helps in tracking the locations in real-time and finding the routes of both consumers and businesses. Some examples of such apps are Ola, Uber, Rapido, and Lyft.
3. Dating Apps
Online dating has been revolutionized thanks to geolocation apps that help users find matches within a certain area. These dating applications focuses on the present location of users and help them find potential matches conveniently.
Popular apps like OkCupid, Aisle, and Tinder are leveraging geolocation technology to help users find connections within the geographical area.
4. Marketplaces
The apps like Amazon and Flipkart use location data for evaluating shopping times and enhancing their shopping experiences.
They also customize the user experience for only displaying items that are available in nearby areas or within a reasonable delivery time frame.
Read More: Route Planning App Development – Process and Key Features
Build A Location Based App – Step BY Step Process
If you are looking to build a location-based app, we have explained the steps in detail below:
1. Finding Market Opportunities
The first thing to care about while creating a transit tracking app is identifying the market opportunities with proper research. It will assist in making the purpose of the app and understanding the potential audience.
2. Hiring Software Development Company
Connecting with the right software company is important for staying competitive and profitable. Everyone has their expertise, which makes it important to make the perfect hiring. Looking for the right option who can offer a perfect combination of cost and expertise.
3. Creating an Attractive UI/UX Design
Users won’t prefer a location-based app that comes with an unattractive design. So, it is essential to design a functional and appealing design during the development process. We suggest creating a unique concept with flashy elements and buttons to focus on the users.
4. Targeting on Technical Aspects
After designing elements, focus on selecting the geolocation technologies and technical stack during the location-based mobile app development. Have a brief consultation with the automotive software management company to add the right technical features in the app.
5. Testing and Maintenance
Once you developed a location-based app, make sure proper testing is performed to find potential bugs and issues. It will be very helpful in removing glitches for enhancing the overall experience.
If you find the app free from these issues, the location based mobile app is ready to launch. Also, perform the proper maintenance work for actively updating the app for continuous improvements.
Read More: How to Develop A Vehicle Tracking App?
How Much Does It Cost to Develop A Location-Based App?
The approximate cost to create a location based app depends on a variety of factors, like complexity, feature list, developing cost, etc. We all know the charges of the development team vary according to experience and expertise. Also, the tools and technologies for building GPS tracking app play a crucial role in evaluating the cost.
So, it is strongly recommended to connect with professionals of the development team to get a better evaluation of proper cost evaluation.
Conclusion
Location based mobile app development can help businesses to grow by utilizing the power of the user’s location to provide a personalized experience. Make sure the developed app has all sorts of essential features for enhancing the user experience.
Inventcolabs has been involved in app development services for years with expertise to create software for various industries like, automobile, retail, healthcare, and many more.
FAQs
Q1. Which industries can utilize the capabilities of GPS tracking apps?
Ans. The industries that highly benefit from the technology include transportation, restaurants, dating, social media, and automotive.
Q2. Can route tracking apps boost customer engagement for delivery apps?
Ans. Yes, they improve customer engagement and loyalty by offering personalized offers according to their previous attractions and user’s location.
Quick Contact Us Call/WhatsApp : +1-646-917-8081 Email : jiten@inventcolabs.com
Jitendra Jain
Jitendra Jain is the CEO and Co-founder of Inventcolabs. He is among the most endeavoring leaders in the space of advanced computing and information technology. He has been at the forefront of the tech innovation taking place at Inventcolabs, and his domain insights, ideas, and viewpoints on the latest IT trends and traits impact change through his words and works in motion.
