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Mobile App Development

The Location Based App Development Guide

When did location based app development become such a big thing?

It has been since forever. We use a lot of applications in our day-to-day life that involves navigation or tracking. Well, all of them fall into this category.

This is the reason why, back in 2020 location-based services in the US was worth $36.35 billion. Today, it is expected that it will hit $318.64 billion market by 2030.

Now, if you are curious about the technology or want to invest in it, this blog is for you.

Here, we shall be discussing all you need to know about creating a location based app, the technologies that go behind it, cost, examples, and so on.

Therefore, with this being said, let’s get right into it:

What is Location Based App?

What is Location Based App

So, what are location based applications?

This is one of the first questions that come to mind when someone mentions location based app development.

Concept behind this app is rather simple. As the name suggests, these apps use a range of different technologies (location based technology) to track and display the real-time location of the concerned subject.

The app needs to be connected to a device that allows location tracking i.e. a tablet, phone, laptop, or tracking tags like Airtag & tile.

From a technicality point of view, location based app development differs highly from your average mobile app development.

In the sense that, these are rarely standalone applications, rather, location-based technology is integrated into other applications. In any case, that’s the basic concept behind location based app development.

Moving on, let’s look at some reasons to create location based applications in the section below.

Why Create Location Based Apps?

Why Create Location Based Apps

If you are wondering whether or not to create a location based application, this section of the blog is for you.

Here, we shall be discussing some top benefits of location based applications. Therefore, with this being said, let’s get right into it starting with the first one that is:

· Capture Clients in Real-Time

There are n numbers of service-based and product-based companies that have multiple stores in multiple locations. And even when they are marketing trying to increase store footfall, it’s usually generalized marketing.

But what if we tell you, through the location based application you can send real-time push notifications to these users about the offer in the nearest store based on their location? Well, that’s possible.

And as one might assume this will increase the success rate of the market campaign by a big margin. This is one of the big reasons why you should go for location-based app development.

· Better Navigation

It goes without saying that some of the largest retail app development solution include store locator or like to direct people to store.

Well, this can be taken a step further with location based technology, let us tell you how: people usually have a hard time finding places just by address. And even Google or apple map isn’t all that accurate most of the time.

This is why using location based technology in your application is one of the best things you can do for your customers. And this brings us to our next point…

· Overall Better User Experience

Every service/product company strives to delivery better user experience, which is one of the leading reasons to create location based app in today’s time.

So, if you are someone who wants to deliver better user experience and grow your consumer base, this is the way to go.

Moving on, done with the “why”, we shall be discussing how of location based app development later down the line, but let’s first look at types of location based apps and best example of the same in sections below.

Types of Location Based Apps

It goes without saying that there are a range of different forms of app development solutions that use location based technology. And this gives rise to different location-based app type.

In this section of the blog, we shall be different types of location based apps. These are, as mentioned below:

· Food Delivery Apps

Food delivery app development has become quite a trend in recent times with platforms like DoorDash and Zomato taking over the market.

Well, you have probably used such an app. And one thing you notice is the real-time location tracking feature which allows users to now the current location and status of order.

This is prime example of location based app development or rather location based technology being used in food delivery apps.

· Shopping Apps

Well, well, term “shopping app development” itself refers to a wide range of solutions. But all of them can use location based app development.

Let us tell you how; there are two main objectives of a shopping app.

Online shopping and order tracking
Directing the user to nearest store.

In the first case, you need to location based technology for real-time order tracking. This is something a lot of us are familiar with. And it’s just a way to improve user experience but also drive user engagement.

Now, coming to the second point, via real-time navigation with a map API, you can help users reach nearest retail store. This is one of the best ways to grow your business with a location based application.

· Map Apps

Well, well, we all knew this was going to appear on the list sooner or later.

It goes without saying that map app development use location based technology at a high level. In fact, this is one of those apps that exploit the full potential of this technology.

We are all familiar with map apps and navigation apps, as well as their working. For those who can’t connect the dots, Google Maps and Apple Maps are two popular examples of the same.

· Healthcare Apps

You weren’t expecting to see this name here right? But here we go:

Healthcare app development seems like an odd, however, it does use modern technologies like GPS location and blockchain even.

For what? Healthcare apps use location technology to direct users to the required healthcare professional or health centre. This can range from gynaecologist, dentist, generalist, or whatever.

· On-Demand Apps

It goes without saying that location based app development is the heart and soul of on-demand solutions.

On-demand app development is something that use real-time location tracking round the clock. And this is one of the reasons why people put their trust in these delivery services.

Moving on, these are some of the top types of location based mobile app development. And with this out of the way, let’s look at some examples of apps that used location based technology.

Best Location Based App

There are no “location-based apps” as in their aren’t in a niche of their own. Rather this is a functionality form that can be and is used in a range of different industries.

Therefore, let’s look at some of the top examples of platforms and industries that are using geolocation app development.

Let’s start with:

CityMapper
Google Maps
Uber
Revoult
Grubhub
Waze
Nike Runclun
Find My – Apple
DoorDash
Tinder
Runkeeper
Foursquare city guide

These are some of the top location based app development examples. And with this out of the way, it’s time to look at some of the top features you can find in such an app.

Features For Location Based App Development

The Features are important to access the full potential of an application.

