Location-based apps have been the hottest trends in the market for over a decade, and they are growing exponentially. Moreover, during the Covid-19 Pandemic, the craze of location-based apps has increased. Want to know how to create a location-based app? Read the complete post to know in detail and also find the top 10 ideas for location based apps.

The reason being, a geolocation feature allows businesses to interact with the users in real-time by using the device’s built-in capabilities. Also, this feature has remained the origin of new ideas and explorations for developers and marketers. 

With the increasing popularity of this feature, various leading apps such as Uber, Tinder, Airbnb, etc., have integrated it to provide a better user experience.

According to a Research and Markets report, the location-based services-market is anticipated to reach $126.4 billion by 2025. 

Now, if you have a solid idea and wondering, How to create a location-based app? Then, you are at the right place.

In this blog, we will discuss geolocation technologies and the process for building location-based apps. Also, we will look at 10 excellent location-based ideas.

How location-based app works?

Geolocation is known as the geographical info regarding your device’s position. It could be a smartphone-based on Android or iOS, a fitness tracker, or a device that consists of a GPS chip or connects to WiFi or mobile data.

Here, a user utilizes the location of cellular network stations or Wi-Fi Connection to know the location of a person, place, or service.

For instance,

•  A user finds, requests, and shares location details with other apps on the smartphone.
•  Utilize a geolocation app to find the exact space of objects.
•  From one point to another, Google maps finds the best suitable route and options.

GeoLocation Technologies

In general, a location-based app is made with two elements: geo-detecting services (indoor and outdoor) and maps.

Let us look at the two geo-detecting services in detail:

Outdoor Geo-Detection Technologies

It is useful for tracking outdoors. A simple example of this is Google maps that allow users to know their location and get the best routes to reach the destination.

Outdoor navigation depends on satellite imagery and GPS signals. So, let us dive deep into it:

GPS

GPS stands for Global Positioning System. It is a well-known geolocation technology routed in mobile devices use to find a device outdoors. It gets signals from the satellite and is accurate. GPS works anywhere and doesn’t need an internet connection. However, it has the main drawback is that it is a massive battery drainer.

Cell ID

Cellular ID is another important outdoor geo-detection technology useful to know the position of a user. When a GPS signal is not available from the smartphone, the device’s location can be obtained from the cell towers.  

Wi-Fi

WiFi is also useful to determine the location of the user. This technology requires high density and works well in urban areas. Also, it drains less battery as compared to the GPS. One major drawback of WiFi is it covers a very small area.

Indoor Geo-Detection Technologies

Geofencing

Geo-fencing is primarily a location-based marketing method that runs with a combination of GPS, cellular, and WiFi data. Here, a geo-fence means a virtual boundary, and whenever a smartphone enters this boundary, a simple or complex pre-programmed action is initiated.

Geo-fencing is not suitable when one wants to know the exact location; however, it useful tool to attract people to a store from the street or parking.

BLE

BLE stands for Bluetooth Low Energy and is effective for knowing the location of users indoors. Here, a device popularly known as a beacon is incorporated in the building. They determine the signal from your mobile, analyze it and know your precise location. They are quick to install but need continuous support.

Leading BLE devices used in the industry are iBeacon built by Apple and Eddystone developed by Google.

Top 10 Ideas for Location-based Apps

1. Travel Apps 

People love to travel to new destinations worldwide every year. During their quest, they are looking for hotels, restaurants, well-known places, etc. Hence, you can utilize the location-based feature and create a dedicated travel-based app targeting these users. Example: Airbnb

2. Dating Apps

A location-based dating app is widely useful among different-age groups as it allows people to find their dates or people with similar interests. Hence, you can create a dating app that connects users through geolocation. Example: Happn, Tinder.

3. Health & Fitness Apps

With each passing year, fitness and health are becoming the leading priorities of people every year. Hence, fitness and healthcare industries are continuously using new technologies to improve well-being. They have introduced location-based apps which allow users to monitor cycling, running, swimming, etc. Hence, you can create a health tracking app. Example: Runtastic.

4. Weather-Related Apps 

Various people like to know about the weather before traveling to a new place. They want to know about the weather forecasts and uncontrollable weather changes. Hence, you can create a location-based weather app.

