Geolocation App Development: A Complete Guide

With all the disruptions happening worldwide, geolocation app development is one of the most trending aspects gaining huge momentum. From Airbnb to Uber, Foursquare, and even Instagram, every other brand across various industry verticals uses geolocation services to expand its business.  

And why not? Geolocation app development is a profitable investment in brand value, revenue generation, and customer satisfaction. For instance, you can easily offer unique discounts to nearby customers with a location-based app. Moreover, the users can discover nearby hotels, restaurants, or even city guides using these apps.  

Not to mention, brands like UberEats use geolocation apps to let their users track their food delivery and preparation process. Due to such magnificent benefits, the geolocation app development market is expected to surpass $1.54 billion by 2026! 

Have you planned to invest in location-based mobile app development for your business expansion but don’t know where to start? Don’t worry; we have got you covered! Discover everything you need for location-based app development, from features to the development process! But, first things first.

What is a Geolocation App? 

Gone are the days when location-based services were only used to track the right directions and add a location to our status. Today, the concept of geolocation apps has transformed the market. A geolocation app is an excellent mobile app development trend focusing on a person’s location to offer them the best services, product recommendations, and real-time tracking functionalities. 

You can target various aspects of your business with a geolocation app, from marketing to communication, social integration, and even product recommendation. In fact, brands like Uber, Tinder, Flipkart, and many others are already using geolocation app development services to drive innovation and traffic to their brand.

The customer can turn on their location, and the app suggests the best hotels, restaurants, and cafes nearby. Apart from that, things like hospitals, gas stations, ATMs, and even famous public places can also be known. Not to mention, dating apps like Tinder uses location-based services to offer nearby matches to their users at their preferred location.   

Which Industries Can Benefit from Location-based App Development?

Location-based services are not only for large enterprises. In fact, all companies, including enterprises, SMBs, and startups, planning to digitize and expand their businesses must invest in geolocation app development.  

As per a survey conducted by BCG, almost 95% of the businesses agreed that location-based services are important for business growth. 91% of the respondents also agreed that geolocation app development would be critical in the coming three to four years.  

Besides marketing, things like cloud services, big data, and analytics services also become smooth with geolocation apps. However, some industries instantly benefit from the adoption of location-based services. 

Retail

Retail and on-demand services are the first sector benefiting from location-based app development. Whether Amazon, Walmart, or Uber, every leading brand uses location-based services to engage potential customers.  

The users can not only use the geolocation apps for exploring the nearby Walmart store but can even track their product deliveries. Moreover, the businesses can know the exact search term and interests of their users. Walmart has even gone further and uses geolocation apps for indoor navigation.   

Real Estate 

Another leading industry segment benefiting from geolocation app development is real estate. Earlier, location-based services were utilized by realtors to offer the location of various properties to their buyers. ‘ 

However, with recent advancements, geolocation apps are widely used to make better property valuation models. Mapping functionality and topography data are used to do such evaluations.  

Furthermore, CRM is also used along with location-based data to know the exact requirements of people residing in certain areas and offer them the best properties.  

Finance 

Finance is yet another robust industry benefiting from geolocation apps. Fintech companies can offer specific services to people after viewing their interests and location. Current, for instance, is a US-based fintech company that provides discounts and eliminates credit fraud.  

The users need to turn on their locations while making payments to eliminate online fraud. Furthermore, if the user is at a particular store, the app even offers them special offers that can reduce their expenses. Currently even offers special rewards to its users for shopping at a specific location.  

Logistics

Route optimization is the perfect use case of location-based services for logistics companies. The brands that expect fast delivery to their customers can leverage geolocation apps to offer the best routes to their drivers. 

The drivers get a real-time traffic view and other factors that might impact their delivery time. Furthermore, they also get the safest and fastest route to the customer, which ensures quick delivery. That increases customer satisfaction and offers more time to do business and earn better revenue.  

Travel and Hospitality 

Nearby hotels, parking lots, restaurants, bars, and cafes are some popular benefits of investing in location-based app development for travel brands. The customers can easily explore and book online rooms and seats at their favorite restaurants by enabling their locations. 

