Location-based services are everywhere today. Markets and Markets predicted that the market of location-based apps will reach $40 billion by 2024. With the boost in the user base of smartphones, top mobile app development agency have created applications that use geolocation to reach over 200 million potential customers in the US alone. Currently, numerous apps access the user's location to provide a service that meets the ever-increasing expectations. Consider a cinema ticket app that identifies the user's location and displays results from nearby movie theatres. A bargain or coupon smartphone app that uses your location to show you discounts in your area rather than a place you'd probably never visit is the same way. The geolocation features have given more power to application development company to experiment and deliver service beyond imagination.
Geolocation was, still is, and will always be a hot topic in information technology. In this article, lets explore some technologies and real-life domains that use location-based service apps:
TECHNOLOGIES USED FOR LOCATION ESTIMATION
Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi detects the device's position more precisely than almost any media. It achieves this via RSSI (Receive a Signal Strength Indication) or by analyzing the commonly frequented locations of Wi-Fi consumers. The measurements are precise to within two meters.
GPS: Almost every phone nowadays has GPS built-in. It records the satellite's position and timestamp, which are subsequently validated and verified by at least four satellites.
The ID of the cell: When the GPS server is unavailable, the device's position can be ascertained by looking at the cell towers of the phone service with which it last interacted.
Geofencing: It's used to figure out how far away an Internet-connected gadget is from a given location or point. It estimates the same using the phone's GPS. Not just that, but it may also provide information regarding the presence of a device.
MOST POPULAR INDUSTRIES USING GEOLOCATION
1] Automotive Industry
Vehicle GPS data can be used to alert passengers of delays and arrivals in fleet management (e.g. Geotab, Onfleet) or public transportation systems. Personal automobiles, on the other hand, can employ geolocation applications. It also lets you follow the vehicle's position from within the app, which might help you avoid theft or keep a check on your family members who share a car.
2] Fitness
Should you enjoy running or cycling, you may be familiar with real-time geolocation tracking applications such as Strava, Nike+, or Runtastic. They use the GPS data on your phone to plan your routes, track your pace, and even link you with other runners in your region. You may also utilize geolocation in an app to identify nearby fitness facilities or fitness trainers, as well as access local feeds in fitness video streaming applications.
3] Retail
Geolocation monitoring applications are used by major businesses such as Walmart, Target, and IKEA to enhance their in-store experience. They use GPS data to assist their consumers in locating the nearest shop or selecting a comfortable pickup or shipping address. Some always include an interior navigation system that uses Beacons rather than regular GPS technology. Another common geolocation app use scenario in the retail industry is delivery services. Apps for meal delivery, for example.
4] On-Demand Services
On-demand services, like shipping services, frequently make considerable use of GPS capabilities. Uber, among the most renowned on-demand transportation applications, pairs consumers with local drivers based on their location. It also allows passengers to see where their taxi is when that might reach, and to track their anticipated trip time in real-time while physically inside the Uber.
5] Social Media & Dating
Snapchat and Instagram both have a map view and allow you to tag your posts with geotags to see who is nearby and to connect with them. Many dating apps use geolocation to connect users. Apps such as happn, a local dating app, illustrate this approach.
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