5. Mapping and Navigation Apps

People around the world love to use navigation-based apps to reach a specific location. Also, they look out for various restaurants, hotels, nearby tourist sports, etc., utilizing the mapping and navigation apps. Hence, you can develop a suitable location-based navigation app to target all such users. Example: Waze

6. On-Demand Apps

All the on-demand apps make extensive usage of the geolocation features, it’s doesn’t matter whether it’s flower delivery, food delivery, or taxi booking app. Businesses all around the world provide various on-demand services to enhance customer engagement and loyalty. Hence, you can also jump into the on-demand bandwagon by building a unique on-demand app for your business. Example: Zomato

7. Safety Tracking Apps 

Every day, threats are increasing, and that’s why people are worried about their friends and family members. Geo-targeting offers a location of a person’s identification and tracking, and it seems to display a communication-based message on the web version. This involves email or push notification systems that are location targeted. Ultimately, you can develop a safety tracking app that connects users with each other and saves their lives via money. Example: Life360

8. Indoor Apps

Geolocation is also useful for Indoor purposes. Moreover, various restaurants, hotels, shopping malls, etc., have utilized this technology in their apps to provide better services to users. Hence, you can also develop an indoor-based app. Example: IFFT.

9. E-Commerce Apps

One of the most trending location-based ideas is an E-commerce app. Various people love to purchase things online and they are curious to correct the location of goods. An E-Commerce app allows users to track the location of the product from time to time. Hence, by creating an eCommerce app, businesses can provide a better experience to the users. Example: Target

10. Task Automation Apps

Location-based apps can automate various things when integrated with multiple devices. For instance, a location-based app can be used to turn on the air-conditioner as soon as you reach home. Example: IFFT

How to Create a Location-Based App?

1. Explore all Opportunities in the Market

Here, you can choose any of the location-based app ideas, which we have discussed above, or build a unique mobile app using the location feature. 

Initially, you need to identify your target audience and the competitors. Also, you should identify the pain points of the audience. Based on this analysis, you should create a location-based app that sets you apart from the competitors.

2. Define App Functionality

After choosing the idea, the next most essential thing to integrate some primary components into your location-based app. These are as follows:

• Map View
• User location 
• Route mapping
• Nearby places finder
• Location-based notifications
• Location history

Apart from this, you should also define various features of the app that align with your goals. Here, if you want to test your idea accurately with minimum investment, you should build an MVP.

3. Select the location tracking technology and tech stack

In this stage, you should first think of choosing the right technology for the location-based app. The majority of Android and iOS apps are using Google SDK or iOS Mapkit. Apart from there are various other frameworks available in the market. 

If you don’t want to utilize standard GPS technology, you can go with WiFi, cellular networks, or Beacons to detect users’ location.

4. Ensure Data Safety

There is a strict regulation regarding data safety and therefore, you should pay attention to your security while building data-heavy products like location-based apps. Here, you should comply with the location regulations of the country in which you are launching the app.

5. App Design 

Now, you can create a working prototype of the app to validate your app idea. After building an effective wire-frame, you have two options. Firstly, you can present it to investors to earn funding. Secondly, you can share it with your target audience to check its functionality.

6. App Development

After designing your app, the next important step is to develop your mobile app. Here, it is suggested to follow a software development model. Also, it would be better to utilize modern frameworks available in the market. 

Here, if you are not familiar with all these things, it is recommended to approach a mobile app development company. 

7. App Testing

Last but not the least, testing is the most important thing while building any application. Here, it is suggested to go with the Test Driven Development (TDD) method. By following this method, developers need to rectify any bugs and enhance transparency only if the automated tests get failed.

Conclusion

We hope that you have understood how to create a location-based app. By thoroughly following the process we have shared with you, you can create a location-based app to increase your business and provide various benefits to users.

Lastly, if you have an excellent idea for your location-based app, don’t hesitate to contact us. 

At Infigic, a proficient app development company, we possess an incredibly talented team of experts familiar with location-based apps. Hence, we can understand your idea and provide you with the most suitable solution.

Moreover you can also check out our ready to launch app like grocery app development, pharmacy app development, food delivery app development, etc to launch your hyper local location based apps in short time.