Moreover, they can even leverage any ongoing offer with location-based services. According to BCG, using location-based services has resulted in 108% better hotel views and 12% more bookings.  

Agriculture 

Farmers and agriculture businesses can easily monitor their crops using geolocation apps. They can even locate the infection of a particular crop and can take action to avoid further wastage.  

Weather data can also be known to the farmers by investing in geolocation app development. All that eventually saves the cost and increases crop production.  

Fitness and Healthcare 

Whether finding a nearby doctor or tracking your fitness levels, location-based app development offers multiple healthcare and fitness industry benefits. Fitness brands like Nike Run Club and Runtastic track the users’ real-time location to know their current status and activity level. Then it calculates the calorie intake and other health parameters.  

Social Networking 

We are all aware of the brands like /Tinder, Instagram, and Facebook. All those social media apps use location-based services to recommend the best places and people to their users. Tinder, for instance, help its users to explore nearby matches for their dates.  

On the other hand, Instagram offers you options of famous places nearby for image tagging. In short, location-based services have become an indispensable element of social media app development.  

Features for a Top-Notch Location-based Application

The characteristic of a successful application is its simple yet engaging interface and unique features. An app that easily resolves all the concerns of its target audience with simple access is everything the customers want.

However, we have already discovered that geolocation apps could be created for multiple industries. As such, there are no specific features of a location-based app. But, some common functionalities are a must in a custom geolocation app.  

Maps

Whether exploring the location to your destination or sharing your real-time location with your friends, maps are one of the essential functions of a geolocation app. Real-time traffic updates, points of interest, and popular places, nearly everything can be accessed by a user with map functionality.  

Hence, you can embed top-tier SDKs (software development kits) like Google Maps and Apple Maps to integrate map functionality in your app. However, if your target location is China, please remember that Google Maps does not work there. Hence, you need a different SDK for that.  

Location Tracking 

Maps functionality is fine, but what if you have to track the exact location of your product shipped by the dealer? In such a case, location tracking features are beneficial. Whether iOS or Android, location-based mobile app development is a popular trend these days. 

You can know the exact location and status of your loved ones and can even track the real-time status of your shipment. Many businesses are, in fact, using location tracking features to offer unique services to the users around a specific area.

SoundWalk, for instance, is a tour guide app that offers different music for each location you visit during your travel. You only need to turn on your location, and the app will determine your exact place to offer unique music matching your surrounding.  

To implement the location tracking functionality, you need to use various APIs, namely, Google’s Geolocation API for Android, Apple’s Core Location API for iOS, and Apache Cordova for cross-platform apps.  

Points of Interest 

Another essential yet interesting feature that enhances your custom geolocation app is points of interest. Today, nearly every app user needs a unique and added benefit from the brands. In this case, for instance, knowing the final location and destination is not enough.

You also need to inform the users about the nearby popular locations. At least, that’s what the trend is nowadays. Hence, you can use Google Places API or Foursquare Places API to integrate points of interest features in your geolocation app.  

Navigation and Sharing 

Navigation and location sharing are the two most important aspects of geolocation app development. From finding an optimal route for product delivery to sharing your real-time location for seamless contact, both features are an essential part of the geolocation app market.

For instance, if you belong to the insurance or healthcare business, implementing such features will help your users locate your offices faster and much more easily.  

Hence, you must implement such features in your app to offer a seamless experience to your users. For that, you can use some powerful APIs like Google Direction API and Google Distance Matric API. Waze SDK can also get real-time traffic updates on your app.  

Geo-fencing 

Last but not least, we have geo-fencing, an important aspect in the transportation and logistics field. A geo-fence is a virtual map or boundary that you create to limit your vehicles from entering a particular location.

With a geo-fencing feature, you get instant updates on your app whenever a vehicle enters or exists from your virtually created location.

For instance, if you want to limit your remote field workers from going far away from your site. Hence, you can use the Geofencing API from Google to implement such a feature in your app.

How to Begin with Geolocation App Development? 

Developing a custom mobile application requires a lot of analysis and a complex development process. For that, you must have a comprehensive knowledge of APIs, technology tools, and research processes. While there are two ways to begin your geolocation app development, viz., in-house development, or outsourcing, most businesses often choose the latter.  

