If you’re wondering what is geolocation app development, this is the right path for you. We’ll go over the fundamentals of creating a successful geolocation app and talk about the strategies that have helped our clients get off to a fast start.
Market Share Of Apps That Use Geolocation
MarketsandMarkets predicts that the market for LBS and RTLS (real-time location systems) will expand at a CAGR of 17% over the next five years. According to expert forecasts, the market value has reached roughly $17.8 billion for the year 2021.
By 2025, this figure is projected to rise to USD 39.2 billion, representing an anticipated revenue growth of 50%.
Technologies That Enable Geolocation Services
You need to use several technologies for making GPS location app development (based on Topflight Apps experience). Consider these enhancements to your geolocation services as a starting point:
GPS Module
GPS refers to the Global Positioning System, a system of satellites used for navigation that also provides time and location information. The latest generation of GPS equipment provides pinpoint accuracy in terms of distance, usually just a few meters. The GPS coordinates of your location can now be downloaded directly into navigators.
Augmented GPS
Assisted or Augmented GPS (A-GPS) is an additional system that boosts the efficiency of GPS in general. Cell ID and A-GPS work together to improve the performance of traditional GPS, allowing for more precise position tracking.
Geofencing
Within a geo-fence, an app can be designed to carry out a variety of simple and sophisticated tasks. Geofencing is used by companies such as Uber. Likewise, child-monitoring software employs a modified kind of geofencing to monitor the whereabouts of young children.
Eddystone
Beacons emit a unique signal that is picked up by the receiver (often an app) through Bluetooth low-energy proximity sensors known as iBeacons. Google’s answer to the iBeacon is called “Eddystone.” The technology was given the name of the famous English lighthouse that inspired it.
IoT Geolocation
Tracking routes with geographical coordinates is a function of IoT-enabled devices. In the same way that radio antennas can pick up signals from far away, sensors built into IoT devices can do the same. Using this information, the device’s precise geographic position can be identified.
Map SDKs To Use When Creating GPS-Based Apps
In order to make a location-based map app, you need to use the following Map SDKs:
Google Maps SDK:
Google Maps SDK offers extensive map capabilities and services to make an Android app that uses GPS or an iOS platform. It includes interactive maps, street view, geocoding, directions, and a location API.
Mapbox SDK:
Mapbox SDK is a flexible mapping platform that works with Android, iOS, and web apps. It provides map customization, geocoding, routing, and navigation services. Mapbox SDK also includes stylistic options and the ability to create custom layers and data overlays.
Apple Maps SDK:
Apple Maps SDK is created exclusively for iOS applications and provides map-related features and services. It features interactive maps, routing, geocoding, and location search. Apple Maps SDK works well in conjunction with other Apple frameworks and services.
Here Maps SDK:
HERE Maps SDK is a robust mapping platform that works with Android, iOS, and web apps. It provides maps, geocoding, routing, and navigation services. Here Maps SDK also provides features such as real-time traffic, transportation information, and points of interest.
MapQuest SDK:
MapQuest SDK for Android and iOS provides mapping and geocoding services. It offers interactive maps, geocoding, routing, and traffic data. MapQuest SDK also provides turn-by-turn directions and allows for map-style customization.
OpenStreetMap SDK:
The OpenStreetMap SDK is an open-source mapping platform that provides map data as well as a variety of APIs for integrating maps into applications. It enables the creation of customized maps and provides geocoding, routing, and other location-based services.
Barriers You Can Face When In Geolocation App Development
In geolocation app-making, you can face many obstacles. Some typical barriers are:
Battery Optimization
Geolocation apps rely significantly on continual GPS usage, which can quickly drain the device’s battery. It is critical to balance the necessity for precise location monitoring with battery optimization. This barrier can be minimized by implementing efficient location-tracking algorithms and utilizing low-power modes.
Offline Mode
In order to provide real-time data and services, geolocation apps frequently require a persistent internet connection. However, users can encounter situations in which internet connectivity is limited or unavailable. Creating an offline mode that allows users to access cached map data, execute basic functions, and save location updates locally can improve the user experience and overcome this barrier.
Data security
Geolocation apps handle sensitive user location data, which necessitates strict security measures to preserve user privacy. It is critical to ensure safe data transfer via networks, use encryption mechanisms and follow best practices for data storage and access management. To further alleviate user anxiety, it is important to ensure full compliance with data protection laws like GDPR and CCPA.
Making Geolocation Apps- Right Steps
In order to make a GPS-based app follow these steps:
Step 1: Research the idea
The business analysis provides useful information about current consumer patterns that should be taken into account while creating an app. Check out the competition to see how you can improve your goal. Apply a story map to organize all of your findings according to importance and level of detail. These methods work well for collaborating at any stage of the brainstorming process. You will have a hard time making a market-relevant, high-quality location-based app if you don’t solve the market problems first.
Therefore, investigate the market and the competition to estimate the app’s potential and learn how to enhance it.
Step 2: Develop a blueprint for the geolocation app
Wireframing and user experience design for apps are crucial when building location-based apps. Before beginning actual app development, it is important first to imagine how the app will look and work on a screen.
Step 3: Create the concept of a GPS app
Building location-based apps requires a minimum viable product (MVP). This proof of concept demonstrates that the app has the potential to be commercially successful. Using this idea, you can find any stable funding mechanism. Similarly, you can provide the general public with an explanation of the project’s goals.
Step 4: Create a feature-riched map app
Once you have collected user feedback, you can go on to the next phase of development. The needs and opinions of your customers should always come first.
The primary functions of location-based apps should consistently provide the most helpful recommendations for things within a certain range. Don’t forget to implement fundamental functions like account creation.
Final Verdict
In conclusion, geolocation technology is the future of geolocation app development. Find the most cost-effective and user-friendly location-based app. Established businesses like Uber and Booking.com use the same models and source codes that are always available to you.
You can also mix different geolocation methods to achieve higher precision and not just use the one you like best. Together, GPS modules and Augmented GPS ensure pinpoint accuracy when pinpointing geographic locations.
