How do I start a location- based app?

This is because these days almost every app has a theme on their home page that is used in a location. If so, in time, Talking about the creation of apps based on the location, the issues will be complex.  On the other hand, in the development of such apps, startup founders usually have similar series and may have the following questions:
•    How to create an app for location?
•    Choosing a map provider for an app in a place?
•    Select the type of app from the app?
Therefore, if you have such similar questions, you can answer your questions through this article.

What do you mean by "location-based apps"?

In fact, when talking about a location-based app, usually the first examples that come to mind are Uber, Foursquare, or other apps, where location-based functions are embedded in the app's functionality. Nevertheless, it should be noted that, the territory of the category of apps using places that can be very influential. In this section, before dividing it into categories, he provided a general definition of them:By using the app or location for a mobile app and it is possible to track the location of the device in real time. In order to do this, such applications use GPS, mobile phone or WIFI. In addition, by using such capabilities, companies and startups can provide appropriate services for users.

Some market insights

Due to the development of technologies at an astronomical speed, it can use better services from the geographical location for better services to use it.  It should be noted that in 2020 the value of the services market in the United States was 36.35 billion dollars.  In addition, based on the prediction of this figure in 2030, I can reach about 318.64 billion dollars. All the analyzes and analyzes make one thing clear - the use of services for places will grow, and in the coming years, startups will integrate these functions into their solutions.

Delivery and navigation apps

Conversion apps are the most obvious example of a location app that plays a role using geolocation.  For example, taxis usually use geolocation to find the nearest driver, when the car arrives, the user will be able to park the car and follow the route during the trip.

Social Networks

As an example of a location app, I can mention a social media app.  If you want to log in to your Instagram account now, a notification will appear asking how to use the geolocation app?
In fact, this is what creates it in place.In addition, in the case of social application development, optional location is used. Harvesting, through location data, the app will be able to make lovely recommendations.

Markets

In market applications, users will usually be notified of the time. For this purpose, for the approximate time of delivery, market apps track the geographical area of the buyer using API interfaces.On the other hand, marketplaces will be able to match search results with users' opinions based on their location.

Dating apps

In order to help users search for a match, the application must specify the user's usage in the city. For this reason, dating apps share their location at the request of users, and subsequently the area where their potential partners can be located.

Fitness apps

Location features make for a great addition to fitness apps that help users perform a running routine.

How to develop a location-based application?

Usually, the development of the location-based application is the same as the development of other applications. However, some points should always be considered.Step 1. Discovery stepExploration, as one of the most critical stages of application development, usually when it comes to startups, is the stage where we find out about your target audience, their problems and needs. Therefore, in the discovery phase, you will need to test this idea in order to know the following issues:The existence of a market for a product or service;The real needs of users according to your idea, the existence of the value of your application development idea, also, the main purpose of this step is to confirm (or remove) the assumptions related to the apps through user tests and interviews. Through the feedback of these methods, you will gain valuable material for improvement and repetition.Step 2. Select the Map Provider & Tech StackUsually a food delivery app along with a dating app can remain the main feature of a location-based app. On the other hand, the mapping feature helps users to find routes, and by finding their destination points, they will be able to calculate the arrival time among other things.On the other hand, this can be considered as a very complex function. On the other hand, by building a location-based app, you will no longer need to create a location-based app from scratch. Instead, you will be able to integrate an existing map template from a map provider of your choice. Therefore, the following are the most popular map app providers:

Google maps

Google App can be mentioned as the most widely used mapping choice.  Easy integration and reliable services for location-based applications.  The distinctive feature of Google Maps is the combination of all Google APIs in Maps, Routes and Places, so it is able to achieve the most accurate mapping among mapping apps.In addition, besides its apparent advantages, using Google Maps is usually challenging.  On the other hand, the limit of available APIs per month is 28,000.  For this reason, small companies are able to solve such limitations.  On the other hand, if the number of customers increases, the price of Google Maps services will increase significantly.

Mapbox

Another location-based app developer option is Mapbox, which will be able to use its own data, unlike Google Maps, which relies on OpenStreetMap and aggregated geospatial data.  In any case, OpenStreetMap, being a customizable system, allows developers to edit it so that markers, lines, and some new lines added from external sources.   Mapbox is a popular choice among logistics companies such as DHL, Grubhub.Step 3. Create design prototypes and user testingIt is better to visualize your application before turning it from the development stage to reality. Including prototypes are a great way to do it.  In other words, a prototype is a plan of the future application design for using testing with users. Beside, depending on the type of test, the prototypes will usually be paper or digital.  Through such user tests, it helps to understand how the visual design and users achieve the goals while moving along the user flow.Step 4. Select MVP featuresMVP actually stands for Minimum Viable Product.  The MVP development phase helps test an idea and get feedback from potential users.MVP mostly considered as the original version of the product, a "raw" or ineffective solution.  On the other hand, this app provides the user with the main function of the product to achieve his goal (perhaps in a simpler or more complex way).  Usually the MVP helps with the awareness of product creation.  For this reason, it saves development time and effort. When it comes to performance awareness in your MVP, is the best to consult with your development partner.  Besides, the Uptech team always consults with its customers about the best possible version of MVP in a given budget, period and business needs.Step 5. Develop a complete location-based applicationAt the time of approval of the idea and all the technical requirements, it is better to go to the development stage.At Uptech, we adhere to agile software development, typically dividing the development process into sprints, each lasting about two weeks.  During sprints, QA engineers enable your product to test for bugs by building the front-end and back-end of the functionality.Beside, in the startup environment, the quality and speed of development will need cooperation.  For this, you will need a team of flexible and experienced developers to write quality code and be able to make quick decisions.Step 6. Final version and maintenanceAfter the development phase is over, you need to launch the app.  Despite this demand, this point is still not the end.  As a result, the apps will also need technical support after launch.  For example, Apple and Google will need to launch new requirements for iOS and Android apps.  In addition, you should update the solution and fix bugs.

Conclusion

When developing a location-based application, there will be many factors, such as the appropriate map provider or technology stack.  However, the common feature for all these types is map integration. On the other hand, you also have options like Google Maps or Map Box.