That’s so because the former requires stupendous investment and constant hiring of resources. Those resources may not be needed once your app development is done. However, the latter option offers flexible hiring models and dedicated resources in one place. That eventually reduces your cost and time of development and even offers a quality product with expert consultation.  

Now, whether you choose to go for in-house app development or outsourcing, the steps mentioned below will help you with your geolocation app development! 

Start with Market Research and Competitor Analysis 

Market analysis is an important step for any mobile app development, and location-based applications are no exception. You must know what trends in the market and your competitors’ strategies.

With in-depth market research, you get a clear picture of your app development journey, like: 

• Do you want a map-based or a location-based mobile app? 
• What service app do you want to launch with the geolocation feature? 
• Is your app real-time or a non-real-time geolocation application? 
• Which development platform will suit the requirements of your target audience, viz. iOS, Android, or cross-platform? 
• Who are all playing well in the geolocation app development market? 

Answering questions like these will help you frame a better development and marketing strategy. That will eventually result in a high-performing and customer-focused geolocation app development!  

So, you can either conduct those research tasks yourself or hire a reputable mobile app development company that offers such services. 

Hire Experienced Mobile App Developers 

Another crucial aspect of geolocation app development is hiring dedicated developers for your project. Of course, you need a team to transform your idea into a successful reality. However, getting dedicated developers, testers, UI/UX engineers, and consultants in one place is not possible with freelancing.  

You need to hire a reliable enterprise mobility solutions company having experience in developing geolocation apps. Hiring an experienced app development company gives you perks like a talented pool of engineers, 24*7 technical assistance, and complete knowledge of next-gen technologies.  

You can easily check the feasibility of your ideas, discover the latest trends in your niche, and can implement technologies suitable for your project. Besides, you can even scale your app development team per your project’s needs.  

Hence, hire app developers from companies with past experience creating a location-based app. To select the most appropriate app development company, you can look for the portfolio, customer reviews, and case studies.  

Also, while selecting your development partner, look for other services, including market research, expert consultation, next-gen tech implementation, and MVP creation.  

Read More: 8 Tips for Choosing the Right Mobile App Development Company 

Choose the Best Features and Tech-Stack 

Features and tech stack play a crucial role in determining the scope of your application. If your app has advanced and unique features that your competitors do not offer, it will have a profitable future.  

However, since geolocation services are used in various industries, there are no pre-defined features that work for all. Hence, you must define the type of your geolocation app and then select the features accordingly. 

We have already discussed the features and tech stack in the section mentioned above. You can explore those or can contact us for more exclusive features specific to your geolocation app. 

Talking about the tech stack, it depends on your app development platform. Google and Apple offer multiple APIs and SDKs for your geolocation app development.

However, what would happen if you opt for cross-platform app development? In such a case, it is always better to go with Google as it offers tools even for iOS apps. The same thing is not true with Apple! 

Create an MVP of Your Location-based App 

MVP is a minimum viable product created by a project manager and designer. It is an excellent approach for testing your product even before it is developed. With an MVP, you can visualize your product without actual development.  

In other words, you can check various components of your geolocation app, including its features, working, navigation, user interface, etc. With that, you can easily make changes to improve the navigation and, eventually, your app’s user experience with actual development. Because we all know that an app with poor UX and even high-end functionalities is of no use to the users.  

Hence, you should always begin your location-based app development with an MVP. Look for a development partner that offers MVP development service as an integral part of its app development package.  

Follow the Agile Methodology for Geolocation App Development 

Once the MVP is developed, it is time to develop your app. However, there are certain things that you need to address while developing a geolocation app. 

To begin with, you just follow the agile development methodology. That’s because, in the agile method, your project is divided into various sprints, and you get constant updates of your app after every release. That means you can easily alter any features, designs, or technology according to your requirement without impacting the previous or next sprint.  

In short, you can easily implement changes in your project without affecting its completion time. The developers will make the required changes in the next sprint rather than disturbing the already released sprint. That will reduce your testing cost since the app will be developed under your monitoring and requirements.

Hence, look for an app development company that follows the agile methodology for creating your custom location-based mobile application.  