Therefore, in a bid to help you understand the location based application better, we shall be discussing some common features of these platforms.

These are, as mentioned below:

Information filter
Push notification
Personalized suggestions
Virtual tour Using AR/VR Technology
Real-Time Navigation
Traffic Updates
Route Optimization

As you can see, we have only mentioned a few features. Reasoning behind it is that location based application span across so many different industries leaving only a few generalized features.

In any case, depending on the specifications of the location based app development project, you can create more specific features.

Technologies Behind Location Based App Development

If you have ever wondered what are the technologies that goes behind geolocation app development or “location-based app development”, we have all the answers you are looking for.

There are a number of technologies that can be used to track your location via the app. However, depending on their tracking methodology, they can be divided into two categories.

Outdoor Location Technologies

1. GPS

GPS stand for Global Positioning System. This is a radio navigation system by this we mean the technology uses radio wave to establish communication between satellite and mobile chip. It is done to receive location and time info.

2. Cell ID

When the phone can’t connect to satellite for whatever reason, location can be tracked using the last cell tower pin. This is often seen in location-based app development, but it isn’t all that accurate.

3. A-GPS – Assisted GPS

To gain greater location accuracy technology provider often combine cell ID and GPS giving birth to “A-GPS” where A stands for assisted.

4. Wi-Fi

So, how does wifi help in location tracking? Well, the idea behind it is simple. Each wifi router has data of their location and signal radius. Based on this, it can help you track where the connected device located.

Indoor Location Technologies

1. Geofencing

We have heard the name of “geofencing” quite a few times in this blog. After all, this technology is highly utilized in location based app development. What happens here is, GPS is used to recognize proximity to a particular point. This gives a more accurate location data.

2. iBeacon

Lastly, we have the location technologies which are used in apps like Google Maps and Apple Maps. This is known as iBeacon. It uses Bluetooth low energy signals or BLE to send trigger when device is in range. It has it’s benefits as it can run without network or mobile data.

So, these are the technologies used when you create geolocation app. And with this out of the way, it’s time to go through the much awaited question “how to build a location based app” in section below:

Location Based App Development Process

It’s time to see, how location based app are developed.

The approach to this solution is a little different from your usually app development process. Yes, we still have to hire geolocation mobile app developers, but with a few added steps.

Therefore, with this being said, let’s get right into it:

1. Ideation

The very first thing you need to do is come up with an idea.

Here, you need to make sure which type of location app you are developing. Will it be an on-demand application or a navigation/maps app?

Once you are done with this, we start with a little more technical step.

2. Market research

Market research is the crucial step that will be backbone of your location based application development process.

Here, we need to look at competitors, new technologies, audience, loop holes, mistakes to avoid, and so on.

3. Choose Location Service Provider

Since we are here to create geolocation app, it’s important to choose a location service provider. Few big names that provide this service are Amazon and Google.

However, there are a range of other options that you should definitely check out.

4. Planning

Now that we have idea, backed with research and technology we want to use, it’s time to create a plan for app development.

First you need to choose an app development platform i.e. iOS app, Android app, or hybrid app. Following this, we need to finalize a tech stack as well.

All of these choices can highly affect the development process and the final product, so be careful.

5. Hire Mobile App Developer

It’s time to hire mobile app developers.

Now, there are a few different way to get a development partner. This including, outsourcing, establishing in-house team, hiring an agency, or working with freelancers.

Whatever you choose, make sure developers are compatible and communicate with you.

6. App Designing

With development team and plan by our side, it’s time to design the application.

UI/UX Designing process deals with the crucial things that affect overall market performance of the app. This is why we recommend that you pay especial attention during this step.

In any case, when this is done, we move to the next step, where we shall be dealing with all the coding work.

7. Location-Based App Development

This is time to bring all the different components together and create geolocation app.

It goes without saying this is the more resource intensive and time confusing step of the process and rightfully so.

For the same reason, we recommended that you keep an open communication channel with the development side.

8. Testing

Following the development, it’s time to test the mobile application.

This is done to make sure there are no errors or bugs in the app for a final time. Though more often than not, some final changes and fixes are needed.

In any case, with all of this done, we are ready to deploy the application.

9. Deployment

It’s time to submit the app to App Store or Google Play Store based on the platform you choose during development.

The approval on either side takes up to 2 weeks. After which you can start app store optimization and post-deployment app maintenance.

This is the entire process for location based app development. And now we go through the cost to build a location based app in next section.

Cost To Develop A Location Based App

Now we have answered “how to build a location based app” it’s time to answer “how much to”.

Well, the costs to build an app highly differ based on the project specifications. This is to say, depending on size, tech specs, look feel, and developers of the project total cost may differ.

On the average you can expect the location based app development cost to lay between $10,000 to $20,000.

For more accurate cost estimation, it’s highly recommended that you consult a mobile app development company.

Conclusion

Location based app development have various use cases and businesses from an array of industries are investing in it. In this blog, we went through all you need to know about working, examples, and development of location based app. And with this ,we conclude the blog.

Niketan Sharma

Niketan Sharma is the CTO of Nimble AppGenie, a prominent website and mobile app development company in the USA that is delivering excellence with a commitment to boosting business growth & maximizing customer satisfaction. He is a highly motivated individual who helps SMEs and startups grow in this dynamic market with the latest technology and innovation.