Read More: What is Agile Development for Mobile Apps? 

Test and Deploy Your App 

The final step of geolocation app development is testing. You must test your geolocation app in various situations and for multiple devices. Even a small glitch in your app after launch can greatly impact its success.  

Hence, you must opt for testing services, manual or automated, depending on your project’s need. Furthermore, make sure to opt for security testing, a part of cloud integration services, to ensure a safe data flow for your app. Finally, deploy your application on your choice of platform, viz. App Store or Play Store.  

There are experts for your Play Store or App Store optimization tasks that can smoothen your app deployment journey. Hence, select a development platform that offers such resources for your project.

Other Factors that Impact the Success of Your Geolocation App 

So, you have planned to initiate your geolocation app development. But have you covered all the vital steps for successful mobile app development? Maybe, there are some points that you must address before stepping into the development phase.  

Data Safety 

The first and foremost aspect that must be addressed for a successful geolocation app development is data security. With the rise in digitization, cybersecurity concerns have also increased. People worldwide are very particular about their data, and hence, a majority of the countries have imposed several data regulations laws to secure users’ privacy. 

And we all know that geolocation apps are indeed data-heavy digital products. Hence, implement various strategies to secure your customer’s data while developing a location-based app. Also, follow the best security practices and location-specific compliance to ensure a smooth and safe mobile app development.  

UI/UX 

Besides features, if there is something that can impact the success of your custom mobile application, it is UI/UX. To those new to the app development field, UI refers to the user interface, whereas UX refers to the user experience. 

To understand those two terms, the user interface is the app’s design, screens, accessibility, and navigation. When you have a simple and user-friendly interface, then it will eventually enhance your app’s user experience. In other words, the easier it will be for the users to access your app, the more will be its UX.  

Even if you have the best features, if they are not accessible by your users, then they are of no use to you. So, implement a simple yet engaging design in your app. For that, hire the best UI/UX designer for your project.  

You can connect with a reputed app development company to get experienced UI/UX designers at flexible pricing models.  

Read More: Top 7 Tips to Hire the Best UI/UX Designer 

Cloud-based Services 

Cloud computing is one of the very popular and beneficial tech trends when it comes to geolocation app development. Today’s customers expect fast and innovative services at minimal expenses. However, offering such advanced services via traditional monolithic applications is challenging.  

The problem of scalability, data security, and data analysis is common in traditional apps. Moreover, even during disasters and peak loads, the concept of fast performance is not present in monolithic apps. That’s where cloud integration services come into play! 

With cloud-based app development, you can easily address your geolocation app’s challenges, namely cost, scalability, performance, security, etc. 

For instance, your complete app could be broken down into various parts with microservice architecture, with each piece performing a specific function. Suppose you want to customize a particular functionality in your app, then you can do so easily without affecting other app functionalities. In short, easy scalability without much expenses.  

Hence, choose a particular cloud platform for your geolocation app development amongst Azure, Google Cloud, and AWS.  

Expert Consultation 

Lastly, expert consultation is much needed regarding custom mobile app development. That’s because not every person is well versed in the various aspects of app development.  

Many companies are new to things like API integration, hybrid and native app development, cloud-based services, and even UI/UX. In such a case, discovering the latest market trends and analyzing the best technologies for your app may seem a tedious task. However, with expert consultation, you can know the best tech tools and services required for your project. 

An expert consultant will not only help you uncover the most promising technologies for your app but will even offer the best features and new trends required to stand out from the competition.

That’s Where Matellio Comes In!

With years-long experience and access to the most advanced technology tools, Matellio has been standing tall in geolocation app development. Whether startups or enterprises, we have years-long experience delivering location-based services.  

Our experts feel proud to implement the best services, features, and tech tools, to make a custom app stand out from the crowd. That’s why global leaders like Clutch have recognized us as a leading mobile app development company. So, connect with us today and begin your geolocation app development with free expert consultation and market research.  

Get a wide array of services, including MVP development, competitor analysis, app development, next-gen tech implementation, no-obligation quote, and more. Moreover, get automated and manual testing services within your app development package. Fill out our free consultation form to get started today!